Who is a Neurologist? How do they treat neurological health issues?
Who is a Neurologist?
Neurologists health experts are the ones who diagnose and treat the problems linked to the nervous system and brain. If you are diagnosed with a brain and nervous system issue, then you have to consult the Best Neurologist in Ludhiana. In case, your condition requires surgical intervention then you have to consult the best Neurosurgeon In Punjab.
What health issues are treated by a neurologist?
Here are some of the conditions which the neurologists are aware about to provide you with the best treatment:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease)
- Back pain
- Brain tumor
- Brain and spinal cord injury or infection
- Epilepsy
- Headaches
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Peripheral neuropathy (nerves are affected)
- Pinched nerves
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Tremors (uncontrollable movements)
What are the subspecialties of a Neurologist?
Neurology is the medical field that focuses on treating the patient’s nervous system and brain. The neurologist will focus on getting the treatment for different health issues like:
- Epilepsy
- Neuromuscular medicine
- Neurocritical care
- Neuro-oncology
- Headache medicine
- Sleep medicine
- Geriatric neurology
- Autonomic disorders
- Vascular (stroke care) neurology
- Child (pediatric) neurology
- Interventional neuroradiology
How do neurologists check your health?
At the initial appointment, the neurologist is going to ask your questions about your medical history and all symptoms you have. The neurologist may ask you to get a physical examination that focuses on the nerves and brain. During the examination, the neurologist will check your strength, vision, reflexes, sensation, mental status, and speech. Depending on what all symptoms do you have the doctor will perform several tests or some of them might be suggested which includes:
- Blood and urine test
Through this test, the possible signs of protein problems, toxins, and infection will be checked.
- Imaging tests
Imaging tests of the spine or brain are done which helps to look at the brain damage, tumor, or other problem which occurs with the blood vessels.
- EEG test
EEG stands for electroencephalography which helps to check brain function. In case you have seizures then this test is performed. The electrical activity of the brain will be checked through this.
- Electromyogram
EMG is the test that helps to maintain the communication between the working of muscle and nerve. The electrodes are put on the skin or needles can be inserted into the muscle.
- Evoked Potentials
It is a series of tests that help to check the brain response with hearing, vision, and different nerves. In this test, the doctor will make sounds to see how your brain is responding.
- Spinal tap
It is also known as the name of lumbar puncture in which fluid is taken out of the spine. Later it is sent to the lab to look at the blood sample or infection.
How to prepare for the neurologist appointment?
We know visiting the neurologist for the first time can be nerve-wracking but there is no need to have that feeling. Before the appointment you should note down the symptoms you have, or when actually you start noticing them. If you have any questions which you have to ask them also write about the same.
