Neurology is medical speciality that deals with disorders of the nervous system, which include the brain, blood vessels, muscles and nerves. Some neurological problems or conditions are present from birth (congenital), some are hereditary (genetic) while others are caused due to injury or illness, such as a head injury or stroke, or a cancer of the brain or spine.
Symptoms that commonly require a neurologist include:
● Coordination problems
● Muscle weakness
● A change in sensation
● Confusion
Neurologists rely on diagnostic tests such as the following to ascertain the disorder and the degree of its complexity:
● CAT (computed axial tomography) or CT scan
● MRI scan or MRA (magnetic resonance angiography)
● lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
● EEG (electroencephalography)
● EMG/NCV (electromyography/nerve conduction velocity)
What is the role of a Neurosurgeon?
Neurological surgery is the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of patients with injury to or diseases of, the brain, spine or peripheral nerves. Neurosurgeons operate on patients with cerebrovascular disorders, such as aneurysms of the brain and clogged arteries in the neck that can lead to strokes; chronic low back pain; birth defects; brain and spinal tumors; and abnormalities of the peripheral (face, arms, legs, hands and feet) nerves.
