Neurology

Neurology is the medical specialty that deals with disorders of the nervous system. Specifically, it focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of all diseases involving the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and autonomic nervous system, including their coverings (meninges), blood vessels, and tissues such as muscles.

A neurologist is a physician with specialized training to diagnose and treat disorders of the brain and nervous system.

Neurologists are important specialists or consultants for other doctors. When a patient has a neurological disorder that requires special attention, the neurologist is often the primary caregiver responsible for the patient’s care. Patients with disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, or multiple sclerosis may require a neurologist as their primary healthcare provider.

As a consultant, the neurologist’s role is to diagnose and treat neurological diseases and then advise the primary care physician on the patient’s overall health care. For example, a neurologist will act as a consultant in situations such as a stroke, head trauma, or headache.
Neurologists may recommend surgical treatment, but they do not perform surgery. When treatment requires surgery, neurologists follow patients who have undergone surgery and supervise their post-operative care. Neurosurgeons are doctors who specialize in the surgical treatment of the brain and nervous system.