Your primary care doctor has referred you to a neurologist. What is a neurologist and what do they treat? We are often mistaken for neurosurgeons and psychiatrists. Learn what a neurologist does and how we can help you.
A neurologist is a medical doctor who diagnoses, treats, and manages disorders of the nervous system. The nervous system consists of 2 parts. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes the nerves and muscles.
A neurologist can take care of you in an outpatient clinic if you have a chronic neurological condition. We are also consultants in the hospitals for patients that present with acute neurological diseases. We do not perform surgery but may work together with neurosurgeons if you require surgery. Neurology specialty can overlap with psychiatry but a psychiatrist cares for disorders of mood, emotion, and psychosis.
How do you become a neurologist
- 4 years of pre-medical education in college
- 4 years of medical school
- 1 year of internship in internal medicine
- 3 years of neurology residency training
- Optional 1-2 years of fellowship training
What conditions does a neurologist treat
- Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders
- Migraine headaches and cluster headaches
- Strokes and brain bleeds
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson disease and tremors
- Brain tumors
- Concussion and brain injury
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Numbness and tingling
- Low back pain and neck pain
- Neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome
- Attention and concentration disorders
Procedures neurologists perform
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) measures electrical brain activity
- Electromyography and nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCS) evaluates nerve and muscle function
- Skin biopsy to determine small fiber neuropathy
- Peripheral nerve blocks to help headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck and back pain
What to expect during your neurology appointment
A neurologist will take a thorough history of your symptoms and perform a neurologic examination. This will help your doctor determine the location of your neurological disorder.
A neurological examination consists of checking your mental status, muscle strength, sensation, coordination and walking. Parts of the examination include the use of pen lights and reflex hammer.
Neurological disorders are common and the risk increases with age as your brain degenerates. You can also develop neurological diseases as a consequence of other medical conditions.
It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of a neurological disorder and seek a neurologist. Untreated conditions can be life-threatening and lead to disability.
Make an appointment with our top rated neurologists today to evaluate your neurological symptoms!