If you’ve ever wondered, “What is a neurologist and what do neurologists do? Here are the essentials of this fascinating profession if you’re hoping you’ll never have a medical problem severe enough to require one. Read on if you need to schedule an appointment with a neurologist or are just generally interested in learning more about what kind of help and information they can provide.

Who is a neurologist?

A neurologist is a specialist in brain and nervous system problems (brain, spinal cord and nerves); in much simpler terms, a neurologist is a doctor for nerve problems. A neurologist knows the structure, function, and disorders that influence your nerves and nervous system. You can think of your nervous system as the brain of your body. Your thoughts, feelings, and actions (from raising your arm to beating your heart) are all under its command.

What do neurologists do?

To treat neurological problems, neurologists identify the underlying cause of the illness, prescribe medicine, order diagnostic tests, perform physical exams, carry out in-office treatments, and develop treatment plans. They work in various settings, such as hospitals and clinics, and provide treatment to people of various ages.

An initial neurological examination will focus on the brain and nervous system to determine the patient’s mental health. Simple testing equipment, such as a reflex hammer and a penlight, are used in routine workplace operations. In addition, we’ll assess your medical history in great depth, looking at things like:

• Speech
• Motor Skills
• Visual acuity and extraocular muscles
• Coordination
• Strength
• Reflexes

The various conditions that a neurologist treats can include:

• Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
• Diseases of the blood vessels, injuries to the brain or spinal cord, etc.
• Cerebral aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations.
• Cerebral palsy and spasticity.
• Concussion.
• Encephalitis.
• Epilepsy.
• Facial pain syndromes.
• Headache/migraine.
• Hydrocephalus.
• Meningitis.
• Mental and behavioural health disorders.
• Multiple sclerosis.
• Myasthenia gravis and myopathies.
• Pain in your neck, back, and spine.
• Parkinson’s disease.
• Peripheral neuropathy.
• Sleep disorders.
• Stroke.
• Tremor, dystonia.
• Brain, spine, and nerves tumours.

The most common types of nerve diseases reported include:

Headache/migraine:

Headaches vary, from migraines (both with and without aura) to cluster and tension headaches. Acute pain from any chronic headache can be debilitating and make normal life difficult. The frequency of headaches can be reduced, and a neurologist can rule out a migraine treatment plan for the symptoms.

Stroke:

When brain tissue suddenly loses its blood supply, an emergency exists. Brain injury can be mitigated with prompt stroke treatment by a neurologist.

Parkinson’s Disease:

When dopamine levels in the brain are low, a condition known as Parkinson’s disease can develop. This can cause shaking, rigidity, and altered thought processes. Parkinson’s disease symptoms affecting the neurological system can be treated with medicines prescribed by neurologists. 

Each disorder shows specific nerve damage symptoms that can help neurologists identify the underlying disorder.

What is involved in the diagnosis of different neurological conditions?

Your neurologist will inquire about your past and present health and your use of any prescribed medications. A neurologic exam will also be performed, which will include assessments of your:

• Coordination, balance, reflexes, and gait.
• Muscle strength.
• Mental health.
• Vision, hearing, and speech.
• Sensation.

Your neurologist may also request blood, urine, or other blood tests to gauge your problem’s severity or monitor your response to treatment. Inherited diseases can sometimes be detected through genetic testing. Neurological diagnosis investigations of the brain and spinal cord may also be recommended. 

Medicine, physical therapy, and other methods are just some of the approaches by a neurologist.

Here is the list of diagnostic tests that neurologists generally recommend:

Angiography:

Angiography can reveal the presence of abnormalities in the blood arteries of the brain, head, and neck. Aneurysms and clots in the blood are just two of the things it may detect.

Biopsy: 

A tissue sample is taken from the patient during a biopsy. Muscle, nervous system and brain tissue are all viable options for biopsies.

Cerebrospinal fluid analysis:

Your cerebrospinal fluid will be taken for analysis. The test is sensitive enough to detect signs of metabolic disorders, multiple sclerosis, infections, and brain haemorrhages.

Electroencephalography:

Seizures, infections (like encephalitis), brain injuries, and tumours can all be detected with the use of this test, which analyses the electrical activity in the brain.

Electromyography:

Muscle electrical activity is recorded to diagnose conditions including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal nerve root compression.

Positron emission tomography (PET):

Epilepsy, brain tumours, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease can all be evaluated with this imaging test.

Apart from these, there are also computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and many others. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment by Coimbatore’s nerve doctor can help in treating various serious complications.

Here are some of the most frequently performed procedures by neurologists:

Craniotomy: 

As a surgical technique, a craniotomy involves cutting through the skull’s bony covering to provide access to the brain. This process calls for the use of specialized instruments and equipment. Before surgery, a bone flap is removed to expose the brain and restored after that. For such an operation, the use of a computerized guidance system is standard practice.

Spine stabilization:

Surgery to stabilize the spine is a must when a patient is experiencing back pain due to spinal instability. This issue can develop due to a variety of causes, including shock, injury, degenerative disc disease, kyphosis, scoliosis, etc.

Laminectomy:

Decompression surgery, or laminectomy, is performed on the vertebrae of the spine to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves or cords. The lamina is the posterior portion of a vertebra that normally covers the spinal canal and is surgically removed. By removing the disc, the spinal canal is able to accommodate more fluid and relieve the pressure that has been building up there.

Bony outgrowths within the spinal canal, typically observed in persons with arthritis in the backbone, can cause pressure. These bony outgrowths are also seen in the elderly and are generally accepted as a normal part of the aging process.

Spine stimulation:

Spine stimulation therapy is explored for patients who have had chronic pain for more than a year. Since the source of chronic pain must be addressed to alleviate the pain on all fronts, this evaluation is recommended by spine surgeons. Spinal cord stimulation is a promising new approach for treating chronic pain when previous methods have failed.

To alleviate pain, spinal cord stimulation sends a mild current into the spinal cord or along specific nerves. As a result of spinal stimulation, a patient can resume their previous level of physical activity and return to their favourite hobbies.

Important Takeaway:

A neurologist is a physician who has chosen to focus on studying and treating nervous system disorders (including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves). Your neurologist will do an examination, run diagnostic tests, and likely prescribe medication or suggest physical therapy to treat your illness. Your neurologist’s role is to assist you in getting an accurate diagnosis, provide the best available treatment or management, and provide emotional support during the process.