A neurologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the nervous system. The nervous system is made of two parts: the central and peripheral nervous system. It includes the brain and spinal cord. <\/p>\n
Illnesses, disorders, and injuries that involve the nervous system often require a neurologists management and treatment. <\/p>\n
Before they can practice, neurologists must: <\/p>\n
Neurologists manage and treat neurological conditions, or problems with the nervous system. Symptoms that commonly require a neurologist include:<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Neurologists also see patients with: <\/p>\n
Because the nervous system is complex, a neurologist may specialize in a specific area. They will do a fellowship in that area after residency training. Subspecialties have evolved to narrow a doctors focus. <\/p>\n
There are many subspecialties. Some examples of subspecialties include:<\/p>\n
During your first appointment with a neurologist, they will likely perform a physical exam and a neurological exam. A neurological exam will test muscle strength, reflexes, and coordination. Since different disorders can have similar symptoms, your neurologist may need more testing to make a diagnosis. <\/p>\n
Neurologists may recommend a variety of procedures to help diagnose or treat a condition. These procedures may include: <\/p>\n
Your neurologist may use a lumbar puncture to test your spinal fluid. They may recommend the procedure if they believe your symptoms are caused by a problem in your nervous system that can be detected in your spinal fluid. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the spine after numbing it and taking a sample of spinal fluid.<\/p>\n
This procedure can help your neurologist diagnose myasthenia gravis. In this test, your doctor injects you with a medicine called Tensilon. Then they observe how it affects your muscle movements.<\/p>\n
By applying electrodes to your scalp, this test measures electrical activity in the brain. <\/p>\n
Neurologists may use other types of tests, as well. Although they may not perform the test, they may order it, review it, and interpret the results. <\/p>\n
To make a diagnosis, a neurologist may use imaging tests such as:<\/p>\n
Other diagnostic procedures include sleep studies and angiography. Angiography determines blockages in the blood vessels going to the brain.<\/p>\n
Your neurologist may help you manage your symptoms and neurological disorder alone, or with your primary care physician and other specialists.<\/p>\n
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Follow this link: A neurologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the nervous system. The nervous system is made of two parts: the central and peripheral nervous system. Continue reading
\nNeurologist: Definition, Treatments Areas, and More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"