- The additional training a physician undergoes to become a neurologist gives him a deeper understanding of the nervous system and how it works so that he is able to properly diagnose and treat neurological conditions. A neurologist trains to treat conditions of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles. There are also pediatric neurologists, who are doctors that specialize in treating children with neurological disorders.
- Neurologists perform physical examinations to test vision, memory, speech, balance, muscle strength and movement because such functions can be impaired by neurological disorders. They also perform tests such as EEG (electroencephalograph), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CAT scan, (computed axial tomography), spinal tap and other diagnostic procedures. Once a diagnosis has been confirmed, the neurologist will determine the best course of treatment. If surgery is needed, the neurologist does not perform the surgery but will monitor the patient.
- Neurologists may be the primary care physician of patients who are suffering from neurological disorders such as those with Alzheimer's disease or multiple sclerosis. Primary physicians that treat patients with conditions such as epilepsy or other related neurological disorders may consult regularly with a neurologist regarding treatment of the patients.
- There are many reasons why a primary care physician may refer a patient to a neurologist even if a known condition does not exist. Chronic severe headaches or a sudden onset of seizures may warrant examination by a neurologist. It does not mean that a neurological condition exists but a primary physician may suggest a neurological exam to rule out certain conditions. Neurologists treat conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and peripheral nervous disorders among other conditions.
- A physician must meet several requirements to become a board certified neurologist. The physician must have four years of premedical education in a college or university, four years of medical school that led to an MD (doctor of medicine) or DO (doctor of osteopathy) degree. The physician must also have one year of internship in internal medicine or medicine/surgery as well as a minimum of three years of specialty training in an accredited neurology residency program. Once a neurologist has completed residency training, he may enroll in a fellowship program to gain expertise in a subspecialty such as vascular neurology.
