What is a Neurologist?
Neurologists perform examinations (to test muscle strength and movement, balance, ambulation, reflexes, sensation, memory, speech, and language) on the head, neck, spine, and the nerve endings in them. They perform diagnostic tests such as CT and MRI scans.
Neurologists do not only work with brain tumors. They treat disorders the brain, nerves, and spine:
- Cerebrovascular disease (stroke)
- Demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (multiple sclerosis)
- Headache disorders
- Infections in the brain and peripheral nervous system
- Movement disorders (Parkinson's disease)
- Neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease))
- Seizure disorders (epilepsy)
- Spinal cord disorders
- Speech and language disorders
There are two main divisions of neurology: the central nervous system (brain and spine) and peripheral nervous system (ears, eyes, skin, and other sensory receptors).
These are the doctors that identify the problems in a patient's nervous system. They are not the ones who will perform surgery on the patient. They determine the area that needs to be treated and refer you to a neurosurgeon.
A neurologist is one of the most important doctors you should have. After treatment, it is wise to follow up with a neurologist for long term care.
Pediatric neurologists have an interesting field of work; their patients nervous system is still growing and developing. So, the determination of the cancer may seem uncertain.
Cited:
Ninomiya, Kent. "What is a Neurologist?." eHow. Demand Media, Inc., n.d. Web. 20 Jun 2012. <http://www.ehow.com/about_4672146_neurologist.html>
"What is a Neurologist?." Highland Hospital. University of Rochester Medical Center, 12 Dec 2007. Web. 20 Jun 2012. <http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/hh/services-centers/neurology/what-is-a-neurologist.cfm>
"What is a Neurologist?." Nervous System Diseases. Nervous System Diseases, n.d. Web. 20 Jun 2012. <http://www.nervous-system-diseases.com/what-is-a-neurologist.html>
"What is a Neurologist?." wiseGEEK. Conjecture Corporation, n.d. Web. 20 Jun 2012. <http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-neurologist.htm>