13/07/2023 / Mental Health and Wellness
Neurologists treat the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. Know the common neurological procedures they use.
Nerves form a major part of our body as they pass on sensory impulses to various parts which in turn stimulate sensory or motor action. Any disorders in these nerves can result in various neurological disorders like stroke, epilepsy, seizures, autism, dementia and so on. In this article, you will get to know about neurologists, diagnosis methods and also common neurological symptoms which need the attention of neurologists.
A neurologist is a medical professional who specializes in identifying, treating and managing disorders related to the central nervous system. They treat neurological disorders related to the brain and spinal cord like Alzheimer's disease, concussions, seizures, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and stroke.
Neurologists can diagnose various neurological disorders that are due to the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves (nerves that surround the central nervous system). They are,
chronic migraine
stroke
epilepsy
Parkinson's disease
multiple sclerosis
autism
dementia
Alzheimer's disease
Other than diagnosing the above conditions, neurologists can treat you for the following central nervous system conditions,
headaches and migraine
brain tumours
stroke
epilepsy
brain aneurysms
peripheral neuropathy
sleep disorders
myasthenia gravis
muscular dystrophy
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Alzheimer's disease
Parkinson's disease
inflammatory neurological disease
multiple sclerosis
encephalitis
meningitis
Many people confuse the term 'neurologists' with 'neurosurgeons'. Though they sound similar they are different as neurologists only treat neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, seizures and peripheral nerve disorders whereas neurosurgeons perform surgeries for brain injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome and brain tumours.
Neurologists diagnose the conditions by accessing your medical history and conducting physical tests to analyse your speech, sight, sensation, strength, mental status, coordination, gait and reflexes. Based on the results from these tests, neurologists would identify your disorder and recommend the relevant treatments.
These are the popular neurological procedures used by neurologists to determine various disorders,
This procedure can identify any damage in blood vessels of the brain, spinal cord and neck which can lead to the diagnosis of aneurysms or blood clots.
A biopsy involves taking a piece of tissue out of your body. These tissues can be taken from muscles, nerves or even the brain.
This procedure involves taking and analyzing a small sample of the fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord. This can lead to the diagnosis of bleeding in the brain, metabolic disorders, infection and multiple sclerosis.
Here, the temperature changes within your body and organs are used to evaluate pain syndromes, nerve root compression and other neurological disorders.
This procedure is used to find the infections, tumors, location of seizures, fractures and degenerative spine disease.
This procedure is used to diagnose epilepsy, seizures, dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Polysomnogram is mostly used for diagnosing sleep disorders. This procedure does this by measuring brain and body activity during sleep.
This test is concerned about the spinal cord tumors, fractures and displaced discs in the spine.
These procedures determine the time taken by neural impulses to reach the brain from sensory organs like eyes, ears or skin. This can lead to a diagnosis of disorders like multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and acoustic neuronal.
ENG is used to diagnose involuntary jerks, dizziness and imbalance issues.
This test measures the electrical activity of the muscles and nerves, thereby giving way to the diagnosis of any disorders related to them.
EEG gives the details of the electrical activity in the brain and can be used to diagnose conditions like seizures, infection, brain injury and tumours.
This procedure is a noninvasive technique to evaluate your organs, tissues and skeletal system by using high-resolution images.
X-rays are commonly used in determining fractures in bones and joints, though they are sometimes used in analyzing internal organs.
Ultrasounds are mostly used in monitoring the growth of the foetus during pregnancy but they are also used in imaging blood vessels, the heart, the brain, the breast, slim, abdominal organs and muscles.
CT scans can be used to envisage nearly all parts of the body and can help plan surgical or radiation treatments.
You should immediately see a neurologist if you are experiencing any symptoms of nerve damage or central nervous system disorders. Below are some of the reasons to see a neurologist,
severe headache
chronic pain
numbness or tingling
dizziness
weakness
seizures
movement problems
vision problems
memory problems or confusion
sleep disorders
If you are visiting a neurologist for the first time, make sure to,
thoroughly write down all your symptoms, frequency of symptoms, medications taken, allergies, previous illnesses and your family history with diseases.
make a list of the questions for which you need an answer.
take all the previous medical records related to your neurological symptoms.
Neurologists are medical professionals who are specifically trained to treat the central nervous system - brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves.
Neurologists use various procedures like electroencephalography, electromyography, MRI, CT, biopsy, angiography, PET scans and so on.
If you are visiting a neurologist for the first time, submit your previous medical records and also tell about the disease in your family tree for accurate diagnosis.
You should immediately visit a neurologist if you are experiencing symptoms like severe headaches, chronic pain, dizziness, numbness or tingling, movement problems and memory problems or confusion.
Computed tomography, computer-assisted tomography, magnetic resonance, electroencephalography, nerve conduction studies, electromyography, and lumbar puncture are some of the common neurological procedures.
The neurologist would question you about your medical history, symptoms, frequency of symptoms and family's medical history.
Weakness, loss of muscle strength, constant headaches, loss of sight, tingling, numbness and memory problems.
Yes, your neurologist would have various procedures to check for any disorders in the brain and spinal cord.
Yes! Your neurologist can diagnose nerve damage by using the nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test.
Neurological problems can be due to lifestyle diseases like diabetes, infections, genetics, nutrition-related causes or environmental causes.
No! Neurologists can treat conditions like concessions or seizures but not mental illnesses like depression or anxiety.
Neurological conditions are more common among older adults 55 and older.
Comments ( 0 )
No Comments
Leave a Comment
Related Posts
Signs of Mentally Strong People
Our habits are signs of our mental wellbeing. Are your habits a sign of mentally strong individual?
Migraine Symptoms and Stages You Need to Know About
If you suffer from migraines, it’s important to understand the symptoms and stages that come with this condition. Read on to learn about the various stages of a migraine attack.
Benefits of Cycling on Mental Health
Mental health is very important in this stressful and competitive world. Cycling can greatly help you in increasing mental health by reducing stress and anxiety.
Keerthana A P
How Can A Psychiatrist Help With Mental Health Issues?
There is a menace of mental illness and disorders globally. Know how a psychiatrist can help with your mental health issues.
Keerthana A P
Health & Wellness Tips
Subscribe to our blog