Neurology

What is Neurology?

Neurology is a branch of medicine that deals with studying and treating disorders of the nervous system. It is a complex, sophisticated system of cells and fibers that controls every function of the human body. With a deep-rooted foundation in both science and clinical practice, neurology plays a significant role in decoding the nervous system and addressing multiple conditions that afflict it.

The nervous system is broadly divided into: 

• Central Nervous System (CNS): It comprises the brain and spinal cord.
• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): It comprises the nerves that extend throughout the body. It also includes eyes, ears, skin, and other sensory receptors.

Specialists in Neurology

Various specialists are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage nervous system disorders. The key specialists in the field of neurology include:

• Neurologists: Neurologists diagnose and treat disorders of the nervous system. They undergo specialized training in neurology, including residency programs focusing on evaluating and managing various neurological disorders. 
• Neurosurgeons: Neurosurgeons specialize in the surgical treatment of conditions of the nervous system. They perform surgeries for conditions such as brain tumors, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and movement disorders.
• Neurointensivists: Neurointensivists are physicians who provide emergency care for patients admitted to the neurology ICU for life-threatening neurological conditions.
• Neuropsychologists: Neuropsychologists assess and treat cognitive, emotional, and behavioral disorders associated with neurological conditions. They evaluate memory, language, and other elements of brain function and help develop individualized treatment modules.
• Neuroscientists: Neuroscientists study the structure, function, and development of the nervous system and investigate the mechanisms of neurological disorders. They use research techniques like neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and genetic studies to develop new treatments for neurological conditions.
• Neurology Technologists: Neurology technologists are trained professionals who perform diagnostic procedures to evaluate the function of the nervous system. They specialize in neurodiagnostic testing, such as electroencephalography (EEG), nerve conduction studies (NCS), electromyography (EMG), and evoked potentials (EP), to help diagnose and monitor neurological conditions.

What Conditions Do Neurologists Treat?

Neurologists help treat a diverse array of neurological conditions, each presenting its unique challenges and manifestations.

These conditions include:

• Stroke: Neurologists treat stroke, a condition when the blood flow to the brain is disrupted, through evaluation of symptoms and clot-bursting medication. 
• Epilepsy: Treatment of epilepsy (a neurological disorder characterized by seizures) includes antiepileptic medications, lifestyle changes, and surgical interventions.
• Headaches: Neurologists specialize in headache disorders, such as migraines and cluster headaches. The treatment includes clinical evaluation and customized treatment.
• Movement Disorders: Neurologists treat movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, dystonia, and Huntington’s disease. The treatment includes medications, physical therapy, or surgical interventions.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Neurologists treat multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disorder, by prescribing therapies to reduce disease activity and progression and manage symptoms.
• Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: Neurologists treat neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia, with medicines and collaboration with other healthcare providers.
• Peripheral Neuropathy: Neurologists evaluate and treat peripheral neuropathy, a condition where peripheral nerves are damaged through nerve conduction studies and electromyography, medications, and lifestyle modifications.
• Neuromuscular Disorders: Neurologists treat neuromuscular disorders, such as muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), with medications, physical therapy, and coordination with specialists.
• Neurological Infections and Inflammatory Disorders: Infections of the nervous system, such as meningitis and encephalitis, and inflammatory conditions, like multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome, are treated through medicines.
• Neurogenetic Disorders: Neurologists treat genetic neurological disorders, such as Huntington’s disease, muscular dystrophy, and hereditary neuropathies, via genetic counseling, genetic testing, and personalized treatment.

Diagnostic Modalities in Neurology

Neurologists begin the diagnostic process by recording a detailed medical and family history, evaluation of symptoms, and a physical examination, which includes:

• Coordination, balance, reflexes, and gait
• Muscle strength
• Vision, hearing, and speech
• Sense of touch

Common neurologic tests include:

• Neuroimaging: Neuroimaging techniques visualize the structures of the brain and spinal cord and help detect abnormalities. These techniques include:

1. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain and spinal cord.
2. Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: CT scans use X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the brain and spinal cord. 
3. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan: PET scans use radioactive tracers to measure brain activity and metabolism.
4. Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) Scan: SPECT scans also use radioactive tracers to measure brain blood flow and activity. 

• Electroencephalography (EEG): EEG measures electrical activity in the brain via electrodes placed on the scalp.
• Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and Electromyography (EMG): NCS and EMG are tests used to evaluate the function of peripheral nerves and muscles.
• Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis: CSF analysis involves obtaining a sample of cerebrospinal fluid to analyze it for abnormalities.
• Neuropsychological Testing: Neuropsychological testing involves assessing cognitive function, memory, language, and other aspects of brain function. 
• Genetic Testing: Genetic testing is used in certain neurological disorders with a known genetic component to identify specific genetic mutations.
• Evoked Potentials: These tests measure how fast electrical signals in the brain respond to sensory stimuli.
• Angiography: Angiography detects if blood vessels in the brain, head, or neck are blocked or damaged. It is also used to detect blood clots.
• Myelography: This test helps diagnose spinal cord tumors, herniated disks, and fractures.
• Thermography: This test monitors changes in the temperature of your body or a particular organ. It helps examine peripheral nerve disorders, nerve root compression, and pain syndromes.
• Polysomnogram: This test records the activities of the brain and the body during sleep. It diagnoses several sleep disorders.

When Should One Consult a Neurologist?

The following symptoms should not be ignored:

• Headaches
• Seizures
• Weakness or numbness in limbs
• Balance and coordination issues
• Memory loss or cognitive decline 
• Changes in vision or hearing
• Speech problems 
• Tremors or movement disorders
• Chronic pain 
• Sleep issues
• Facial asymmetries

The field of neurology holds immense promise in the future of medicine and improving the lives of people all over the world. Through a multidisciplinary approach that includes clinical expertise, cutting-edge research, and technological innovation in neurohealth, Fortis continues to offer hope and healing to countless individuals affected by neurological conditions.