Understanding The Role Of A Neurologist
Whether you or someone you love needs neurological care, finding the right doctor for you is crucial. Moody Neurorehabilitation Institute offers the best neurological care in West Texas and the region.
What are the Different Types of Neurologists?
Neurologists are specialized physicians that help patients with neurological issues. They work in various settings, including hospitals, private practices, and colleges. They treat diseases, illnesses, and disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord, nerves, muscles, and autonomic nervous system. They also treat various symptoms, such as coordination problems, confusion, dizziness, tremors, headaches, and seizures.
Neurologists must have a four-year undergraduate degree and attend an allopathic (MD) or osteopathic (DO) medical school to earn their degrees. They then must complete a residency program in neurology to become certified as specialists.
Some neurologists pursue an academic career, teaching and researching in their field. However, many physicians enjoy the flexibility and freedom of private practice. They can choose to work in a multi-specialty practice or a single-specialty neurology group, where they can control their patients and the working environment more. They can also decide to take on locum tenens assignments.
What are the Duties of a Neurologist?
Neurologists work like detectives, connecting seemingly unrelated symptoms to uncover the underlying condition. They treat everything from simple headaches to brain tumors and work in medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics.
When you visit your neurologist Lubbock, it is helpful to bring a list of your prescription and over-the-counter medications. It would be best to inform your doctor of any herbal products or vitamins you take.
Your neurologist will perform a physical exam and order diagnostic tests to determine what’s causing your problem. These may include a CT scan (3-dimensional X-ray), an MRI, an EEG, or blood work. You may be asked to test your ability to remember things, name objects, draw shapes, and walk in a straight line. The neurologist will also assess your balance and coordination. If the neurologist Lubbock believes you need surgery, they will make a referral to a surgeon specializing in neurological problems called a neurosurgeon. In some cases, the neurologist will perform the procedure themselves.
What are the Benefits of a Neurologist?
In addition to evaluating and diagnosing conditions like tremors, seizures, strokes, and migraine headaches, neurologists can help patients find therapy options to help with these symptoms. This includes medications, physical therapy, and other non-invasive treatments.
Neurologists can perform some tests to examine the function of your brain and nerves, including a head CT scan, an electroencephalogram (an electrical test that measures and records activity in the brain), and a lumbar puncture, a procedure where medical professionals remove and analyze a sample of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. They may also order magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or X-rays to check for problems with blood vessels in the head and neck.
Neurologists can treat disorders of the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, autonomic nervous system, and muscles. Some common conditions include epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and headaches. Typically, it takes 12 years to become a neurologist, consisting of four years of undergraduate education, four years of medical school, and one year of internship before completing three or more years of residency training.
How Can a Neurologist Help Me?
Neurologists diagnose and treat diseases, conditions, and injuries that affect your brain, spinal cord, and nerves. This includes various medical issues, including headaches, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, neuropathic pain, seizures, and movement disorders.
A neurologist doesn’t perform surgery. They can work with your other doctors to find the cause of your problem, and they are well-versed in various diagnostic techniques, including MRI and EEG.
A neurologist can help you manage an existing condition like a chronic headache or migraine, and they can also identify new problems and develop an appropriate treatment plan. For example, if you’re experiencing cognitive changes such as forgetfulness, your neurologist Lubbock can recommend strategies to address them and improve your quality of life.