Neurologists specialize in treating medical conditions that impact the brain, spinal cord and nerves as a whole. They can help with disorders like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. A neurologist may also treat headaches, migraines and movement disorders such as restless leg syndrome and tremors. They can be found working in the same settings as any doctor, including hospitals, clinics and private practices.
A neurologist can be the initial specialist to consult when a medical condition is suspected. If a person has experienced a head injury or a stroke, they will be referred to a neurologist by a general practitioner (GP) to help diagnose the condition and determine the right treatment plan.
When you see a neurologist, they will go over all of your symptoms and conduct a physical examination. This will include checking your coordination and reflexes, your mental state, speech, and vision. They may also use a variety of diagnostic tools, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography scans (CT or CT-scan), as well as transcranial doppler (TCD), which uses sound waves to measure blood flow in the brain. They may also order an electroencephalogram (EEG) test to measure the electrical activity in your brain.
The neurologist will then recommend any further tests that they think are necessary to make a diagnosis. These could include blood and urine tests, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or computed tomography (CT) scan of your brain, an electroencephalogram (EEG), and a myelography test to assess spinal cord or herniated discs. Other tests they may recommend are a polysomnogram to study sleep patterns, transcranial Doppler ultrasound to measure blood flow in the brain, and positron emission tomography (PET) to evaluate tumors or infections. You should visit https://universalneurocare.com/ to learn more.
Depending on the results of these tests, the neurologist can then make a diagnosis and prescribe medication or other treatment. They can also refer you to other health professionals, such as a physiotherapist for exercises and a psychologist or psychiatrist if they feel that your condition requires psychological support.
If you want to become a neurologist, you will need at least four years of pre-med education and four years of medical school before applying for a residency program in neurology. You will then spend several years in training to work with patients who have a variety of neurological conditions, and you might decide to pursue additional fellowship training to focus on a particular area such as stroke, movement disorders or sleep medicine. In addition, you will need to complete your board certification. This is a challenging but rewarding specialty that can have a positive impact on a patient’s quality of life.
We are located at:
Universal Neurological Care, P.A.
8823 San Jose Blvd Ste. 209, Jacksonville, FL 32217
(904) 404-7044