A neurologist or neurologist is a specialist who diagnoses and treats problems related to the brain and nervous system. To become a neurologist, one must first complete his general medical education, before continuing his education as a specialist in neurology.
Neurology is a branch of medicine that studies the nervous system. The nervous system is responsible for regulating the body's coordinating functions, regulating the work of body organs, receiving and processing physical stimuli (pain, touch, and temperature), moving the body, and undergoing cognitive processes, such as thinking and remembering.
Diseases Treated by Neurologists
Neurologists treat diseases related to the brain and nerves, including the spinal cord and peripheral nerves, such as:
- Headaches and migraines.
- Seizures and epilepsy.
- Tremors or body shaking.
- Head injury.
- Pinched nerve.
- strokes.
- Brain tumor.
- Dementia, as in Alzheimer's disease.
- Parkinson's disease.
- Autoimmune disorders that attack nerves, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(Lou Gehrig's disease) and multiple sclerosis.
- Brain infections, such as encephalitis, meningitis, and brain abscesses.
- Spinal cord infection.
- Bell's palsy.
- Peripheral neuropathy.
- Neuromuscular disorders, such as myasthenia gravis.
Actions that Ddo a neurologist
A series of medical examination procedures can be carried out by a neurologist to determine the diagnosis of diseases that attack the nerves and brain, including:
- Interpret the results of radiological examinations, such as CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans, of the brain and nerves.
- EEG (electroencephalogram) or brain electrical wave test. This test is done by attaching electrode wires to the scalp, then connecting it to a machine that records the brain's electrical activity.
- EMG (electromyogram) to evaluate the function of the nervous system and muscles. This procedure is performed by inserting a needle electrode into the muscle.
- Interpreting the results of laboratory tests, such as blood tests, urine tests and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, to identify diseases that affect the nervous system.
- Nerve and muscle biopsy to look for signs of abnormalities in the nerves.
- Lumbar puncture, which is a procedure for taking cerebrospinal fluid from the spine.
What to Prepare Before Meeting a Neurologist
Record the complaints that have been felt so far, the drugs that are usually consumed, the diseases or allergies that have been suffered, and the history of the disease in the family.
At the first consultation, the neurologist will perform a physical and neurological examination, and trace the history of the patient's complaints. Furthermore, the neurologist will recommend further examination to determine the diagnosis of the patient's disease.
If a patient is not fully able to answer questions or needs help during the test, a family member or close person is advised to accompany him.
After the diagnosis is determined, the neurologist will provide the appropriate treatment, determine the treatment steps, evaluate the results of the treatment, and provide advice and further rehabilitation to improve the patient's condition.