Protecting the brain and nervous system.
A
neurologist is a medical doctor with specialized training in
diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous
system. Pediatric neurologists are doctors with specialized training in
children's neurological disorders.
A neurologist's educational
background and medical training includes an undergraduate degree, four
years of medical school, a one-year internship and three years of
specialized training. Many neurologists also have additional training
in one area of neurology such as stroke, epilepsy or movement
disorders.
What is the role of a neurologist?
Neurologists
are principal care providers or consultants to other physicians. When a
patient has a neurological disorder that requires frequent care, a
neurologist is often the principal care provider. Patients with
disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease or multiple
sclerosis may use a neurologist as their principal care physician.
In
a consulting role, a neurologist will diagnosis and treat a
neurological disorder and then advise the primary care physician
managing the patient's overall health. For example, a neurologist would
act in a consulting role for conditions such as stroke, concussion or
headache.
Neurologists can recommend surgical treatment, but do
not perform surgery. When treatment includes surgery, neurologists will
monitor surgically treated patients and supervise their continuing
treatment. Neurosurgeons are medical doctors who specialize in
performing surgical treatments of the brain or nervous system.
What does a neurologist treat?
Neurologists treat disorders of the nervous system, brain, spinal
cord, nerves, muscles and pain. Common neurological disorders include:
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- Stroke
- Alzheimer's disease
- Headache
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson's disease
- Sleep disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
- Pain
- Tremor
- Brain and spinal cord injuries
- Brain tumors
- Peripheral nerve disorders
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
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How can research help patients?
In
recent years, research has advanced understanding of the brain's
fundamental mechanisms. With this new understanding, neurologists are
finding new treatments and, ultimately, cures for many neurological
diseases, which are among the most destructive and costly public health
problems in the United States.
For example, research
breakthroughs now allow neurologists to successfully treat stroke
patients with clot-busting medication proven to reduce deaths and
decrease disability. Research developments have also produced new
medications that relieve migraines, slow the progression of multiple
sclerosis and improve movement in Parkinson's patients. These are just
a few of the many advances gained from research that are improving the
lives of millions of men and women around the world suffering from
neurological disorders.
To keep research advancing toward
future cures and treatments, it's important for patients to advocate
for additional research funding. Contact your members of Congress and
ask them to support neurology research.
From the American Academy of Neurology and American Academy of Neurology Education & Research Foundation.