A neurologist is a doctor who studies and treats disorders of the nervous system. This includes the brain, spinal cord and the large network of nerve cells that runs throughout the body.
Neurologists may use a variety of tests and procedures to help diagnose a neurological disorder. They may also prescribe medications.
Diagnostic Evaluation
When a person suffers from neurological problems, it’s often because their brain or spinal cord is damaged. Neurologists use a variety of examinations, tests and procedures to identify what is causing the symptoms.
The neurologist will start by asking about your medical history and examining you. They will ask you about when your symptoms began and how they have changed. They will also ask about your lifestyle and family history.
It’s a good idea to bring a list of your medications, including over-the-counter medicines. You can also bring a journal or notebook to write down your symptoms, how often they occur and any other relevant information. You may also want to bring copies of any tests or images ordered by other doctors. Additional tests the neurologist might order include an electromyogram (EMG), a nerve conduction study, polysomnography, positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The neurologist will choose the most suitable test for you based on your symptoms.
Treatment
Neurologists can help patients manage a variety of conditions, including brain injuries, strokes, headaches and epilepsy. They can also help prevent or reduce the effects of stroke, dementia and other conditions by prescribing medication.
When seeing a new patient, neurologists typically take a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam, focusing on coordination, speech, strength and reflexes. They may then order a number of different tests to assess the nervous system, from electroencephalography to nerve conduction studies and electromyography. They may even use a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to remove and analyze fluid that surrounds the spinal cord.
It’s a good idea to bring a list of your symptoms, notes about when they occur and how long they last. It can also be helpful to keep a symptom diary for the first few visits to your neurologist so you have plenty of information to share. Some people with functional neurological symptoms, such as recurring headaches or dizziness, find that with treatment and lifestyle changes their symptoms improve. Find out more through Universal Neurological Care.
Neuropathology
The brain and its disorders are still a long way from being fully understood. Neuropathologists divide their time between diagnosing illness in patients and carrying out research in the field.
They study samples of the nervous system, ranging from small surgical biopsies to whole-body autopsies (work carried out in mortuaries). Neuropathologists also work closely with clinical disciplines like neurology and neurosurgery who need their expertise when making diagnoses.
Experimental neuropathology can involve mainly basic scientific research in areas such as protein biochemistry or molecular genetics. It can also entail case studies which examine groups of patients with similar abnormalities.
Early nineteenth century pathologist Bronislav Onufrowicz (nicknamed ‘Onuf’) made pioneering neuropathological observations, including that Friedreich’s ataxia is associated with the presence of a contralateral tuberculoma in the substantia nigra and that lipofuscin accumulation occurs during aging. His classic studies are a foundation for modern understanding of oxidative stress and age-related neurodegeneration. He was a founding member of the International Society of Neuropathology.
Neurosurgery
Surgical interventions can be used to treat certain neurological disorders and injuries. When a neurologist discovers that a patient has a structural problem, such as a tumor or a spinal cord injury, they will refer the patient to a neurosurgeon for evaluation and possible surgery.
Neurosurgeons work with the entire nervous system that starts in your brain, runs through your spine and branches out to every part of your body. They can alleviate pain caused by pinched nerves, such as in carpal tunnel, chronic headaches or headaches that appear to be related to a medical condition like cancer.
Neurologists and neurosurgeons often collaborate on long-term management of patients. They will regularly review their patient’s status and treatment progress and share information about the patient with each other. In addition, they will work with other specialist doctors, such as radiologists, oncologists and pathologists, and healthcare professionals including physical therapists and occupational therapists. This helps to ensure that the patient is receiving comprehensive care.
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Universal Neurological Care, P.A.
8823 San Jose Blvd Ste. 209, Jacksonville, FL 32217
(904) 404-7044