Neurology

Overview

Neurology is a medical specialty focused on the study and treatment of nervous system disorders, which encompass the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and other neural structures. A neurologist is a medical doctor specialized in neurology who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the nervous system.

Unlike a neurosurgeon, a neurologist does not perform surgery, but instead focuses on the medical management of neurological disorders.

Neurologists may hold further subspecialties within the field of neurology. Some may focus on managing specific conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, neuromuscular disorders, sleep disorders, chronic pain, nervous system tumors, or conditions typical of the elderly.

The goal of the neurologist is to evaluate and understand symptoms and conditions affecting the nervous system, perform diagnostic tests, prescribe appropriate therapies, and provide support to patients in managing their neurological disorders. They frequently collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive, multidisciplinary management for patients with neurological conditions.

Which conditions does a neurologist treat?

The neurologist treats a wide range of neurological conditions. Some of the most common conditions treated include:

Headaches and Migraines: These may include migraines, cluster headaches, and other types of cranial pain.

Language Disorders: Neurologists evaluate and treat language and speech disorders such as aphasia, dysarthria, and dysphemia.

Movement Disorders: These include conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, spinal muscular atrophy, and familial hemiplegic migraine.

Epilepsy: The diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy are at the core of neurological practice.

Infections of the brain and peripheral nervous system: These may include encephalitis, meningitis, brain abscesses, and other infections involving the nervous system.

Cerebrovascular Diseases: Neurologists manage conditions such as ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke.

Neurodegenerative Diseases: These include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and other conditions that cause the progressive deterioration of cognitive and motor functions.

Multiple Sclerosis: The neurologist is responsible for the diagnosis and management of multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system.

Spinal cord disorders: These may include inflammatory conditions such as transverse myelitis, traumatic injuries, tumors, or autoimmune conditions.

Infections of the Brain and Peripheral Nervous System:
The neurologist utilizes a combination of clinical examinations, diagnostic tests, and medical therapies to manage these neurological conditions and improve patients’ quality of life.

Which procedures does a neurologist perform most frequently?

Following a thorough medical history, the neurologist performs a physical and neurological examination of the patient, assessing muscle strength, reflexes, and coordination abilities. To further refine the diagnosis, the specialist may rely on procedures such as:

Angiography
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Electromyography (EMG)
PET Scan
Lumbar Puncture
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
CT Scan
Tensilon test

How Is a Neurological Examination Conducted?

The neurological examination begins with an essential phase known as the medical history (or anamnesis), during which the neurologist gathers detailed information regarding the reason for the visit and the patient’s clinical history.

Initially, the doctor will inquire about your current symptoms, including:

What symptoms are you currently experiencing?

When did it start?

Recurring episodes or a first-time occurrence

Next, the specialist will review the patient’s medical history, which may include:

Lifestyle habits, including diet, work, and daily routine

Past surgical history

Family history of neurological disorders

Medications affecting the nervous system

Other lifestyle habits, such as smoking or alcohol consumption

During the physical examination, the neurologist will carefully observe the patient for any visible signs of pathology. This evaluation includes assessing posture, balance, and any potential difficulty in performing specific movements. Additionally, a general assessment of the patient’s overall health status may also be conducted.

Subsequently, various tests will be performed, the specific nature of which will depend on your symptoms and any suspected medical conditions. Since a neurological condition can affect any part of the body—from the brain to the muscles in the legs—these tests may be conducted across different areas.

Examples of tests that may be performed include:

Cranial Nerve Assessment

Motor System and Coordination Assessment

Cognitive Assessment

Autonomic Nervous System (SNA / ANS)

When to Book a Neurological Consultation

A neurological examination is an essential medical resource for identifying potential conditions affecting the central nervous system. It is crucial to pay attention to specific red-flag symptoms, such as coordination difficulties, muscle weakness, sensory alterations (including touch, vision, and smell), tingling sensations, and bowel incontinence. These signs may indicate an underlying neurological disorder and require a thorough evaluation by a neurologist.

Dr. Mezzacappa, Neurologist, is available on:

Wednesdays from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM

Overview

Which conditions does a neurologist treat?

Which procedures does a neurologist perform most frequently?

How Is a Neurological Examination Conducted?

When to Book a Neurological Consultation

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