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A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of nervous system illnesses.

The nervous system is divided into two sections:

• The central nervous system: The central nervous system (CNS) refers to the brain and spinal cord
• The peripheral nervous system: The peripheral nervous system (PNS) refers to all nerves outside of the CNS.

The brain and spinal cord are included. Health problems, diseases, and injuries associated with the nervous system generally require the specific care and treatment of a neurologist.

Neurologists can treat a variety of degenerative disorders and problems which are associated with the nervous system including the spinal cord, brain, and nerves.

Some of them are:

• stroke
• peripheral neuropathy
• sleep disorders
• epilepsy
• brain tumors
• brain aneurysms
• headaches and migraines
• neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease
• nervous system-related infectious diseases such as encephalitis, HIV, and meningitis
• neuromuscular defects and problems such as myasthenia gravis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multiple sclerosis (MS)

All neurologists have to go through a certain amount of education, certification, and training to practice clinically.

They have to pursue the following:

• A bachelor's degree and have completed four years of medical school.
• They must have completed a one-year internship and three years of specialized study in neurology.
• The nervous system is so intricate, neurologists frequently pursue extra training in a specialization. Many people devote additional time to learning about a particular topic, such as mobility disorders or pain management.

The nervous system is very crucial to the human system and complicated in many aspects. Therefore, many neurologists specialize in treating a particular age group or people with specific neurological illnesses to excel at it.

Many neurologists may opt to spend a year or more in a fellowship program after finishing their residency training to obtain expertise in their desired category of specialization.

Subspecialties of a Neurologist includes:

• hospice and palliative care neurology
• sleep medicine
• pain medicine
• pediatric or child neurology
• vascular neurology
• autonomic disorders
• neuromuscular medicine
• neuropsychiatry
• neurodevelopmental disabilities
• headache medicine
• brain injury medicine
• neurocritical care
• epilepsy

A neurologist works on the brain, spinal cord, and sensory organs and therefore may require tests that can help in the diagnosis of the concerned organs.

Some of the tests ordered by neurologists are:

• laboratory tests, such as blood and urine analyses
• biopsy
• angiography
• Ultrasounds, MRI, CT, and PET scans (Imaging testing)
• genetic testing

In most cases, patients don’t go to a neurologist directly. Instead, they are referred by general physicians to a neurologist in case of specific findings or diagnoses.

Some cases in which a neurologist should be visited includes:

• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Frequent and severe headaches
• Feeling the loss of coordination
• Muscle weakness or degeneration
• Paralysis- partial or complete
• Changes in sensory organs- inability to touch, hear, smell, or see.

In case of any unexplained conditions where a person suddenly starts behaving abnormally or out of ordinary, may require a visit to a neurologist. every function in the human body is linked with the brain and might indicate an issue with the nervous system.

While visiting a neurologist for the first time, a person may be worried or restless about what to expect. Preparing answers to certain questions may help you during your first visit.

The preparation may include:

• Make a list of all the symptoms and other health facts, such as medications, allergies, past illnesses, and disease history in your family.
• Make a list of the questions you have.
• Send the findings of your prior tests to the neurologist or bring them with you while visiting them for the first time.
• It is also suggested to bring a friend or family member with you to avoid missing out on any important information or point said by the physician.
• There is a high chance that your neurologist will offer you a lot of information regarding your suffering on your first visit. Try to make mental notes of everything they advise.
• Be upfront and ask a lot of questions. Going home with doubt won’t help anyone. Make sure you're aware of your diagnosis, treatment, and any additional actions you'll need to take.