A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases related to the nervous system, including the brain, muscles, peripheral nerves, and spinal cord. Before becoming a neurologist, a doctor must complete specialization in neurology.
In general, neurologists can be divided into two according to the treatment method provided, namely neurosurgeons and neurosurgeons who treat neurological diseases with non-surgical methods.
To become a neurosurgeon, usually a doctor must undergo a neurosurgery residency education period of at least 6 years after graduating from general medical school. This long period of education makes neurosurgeons very rare in some countries, including Indonesia.
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In the medical world itself, the field of work of neurology specialists can be divided into eight sub-specialties. Specialist doctors who have studied subspecialty education are called consultants. This division of the field of neurology aims to make it easier to deal with nervous system disorders of the patients.
The following are sub-specialties in the field of neurology, namely:
- Child neurologyConsultant pediatric neurology specialists are more focused on treating neurological disorders in children, from infants to teenagers. Various neurological disorders that can be treated by a pediatric neurologist include seizures, epilepsy, hydrocephalus, muscle weakness, and brain tumors in children.
- Epilepsy neurologyA type of neurology that specializes in diagnosing and treating epilepsy.
- Vascular neurologyThe field of neurology that specializes in studying and treating diseases of the blood vessels of the brain such as stroke and disorders of the formation of cerebral blood vessels (Arteriovenous Malformation/AVM).
- Pain neurology and peripheral nervesA subspecialty of neurology specialist who focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases related to pain complaints due to peripheral and autonomic nervous disorders. Some of the neurological disorders treated by consultant pain neurologists include diabetic neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, pain from injury, and nerve damage.
- Interventional neurologyThe field of neurology that focuses on treating disorders of the central nervous system in the brain and spinal cord with radiological technology and minimally invasive treatment methods, such as clips or rings in the brain or radiation therapy to treat brain tumors.
- Neuro-oncologyNeuro-oncology specialist who specializes in treating tumors or cancers in the brain or spinal cord.
- Geriatric neurologyA field of neurology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases caused by aging. Geriatric neurology consultant doctors have expertise in dealing with neurological diseases in the elderly.
- Intensive and emergency neurologyOne of the subspecialties in the field of neurology that specializes in diagnosing, treating, and treating patients with nervous system disorders with critical conditions. Consultant neurologists in this field also handle emergency cases related to neurological diseases.
Not infrequently, this neurology subspecialist collaborates with other specialists in helping the treatment of their patients, one of which is a neurosurgeon if the case being treated requires neurosurgery.
Diseases That Can Be Treated by a Neurologist
As explained above, neurologists have in-depth knowledge of diseases related to the human nervous system. Therefore, a neurologist can determine the best diagnosis and treatment according to the patient's condition. Various neurological diseases are commonly treated by neurologists, including:
- strokes.
- Epilepsy.
- Nervous system tumors.
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Dementia, for example in Alzheimer's disease.
- Movement disorders.
- Myasthenia gravis.
- Central nervous system infections, such as meningitis, brain abscess, and inflammation of the brain (encephalitis).
- Lou Gehrig's disease.
- Spinal cord disorders.
- Migraine/severe headache.
- Peripheral neuropathy.
- Tremors.
- Parkinson's disease.
- Pinched nerve.
- Pain related to nervous disorders.
Actions a Neurologist Can Take
In making a diagnosis, usually a neurologist will trace the patient's medical history and the symptoms felt by the patient. After that, the neurologist will perform a series of general physical examinations and neurological physical examinations that focus on the brain and peripheral nerves to diagnose the patient's neurological disorders. This examination can include an examination of the nerves of vision, muscle strength, reflexes, speech, touch sensation, coordination, and balance.
To confirm the diagnosis, neurologists often advise their patients to undergo additional tests, such as:
- Laboratory examination: urine tests, blood tests, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis.
- Inspection radiology: CT scan, MRI, PET scan, angiography, X-ray, ultrasound examination.
- Nerve electrical test: These examinations include examination of brain electrical waves (electroencephalogram/EEG), electrical neuromuscular (electromygraph/EMG), examination of the optic nerve and balance organs (electronystagmoraphy/ENG).
- Biopsy: Usually the doctor will suggest a biopsy of brain and nerve tissue for tumors in the nervous system. This examination is useful to determine whether the tumor is malignant or not.
After making a diagnosis, a neurologist will determine what treatment method is appropriate for the patient's condition. Generally, the first treatment step given by a neurologist is the administration of drugs to reduce the symptoms that appear. If the patient requires surgery on the nerves, the neurologist will refer the patient to a neurosurgeon specialist.
When Should You See a Neurologist?
Neurological diseases sometimes have no typical symptoms and may even mimic other medical conditions. Therefore, immediately consult a neurologist if you experience the following symptoms:
- seizures.
- Tremors.
- Difficulty walking.
- Tired easily.
- Muscle weakness or paralysis.
- Often experience numbness or numbness in certain body parts.
- Decreased muscle mass (muscle atrophy).
- Unbearable pain.
- Visual disturbances.
- Difficulty speaking.
- Swallowing disorders.
- Excessive sweating.
- Dizziness (vertigo).
What Needs to be Prepared Before Meeting a Neurologist?
Before meeting with a neurologist, there are several things you should prepare. This is done to make it easier for a neurologist to determine the right treatment for you. Here are some things you should prepare before seeing a neurologist:
- Bring all the results of the examinations that you have done before when you went to a neurologist.
- Tell all the symptoms and complaints that you feel in detail.
- Also tell about your medical history, medications you are currently taking (including supplements and herbal remedies), and any allergies you have.
- Ask family or friends to accompany you during your meeting with the neurologist.
In addition, prepare the costs needed to carry out the inspection. Because the examination costs that you will spend may not be small, especially if you need neurosurgery.