Ask a Neurologist Online

Neurology is a field that deals with functions and disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. A specialist in this field is referred to as a neurologist. The nervous system is made of the central and peripheral nervous system, comprising of the brain, cranial nerves, spinal cord, and spinal nerves. Usually, a primary care physician would refer you to a neurologist on displaying neurological signs and symptoms such as tingling, numbness, headache, confusion, etc. A neurologist treats conditions such as seizures, migraine, stroke, paralysis, spinal cord injuries, loss of sensation, muscular weakness, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinsonism, multiple sclerosis, acoustic neuroma, among others. On your first visit, the doctor would test for your mental status, muscle strength, reflex activity, coordination, and gait analysis. This will give them a rough idea of what is bothering you. They would then order further tests and investigations to confirm their suspicions. Some of the blood investigations and diagnostic tests they may ask you to perform are MRI, CT scan, EEG, EMG, nerve conduction tests, lumbar puncture, and PET scan. Upon receiving the reports of the test, the doctor will be able to confirm his diagnosis and accordingly provide treatment that would include medications, exercise therapy, counseling, cognitive behavior therapy, deep brain stimulation, and electrotherapy.