Neurologist: What They Do and When to See One (original) (raw)

Overview

A neurologist treats disorders that impact the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

A neurologist treats disorders that impact the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Neurologists specialize in and treat disorders that impact the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Neurologists diagnose and treat problems of the nervous system that include:

See what to expect at your appointment and when you need to consult a neurologist.

What Does a Neurologist Do?

Neurologists diagnose and treat nervous system disorders. Your nervous system includes the central nervous system consisting of your brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system which comprises the nerves in the rest of your body.

Some of the other conditions neurologists treat include:

Although both types of neurologists and neurosurgeons are neurology specialists, neurologists don't do surgery. That's what neurosurgeons do. These two types of doctors often work together, particularly when treating patients with complex neurological conditions. You might use a neurologist as your main doctor if you have a neurological condition. Or, your neurologist might diagnose your problem and then work with your regular doctor. If the neurologist deems surgery may be required, they will refer you to a neurosurgeon, but after the surgery, one usually continues long-term care back with the neurologist.

Neuroscientists are different from neurologists. A neuroscientist does not have a clinical practice, but studies and conducts scientific research on the development, physiology, and function of the nervous system, and how to apply this knowledge to the treatment of nervous system disorders. The difference between a neurologist and a neuroscientist is, that a neurologist clinically diagnoses and treats patients, and must be a medical doctor. Neuroscientists may or may not have a degree in medicine, but usually have a doctorate in neuroscience.

How to Become a Neurologist

In the United States, neurologists attend 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, 1 year of internship, and then at least 3 years of training in a neurology residency program.

Neurologists can also have extra training in the following:

Pediatric neurologists treat children from birth to adolescence. They address many of the same conditions that adults have. They also have the training to manage developmental problems and genetic conditions.

When to See a Neurologist

If you're worried about symptoms that might be neurological, talk to your regular doctor. Your doctor might help you manage the problem or suggest you see a neurologist.

Many symptoms could prompt a referral to a neurologist, including:

Some neurologic problems, when they arise suddenly, can be signs of stroke. Some of the signs you should be aware of and get help for include:

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your neurologist will ask all about your health history. You will also have a physical exam to test your coordination, reflexes, sight, strength, mental state, and sensation.

The neurologist may order other tests such as:

The neurological diagnostic tests are conducted by a neurologist technician, who is not a medical doctor but is trained specially to maintain and operate neurological diagnostic equipment, and summarize the test data so that neurologists can interpret the information and make a diagnosis.

What Can a Neurologist Diagnose From All These Tests?

The neurologist may be able to find the cause of your neurological symptoms and prescribe the appropriate treatment. In addition to a physical exam and tests, you could receive a lot of information at your appointment with the neurologist on ways to manage your symptoms. It can be helpful to bring a family member or friend with you. The person you bring can help listen, ask questions, and take notes.

The tests may not always be able to pinpoint the source of your neurological symptoms. Some people may have “functional neurological symptoms” such as pain, fatigue, limb weakness, numbness, tremors, movement disorders, or blackouts, but nothing abnormal may turn up in the tests. Functional neurological symptoms refer to symptoms that are not explained by the presence of any disease or nerve damage.

What Do Neurologists Really Think of Functional Symptoms?

Up to one-third of neurology outpatients may have symptoms not explained by a definite neurological disease. An experienced neurologist usually performs further clinical examinations to assess functional symptoms and explains the diagnosis carefully to the patient.

To treat functional symptoms, the neurologist may suggest therapies that can include:

Neurologists may be uncertain about the right approach toward patients with functional symptoms because it is sometimes very difficult to make a correct diagnosis in such cases. However, functional symptoms can persist and can be distressful and disabling for the patient necessitating referral to physicians with other medical specialties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Neurologists

What does a neurologist treat you for?

A neurologist treats you for all types of illnesses associated with the nervous system. Nervous disorders can affect your physical functions such as movement and balance, your sleep, or your cognitive functions such as memory, thinking, and decision-making abilities.

The nervous system consists of your brain and spinal cord, and a complex network of nerves that run through the entire body, regulating the function of every organ in your body. The nervous system enables muscle movement, speech, special senses such as sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, secretion of the natural fluids in your body, and other functions such as breathing, heartbeat, blood vessel contraction and dilation, intestinal functions, and bladder and bowel control.

Some of the conditions that a neurologist may treat you for include:

Why would you need to see a neurologist?

You would need to see a neurologist if you develop symptoms suggestive of a neurological condition. Some symptoms may have other underlying causes. See your primary care physician first and discuss your symptoms with them and they will be able to determine if you need to see a neurologist and refer you to one.

You may need to see a neurologist if you experience any of the following:

What will a neurologist do on your first visit?

On your first visit, the neurologist will go through your medical history, check you clinically, and prescribe blood, urine, and neurodiagnostic tests to determine the cause of your symptoms. Based on the test results, the neurologist will prescribe medications, physical and/or occupational therapy, or refer you to a neurosurgeon if you need surgery.

Carry your medical records with you if you have undergone any previous tests or treatments that are relevant to your condition. Noting down information on your symptoms and concerns before arriving at your appointment with the neurologist can help make sure you don't miss out on conveying any information or asking any questions that you have.

What is the job of a neurologist?

A neurologist performs the necessary clinical checkup, blood, urine, and neurological tests to diagnose neurological disorders and provide appropriate treatment. A neurologist will work in coordination with the primary care physician or a neurosurgeon, particularly when treating patients with complex neurological issues that require treatment from multiple specialists. People with chronic neurological conditions may need to receive regular care from a neurologist.

What is treated by a neurologist?

Neurologists treat all conditions that affect the nervous system including:

What are the two types of neurologists?

The two types of neurologists include:

Why would I be seeing a neurologist?

You would be seeing a neurologist if you have nerve-related symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and burning pain, chronic headaches, seizures or blackouts, vertigo, muscle weakness, problems with the senses of touch, sight, hearing, taste and smell, memory loss, speech or language difficulties, or sleep issues. See your primary physician first, who will be able to direct you toward the right specialist and treatment, because many diseases have a lot of symptoms in common.

Seek emergency medical care if you have, or someone around you has stroke symptoms. Use the F.A.S.T test:

References

(c)2019 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

American Academy of Neurology: “What Is a Neurologist?”

University of Rochester Highland Hospital Neurology: “What Is a Neurologist?”

Merck Manuals: “Overview of the Peripheral Nervous System.”

Brain & Life/American Academy of Neurology: “Working With Your Neurologist.”

University of Utah Health: “Should You See a Neurologist?”

Harvard Health Publishing: “Know the Signs of Stroke.”

Brain & Life/American Academy of Neurology: “Preparing For an Office Visit.”

National Library of Medicine. PubMed Central. “Functional neurological symptoms.” Dated: February 2013. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5873716/