What is the role of a Neurologist?

A neurologist is a doctor who specialises in the treatment of nervous system illnesses. The nervous system is divided into two sections: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The brain and spinal cord are included. Nervous system illnesses, diseases, and injuries frequently necessitate the care and treatment of a neurologist.

What diseases or medical conditions can be treated by Neurologists?

People who are experiencing issues with their senses, such as touch, vision, or smell, should consult a neurologist. Nervous system abnormalities can sometimes produce sensory problems.

Patients with the following conditions are also seen by neurologists:

• Epilepsy
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Stroke
• Multiple sclerosis
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Infections of the nervous system
• Neurodegenerative disorders: Lou Gehrig’s disease
• Spinal cord disorders: inflammatory and autoimmune disorders
• Headaches: cluster headaches and migraine

When should I visit Neurologists?

The human body operates on neural impulses carried by nerves that run throughout the body. Motor and sensory nerves are the two basic types of nerves, each with its own set of functions. Any problem with their general function will result in a difference in the way your body functions. Severe headaches followed by dizziness, pain in the neck and shoulder region, immobility or pain in limbs, shooting pain in the lower part of spine, numbness and tingling sensation are some of the signs and symptoms that indicate neurological disorders. 

Because neural symptoms are sometimes mistaken with other health issues, adequate diagnosis is seldom performed. This can complicate the issue to the point where one may get neurological degenerative illnesses. As a result, as soon as you observe any of the symptoms listed above, you should see a neurologist immediately.

What are the qualifications of Neurologists?

Neurologists must have a MBBS degree followed by a 2- to 3-year MD (Medicine) / DNB and also should complete a DM in Neurology after obtaining a Master's degree in order to specialise in the subject of Neurology.

Are Neurologists and Neurosurgeons the same?

When it comes to medical practitioners who treat brain disorders, the terms neurologist and neurosurgeon are frequently interchanged, but the two professions are vastly different.

A neurologist is a doctor who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of brain and nervous system disorders. They also treat ailments like neurodevelopmental abnormalities, learning difficulties, and other conditions involving the central nervous system. People with chronic conditions that affect the nervous system's normal functioning, such as parkinson's disease, aneurysms, and congenital impairments, need neurosurgeons to undertake surgical operations.

Neurologists - FAQ

1. What are the subspecialities of neurologists?
   Headache medicine, neuromuscular medicine, neurocritical care, neuro-oncology, geriatric neurology, autonomic disorders, vascular (stroke care), child neurology, interventional neuroradiology are some of the subspecialities of neurology.
2. Which are the typical neurological procedures?
   To diagnose or treat a problem, neurologists may propose a variety of techniques such as lumbar puncture (to test spinal fluid), tensilon test (diagnose myasthenia gravis),  electromyography (measures electrical activity in brain and spine), electroencephalogram (electrical activity in the brain).
3. Can a neurologist perform surgery?
   No. Neurologists do not perform surgery.
4. How is a neurological examination done?
   During a neurological exam, the neurologist goes over the patient's medical history and after that, the patient has a neurological examination. The exam typically assesses mental status, cranial nerve function (including vision), strength, coordination, reflexes, sensation, and gait. The result aids the neurologist in determining whether or not the problem is in the neurological system.
5. Should I directly consult a neurologist?
   Usually patients consult a general practitioner for a headache and if needed the physician will refer you to a neurologist.