Neurology

Neurology is a specialty of medicine focused on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders involving the brain and nervous system, including the spinal cord, nerves, muscles and related blood vessels. 

A neurologist is not a surgeon, but works with neurosurgeons to provide highly specialized services to adults and children with conditions affecting some of the most delicate tissues in the body.

Conditions treated

A neurologist treats all types of conditions related to the nervous system including:

• Blood vessel disorders, such as carotid artery stenosis and stroke
• Brain tumors, including and nonmalignant (benign) brain tumors
• Brain injury, such as injury due to concussion or blunt-force trauma
• Dementia and related conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease
• Epilepsy and other seizure disorders and syndromes
• Headache and migraine
• Movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease
• Neurodevelopmental disabilities, such as cerebral palsy
• Neuromuscular diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy
• Peripheral nerve injury or disorder, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and trigeminal neuralgia
• Postherpetic neuralgia, persistent pain following an episode of shingles
• Psychological behaviors related to brain disease or dysfunction
• Sleep disorders, such as insomnia and restless legs syndrome
• Spine injury, trauma or degeneration, including spinal stenosis in the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) area

Neurologists also oversee rehabilitation services provided after surgery or to help people regain function after a neurological event like stroke.

Services provided

A neurologist uses various types of tests to assess brain and nerve function. The result of these tests help guide subsequent treatment. A neurologist may order imaging scans, blood tests or specialized examinations. 

Services include:

• Electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure brain activity
• Electromyography (EMG) to measure muscle and nerve activity
• Evoked potentials (EP) to measure response time to a sensory stimulus, such as a visual stimulus
• Genetic testing to uncover potential causes of neurological symptoms and diseases
• Imaging tests including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound
• Myelography to evaluate the spinal cord and nerve damage
• Sleep studies to measure brain activity and sleep-wake cycles
• Once the evaluation is complete, neurology treatment may involve:
• Medication therapy, the primary type of treatment a neurologist provides
• Neurocritical care for conditions such as stroke and traumatic brain injury
• Physical or occupational therapy for rehabilitation from neurological conditions
• Minor diagnostic procedures, such as myleography and spinal tap