A referral to a neurologist can be worrying, especially if you were not aware your symptoms could be linked to the nervous system, is it only natural to ask “what does a neurologist do?” if you know you need to see one. Neurology is one of the most complex areas of medicine. A neurologist specialists in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders relating to the brain and the nervous system. The nervous system includes the brain but also the spinal cord and nerves.
A trained neurologist knows the anatomy, correct function and conditions that can impact the function of your nervous system. The nervous system is essentially your body’s control or its command system. It controls everything we do.
Diseases and conditions of the Nervous System
A trained neurologist will get to the bottom of any nervous system symptoms. However, some of the most common neurological disorders include:
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
- Spinal cord injury and brain injury
- Epilepsy
- Concussion
- Encephalitis
- Cerebral palsy
- Migraine and headache
- Meningitis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Stroke
There are many other neurological conditions that a neurologist can help with too. Similarly, some patients experience neurological symptoms that may not be linked to a diagnosable conditions but are still able to be treated effectively.
How does a neurological diagnosis work?
When you attend an appointment with your neurologist it is important to understand how they might test and examine you to help arrange the right treatment. Your neurologist will ask about your family’s medical history as well as your personal medical history. They will also ask about any medications you take or have taken in the past and explore your current symptoms. The appointment will also involve a neurological examination which will test different aspects of your nervous system including:
- Gait and balance
- Coordination and reflexes
- Muscle strength
- Sensation
- Vision, hearing and speech
- Mental health and mood
You may need further testing to confirm any diagnosis. Your neurologist may also order additional blood and urine tests to help understand any potential diagnosis. Your neurologist can also quickly arrange any important scans to fully check the functionality of your brain or other elements of the nervous system.
Understanding what does a neurologist do
Getting a better understand of neurology can make the experience less stressful. While any medical appointment and examination is a worry, if you take the time to understand what’s going to happen and why, you can be better prepared.
Dr Dominic Paviour is a highly experienced London neurologist helping patients with a vast range of neurological conditions. Get in touch today to discuss your symptoms and arrange your first appointment. You can also choose the clinic which best suits your location and schedule.
