Specialty Spotlight: What is Neurology? BY KEINO RUTHERFORD
A neurologist is a doctor that deals in identifying and treating disorders of the nervous system. Things that will often get referred to the neurologist include: Problems with coordination Muscular weakness Tactile or sensory issues Disorientation and confusion Problems with equilibrium In addition, neurologists will see people regularly who have seizure disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, ALS, spinal cord disorders, headaches, and migraines, or people who have suffered one or a multitude of strokes.
Career Path
Specialization
Before practicing as a neurologist, it is a requirement to have: Attained a bachelor’s degree in a related field(biology, chemistry, physics, pre-med) Graduated from medical school Pass licensure examination Intern for one year in a related field Complete a three-year residency
After completing the rigorous coursework and training necessary to practice, a neurologist will often complete a fellowship in a specific field of neurology after residency. These include: Headache medicine Neuro-oncology Stroke care Geriatric neurology Child neurology Neurocritical care Neuromuscular medicine Autonomic disorders Intervention neuroradiology
Common Practices: What to Expect From an Appointment
The first appointment with a neurologist is typically an intake, and the neurologist will likely perform both a physical and a neurological exam to test strength, coordination, and reflexes. Many neurological disorders have overlapping symptoms, and as a result, the neurologist may order specialized testing prior to making a diagnosis.
Spinal Tap Some neurological disorders may present themselves in spinal fluid. To test this, a needle is inserted into the subarachnoid space after being numbed, and fluid is drawn out for sampling.
Tensilon Test Used to diagnose myasthenia gravis, this test observes muscular interaction with an injected drug called Tensilon.
Electromyography This test is used to help diagnose spinal cord and general muscle and nerve dysfunction and centers around peripheral nerves. This test is sometimes uncomfortable because to perform this test, a series of electrodes are inserted into the muscle tissue itself to measure activity both during movement and at rest. Further testing is sometimes ordered to measure a nerve’s ability to stimulate the muscle as well.
Electroencephalogram This test uses electrodes placed around the scalp to diagnose conditions of the brain and measures brain signals via the technician, causing changes in the testing environment. There are other tests that a neurologist may order, especially in terms of imaging, like a CT scan or a PET scan.
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