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 migraines
Neurologist subspecialties
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 doctor’s focus.
There are many subspecialties. Some examples of subspecialties include:
headache medicine
neuromuscular medicine
neurocritical care
neuro-oncology
geriatric neurology
autonomic disorders
vascular (stroke care)
child neurology
intervention neuroradiology
epilepsy
Typical neurological procedures
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.
Neurologists may recommend a variety of procedures to help diagnose or treat a condition.
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