Tab Page – What is a Neurologist?

What is a Neurologist?

What type of training does a Neurologist have?

• A Neurologist is a Medical Doctor, specialized in the study of the Nervous System.
• The field of Neurology includes the study of diseases of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles.
• After 4 years of college and 4 years of medical school, a Neurologist obtains specialty training in the field of “Neurology”. This includes 4 years of Neurology Residency, during which time the “Neurology skills” are fine tuned.

What disorders are treated by a Neurologist?

• Some common “symptoms” evaluated by a Neurologist include: headaches, neck pain, lower back pain, weakness, sleep problems etc.
• Some common disorders diagnosed and treated by a Neurologist include: Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Alzheimer’s, migraine headaches, “pinched nerve”, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Peripheral Neuropathy, ALS, Myasthenia Gravis, Polymyositis, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and Seizures.

How does a Neurologist evaluate a patient?

• A Neurologist will obtain a detailed neurological history and a detailed neurological exam to better understand your condition.
• The Neurological exam is probably very different from any previous medical exam you might have undertaken.
• This evaluation process may take anywhere from 30 minutes to 60 minutes.

What tests might be ordered by the Neurologist?

• After the evaluation, some diagnostic tests may be ordered, such as : blood tests, MRI, CT scan, EMG-NCS, Sleep Studies, EEG, VNG, Ultrasounds, or Neuropsychology tests – to name a few.

How is a diagnosis made?

• After reviewing the results of the diagnostic tests, in conjunction with the neurological evaluation, a diagnosis will be made, and a treatment plan will be recommended.
• This evaluation process may take numerous visits, over a period of 4-8 weeks. Please do not expect a firm diagnosis on your first visit.