What is a neurologist?
A neurologist is a medical doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system. A neurologist’s educational background and medical training includes an undergraduate degree, four years of medical school, a one-year internship and three years of specialized training. Many neurologists also have additional training in one area of neurology such as stroke, epilepsy or movement disorders.
What is the role of a neurologist?
Neurologists are principal care providers or consultants to other physicians. When a patient has a neurological disorder that requires frequent care, a neurologist is often the principal care provider. Patients with disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease or multiple sclerosis may use a neurologist as their principal care physician. In a consulting role, a neurologist will diagnosis and treat a neurological disorder and then advise the primary care physician managing the patient's overall health. For example, a neurologist would act in a consulting role for conditions such as stroke, concussion or headache.
Neurologists can recommend surgical treatment, but do not perform surgery. When treatment includes surgery, neurologists will monitor surgically treated patients and supervise their continuing treatment. Neurosurgeons are medical doctors who specialize in performing surgical treatments of the brain or nervous system.
What does a neurologist treat?
Neurologists treat disorders of the nervous system, brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles.
Common Neurological Disorders are:
Stroke
Alzheimer’s Disease
Headache
Epilepsy
Parkinson’s Disease
Sleep Disorders
Multiple Sclerosis
Tremor
Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
Brain Tumors
Peripheral Nerve Disorders
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
How are neurological disorders treated?
Many disorders can be treated. Treatment or symptomatic relief is different for each condition. To find treatment options, neurologists will perform and interpret tests of the brain or nervous system. Treatment can help patients with neurological disorders maintain the best possible quality of life.
What is a neurological examination?
During a neurological examination, the neurologist reviews the patient's health history with
special attention to the current condition. The patient then takes a neurological exam. Typically the exam tests vision, strength, coordination, reflexes and sensation. This information helps the neurologist determine if the problem is in the nervous system. Further tests may be needed to confirm a diagnosis or to find a specific treatment.
Why do patients need a neurological examination?
An examination is used when a family doctor seeks a specialized opinion about a patient whose symptoms may involve the brain or nervous system. The examination may also be performed when a patient wants a second opinion from a neurologist. The neurologist's expertise in disorders of the brain and nervous system can give patients effective diagnosis and treatment for neurological disorders.
Who advocates for greater patient access to neurologists?
The American Academy of Neurology supports a patient's choice to receive principal care services from either a neurologist or other physician. The American Academy of Neurology also supports direct access to neurologists and standing referrals for those who require frequent specialty care because of complex neurological conditions. Advocating for patients, the American Academy of Neurology supports legislation assuring fair treatment of patients with neurological disorders and access to necessary medical care.
The above information is provided by the American Academy of Neurology.
For more information, please visit one of the following association sites:
American Medical Association www.ama-assn.org/
We Move www.wemove.org
The Movement Disorder Society www.movementdisorders.org
Dystonia Medical Research Foundation www.dystonia-foundation.org
National Organization for Rare Disorders www.rarediseases.org
National Parkinson Foundation www.parkinson.org
Parkinson Disease Foundation www.pdf.org
Parkinson’s information website www.parkinsonsinfo.com
American Parkinson Disease Association www.apdaparkinson.org
Clinical Trials Sites www.clinicaltrials.gov
Medicare www.medicare.gov
