Neurology

A neurologist is a medical doctor who has trained in the diagnosis and treatment of nervous system disorders, including diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles.
Neurologists perform neurological examinations of the nerves of the head and neck; muscle strength and movement; balance, ambulation, and reflexes; and sensation, memory, speech, language, and other cognitive abilities. They also perform diagnostic tests such as the following:

• CAT (computed axial tomography) scan
• MRI/MRA (magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography)
• lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
• EEG (electroencephalography)
• EMG/NCV (electromyography/nerve conduction velocity)

What does a neurologist do?

Neurologists manage and treat neurological conditions, or problems with the nervous system. Symptoms that commonly require a neurologist include:

• coordination problems
• muscle weakness
• a change in sensation
• confusion
• dizziness

People who are having problems with their senses, such as touch, vision, or smell, may also need to see a neurologist. Problems with senses are sometimes caused by nervous system disorders.

Neurologists also see patients with:

• seizure disorders, such as epilepsy
• stroke
• multiple sclerosis
• neuromuscular disorders, such as myasthenia gravis
• infections of the nervous system, including encephalitis, meningitis, or brain abscesses
• neurodegenerative disorders, such as Lou Gehrig’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease
• spinal cord disorders, including inflammatory and autoimmune disorders
• headaches, such as cluster headaches, and migraine