Consult Neurologists Online - Brain & Nerves Specialists (149 doctors)

Who is a Neurologist?

A neurologist is a medical doctor who specialises in detecting, treating, and monitoring brain and nervous system disorders such as stroke, epilepsy and migraine.

• The nervous system is divided into two segments:
• Peripheral nervous system (spinal cord)
• Central nervous system (brain)

A neurologist doctor must undergo a graduate degree from a medical college followed by an internship, complete a three-year training in internal medicine, and receive at least three years of training in a neurology residency program before beginning practice.

What is Neurology?
Neurology is a specific medical branch that focuses on diagnosing and treating nervous system disorders. The nervous system is a complicated system that regulates the activities of the body. If a patient requires surgery, a neurologist may recommend them to a neurosurgeon.
    
When Should You Consult a Neurologist?
A primary care physician may recommend their patients to a neurologist if they show symptoms of a neurological condition.

It includes the following:

• Loss of coordination and muscle weakness
• Dizziness and confusion
• Complete or partial paralysis
• Severe and frequent headaches
• Sensory changes affecting sense of vision, touch, taste, and smell

Roles and Responsibilities of a Neurologist

Some of the roles and responsibilities of a neurologist include:

• Performs neurological and physical examinations of patients who are suffering from neurological medical conditions.
• Order diagnostic tests such as spinal fluid tests, blood tests, and imaging tests (MRIs).
• Diagnose disorders and conditions based on cognitive and physical examination and test results.
• Develop, manage and adapt the treatment of patients depending upon the progress.
• Connect with the nurses and medical staff to ensure that all patients get the right care possible.

What Conditions do Neurologists Treat?

Neurologists treat various neurological conditions affecting the spinal cord, brain, and nerves. These conditions are as follows:

• Infections of the nervous system, like encephalitis, HIV, and meningitis
• Epilepsy and stroke
• Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease 
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Headaches and migraines
• Brain aneurysms and brain tumours
• Neuromuscular diseases, such as myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Sleep disorders

Types of Processes Followed by a Neurologist

A neurologist performs a neurological examination and a physical examination. A neurological exam evaluates muscle strength, coordination and reflexes. Since different medical conditions may have the same symptoms, a neurologist might require more testing for a proper diagnosis. Neurologists may refer to many procedures to help detect and treat a particular condition.
Some of the processes may include:

• Tensilon test: this procedure may help a neurologist to detect myasthenia gravis. A neurologist may inject the tensilon medicine and examine if there are any muscle movements.
• A lumbar puncture is a process performed by a neurologist to test your spinal fluid. If a nervous system disorder is detected in your spinal fluid, the neurologist may recommend you to certain procedures that include inserting a syringe into the spine after numbing it and then collecting a sample of spinal fluid.

A neurologist may detect neurological disorders with the help of the following tests:

• Angiography and biopsy
• Urine and blood analyses
• Genetic tests
• An imaging test, such as MRI, PET, CT scans and ultrasounds

Where to Find a Neurologist?

Find the neurologist easily at the Apollo 24|7 app or website. Browse the best neurologist doctors that can help manage and treat conditions like multiple sclerosis, migraine, seizures and more. Book an appointment from the comfort of your home and consult the best neurologist online using the Apollo 24|7 app or website.