Neurologist

A neurologist is a medical specialist who deals with conditions affecting the nervous system. These include problems with the brain and nerves in the body.

The neurologist focuses on conditions affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. The central nervous system consists of the brain, cranial nerves and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes the nerves found in the limbs and trunk.

Problems dealt with by a neurologist include loss of strength or sensation, brain and nerve diseases, headaches and epilepsy. Common conditions include Parkinson's disease and carpal tunnel syndrome (a condition affecting the hand).

A visit to the neurologist

During a visit, you will be asked about your complaints. This is followed by a physical examination involving various tests to detect abnormalities in the nervous system.

A well-known neurological test is the knee-jerk reflex. The tendon below the knee is tapped with a small hammer to trigger a reflex. Normally, the knee extends as a result. If there is a problem with the nerves involved in the reflex, the extension does not occur. This tells the neurologist that something is wrong.

If necessary, additional tests may be carried out. These take place in another department of the hospital or clinic, and a separate appointment is often made. Examples of additional tests in neurology include an EMG, MRI scan or CT scan.

Treatment

The neurologist then starts treatment or refers you to another healthcare provider. This may be another doctor, such as an orthopaedic surgeon or neurosurgeon, if a herniated disc or carpal tunnel syndrome needs to be operated on.

A speech and language therapist can help with speech or swallowing problems. A physiotherapist may help with rehabilitation after a spinal cord injury, cerebral haemorrhage or Parkinson's disease. Sometimes medication is part of the treatment.