Who are Neurologists?

Branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of the nervous system disorders is called Neurology. A medical doctor who specializes in the branch of neurology is called a Neurologist. Neurologists treat diseases that affect the spinal cord, brain, and nerves.

What are the qualifications of Neurologists?

A 5-year medical degree [MBBS] that is recognized by the General Medical Council and a 2-year foundation course of general training are the basic requirements for an individual to be a doctor. However, following are the specialties or extra qualifications required to be a Neurologist:

• DNB - Neurosurgery
• CCT - Neurology
• Fellowship in Neurological Rehabilitation
• PhD - Neurology
• MCh - Neuro Surgery
• DM - Neurology
• MD - Neurology (USA)
• Diplomate of American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
• MNAMS - Neurology
• DNB - Neurology

When should an individual consult a Neurologist?

Individuals who are suffering from any of the following signs and symptoms can consult a Neurologist.

• Memory loss
• Double vision
• Numbness and tingling
• Language impairment
• Sudden onset of headache
• Muscle rigidity
• Back pain radiating to different areas
• Loss of sight
• Weakness of muscles
• Lack of coordination
• Slurred speech
• Impairment of mental ability
• Seizures and tremors
• Movement disabilities

What consists of neurological examination?

Neurologists will review the medical history of the patient and then will examine the neurological activity of the patient. Generally, the neurological examination consists of tests related to muscle strength, vision, coordination of reflexes, and sensation. Further diagnostic tests may be recommended for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Does a Neurologist perform surgery?

Neurologists can suggest surgical treatment but do not perform surgery. Also, they can closely monitor the surgically treated patients and check their progress. Only the Neurosurgeons can perform surgical treatments related to the brain and nervous system.

What is the difference between headaches and migraines?

Headache is a normal type of pain caused in the head & face or upper neck region. But a migraine is a chronic condition with an intense and throbbing type of pain. Patients with migraine may experience recurrent episodes of headache.

What are the common conditions treated by Neurologists?

Following are the most common conditions that can be treated by Neurologists:

• Neuroinfections
• Migraine
• Brain stroke
• Meningitis
• Spinal cord injuries
• Dementia
• Epilepsy
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Sleep disorders
• Brain tumors
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Back pain
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Tremors
• Brain injuries
• Peripheral nerve disorders

Can high blood pressure cause brain stroke?

High or extremely uncontrolled blood pressure can cause the blood vessels to leak, rupture, or become narrow. This leads to the temporary disruption of blood supply to the brain causing a transient ischemic attack(TIA). It is a warning sign that one can get a serious stroke if the condition is left untreated.