Neurology

Neurology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of disorders of the nervous system. The nervous system is a complex, sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates body activities. It has two major divisions:

• Central nervous system (CNS): The brain and spinal cord.
• Peripheral nervous system (PNS): All other neural elements, such as nerves and ganglia, located outside of the brain and spinal cord.

Neurologists diagnose and treat a wide range of neurological disorders, which can affect the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, muscles, and blood vessels that supply these structures. They typically do not perform surgery; that is the realm of neurosurgery.

Scope of Practice:

Neurologists evaluate and treat conditions such as:

• Stroke: Interruption of blood flow to the brain.
• Epilepsy: Seizure disorders.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): An autoimmune disease affecting the brain and spinal cord.
• Parkinson's Disease: A neurodegenerative disorder affecting movement.
• Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias: Progressive cognitive decline.
• Headaches and Migraines: Different types of head pain.
• Neuropathies: Nerve damage.
• Myopathies: Muscle diseases.
• Neuromuscular junction disorders: Such as Myasthenia Gravis.
• Brain and spinal cord tumors: Abnormal growths in the nervous system.
• Infections of the brain and spinal cord: Such as meningitis and encephalitis.
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Injury to the brain from external forces.
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord.
• Movement disorders: Conditions such as tremors, dystonia, and chorea.
• Sleep disorders: Including insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome.

Diagnostic Tools:

Neurologists utilize a variety of diagnostic tools to assess neurological function, including:

• Neurological Examination: A physical exam that assesses motor skills, sensory function, reflexes, coordination, mental status, and cranial nerve function.
• Electroencephalography (EEG): Measures brain electrical activity.
• Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS): Assess muscle and nerve function.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Provides detailed images of the brain and spinal cord.
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: Provides cross-sectional images of the brain and spinal cord.
• Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Collects cerebrospinal fluid for analysis.
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan: Measures brain activity.
• Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) Scan: Measures blood flow in the brain.

Training:

Becoming a neurologist requires extensive training, typically involving:

• Four years of medical school.
• One year of internship (usually in internal medicine).
• Three to four years of neurology residency.
• Optional fellowship training in a subspecialty area, such as stroke, epilepsy, movement disorders, or neurophysiology.