Neurology

Neurology is the subspecialty of medicine that deals with the scientific study of the structure and functioning of the nervous system, including the diagnosis and management of its maladies. A Neurologist is the physician specialized in this field).

Nervous system encompasses a group of several highly advanced and interconnected structures in the body that organize myriad body functions and include: brain, spinal cord, muscles, nerves, nerve roots).

A neurologist is a medical doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system. Pediatric neurologists are doctors with specialized training in children's neurological disorders.

A neurologist's educational background and medical training includes an undergraduate degree, four years of medical school, a oneyear internship and three years of specialized training. Many neurologists also have additional training in one area of neurology such as stroke, epilepsy or movement disorders. Neurologists are principal care providers or consultants to other physicians. When a patient has a neurological disorder that requires frequent care, a neurologist is often the principal care provider. Patients with disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease or multiple sclerosis may use a neurologist as their principal care physician. In a consulting role, a neurologist will diagnosis and treat a neurological disorder and then advise the primary care physician managing the patient's overall health. For example, a neurologist would act in a consulting role for conditions such as stroke, concussion or headache). Neurologists can recommend surgical treatment, but do not perform surgery. When treatment includes surgery, neurologists will monitor surgically treated patients and supervise their continuing treatment. Neurosurgeons are medical doctors who specialize in performing surgical treatments of the brain or nervous system. Neurologists treat disorders of the nervous system, brain, spinal cord, nerves, muscles and pain. Common neurological disorders include: stroke, Alzheimer's disease, headache, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, sleep disorders, multiple sclerosis, pain tremor, brain and spinal cord injuries, brain tumors, peripheral nerve disorders, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

In recent years, research has advanced understanding of the brain's fundamental mechanisms. With this new understanding, neurologists are finding new treatments and, ultimately, cures for many neurological diseases, which are among the most destructive and costly public health problems in the United States.

For example, research breakthroughs now allow neurologists to successfully treat stroke patients with clotbusting medication proven to reduce deaths and decrease disability. Research developments have also produced new medications that relieve migraines, slow the progression of multiple sclerosis and improve movement in Parkinson's patients. These are just a few of the many advances gained from research that are improving the lives of millions of men and women around the world suffering from neurological disorders.