While we hope that you’ll never experience a serious enough medical condition to require the services and knowledge of a neurologist, if you’ve ever wondered, “What is a neurologist, and what do they do?” here are the basics on this fascinating profession. Whether you’re about to see a neurologist for a consultation, are considering entering the profession, or are curious about the services and knowledge offered by one, read on to learn more.
Neurologists Specialize in the Nervous System
If you want to know what a neurologist does, it’s all in the name. Neuro- stands for nerves, meaning the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and the wide network of nerves running throughout the body. Neurologists are doctors who concentrate on conditions affecting the nervous system. By extension, they also address the muscular system, the brain’s thinking processes, and human behavior when affected by the nervous system. Along with four years of medical training and an internship, neurologists seek specialized education about neurology for three more years and often study for subspecialties in the field. The nervous system is deeply complex and requires doctors knowledgeable enough to understand how it all works!
What Is a Neurologist’s Role?
As doctors specializing in the nervous system, most neurologists see and treat patients experiencing persistent neurological disorders. They are often consultants recommended by primary care physicians who think a patient may have a neurological condition. While they specialize in the nervous system, they are not surgeons unless they are also a neurosurgeon. On the other hand, they can consult or work closely with a neurosurgeon with their patients.
What Sort of Conditions and Disorders Require Their Care?
Any disease or condition that affects the nervous system is fair game for a neurologist. They may treat chronic and progressive diseases like Multiple Sclerosis or Alzheimer’s. Brian tumors and injuries can come under their eyes as well. So can epilepsy, Tourette’s syndrome, and other disorders. Neurologists also treat simpler but no less severe things like infections and migraines. In general, recurring and unexplained groups of symptoms like regular headaches, loss of coordination and balance, odd sensations like pain and numbness, memory loss, and other mental issues may make your caregiver recommend the services of a neurologist.
What Happens When You See a Neurologist?
Those are the basic answers to the question, “What is a neurologist, and what do they do?” But what happens when you see one? It’s not that much different from a regular doctor’s visit. They conduct all the usual tests, and the doctor will ask you a series of questions about your symptoms, health history, and so on. They may follow these up with more specific tests like a lumbar puncture, MRI, EEG, or the like, but that will depend on the case.
If you’re seeking a neurologist in Orange County, contact us for more information at NeuroSpa Brain Rejuvenation Centers.
