A neurologist is a medical professional who specializes in the study and treatment of disorders that affect the brain and nervous system. The nervous system controls and regulates activity and movement in the body. If the nervous system is not functioning properly, the body cannot function. It is the job of a neurologist to find and correct any problems in the nervous system.
To become a neurologist, a person must complete an undergraduate program and then attend medical school. After four years of medical school, doctors who wish to become neurologists must study neurology for three more years in a residency program and complete at least one year of internship at a clinic, hospital, or another facility.
Neurologists treat a variety of diseases, disorders, and injuries that affect the nervous system. Some of the most common include:
Neurologists test for many different illnesses and disorders to make an accurate diagnosis of a patient’s condition. They use numerous diagnostic tests and procedures to help them determine the cause of a patient’s symptoms. These tests include:
There are several types of neurologists, and each of them works in different areas and with different types of patients. Some of the types of neurologists include:
Neurologists treat each problem or illness separately. In some cases, one treatment option is enough, and in others, it takes several treatment methods to help the patient. Some common treatments include:
Knowing when to see a neurologist can be tricky. Some of the most common symptoms of many neurology problems can also mimic other diseases and illness. In many cases, patients are referred to neurologists by their primary care physicians. Some reasons to see a neurologist include:
American Academy of Neurology.