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1. NeurologicalSymptoms
Definition
The term “neurology” comes from the Greek words "neuron," or nerve, and
"logia," which means "sayings or oracles." A neurologist is a physician who
specializes in neurology.
Neurological symptoms are symptoms caused by, or occurring in, the nervous
system. The nervous system consists of two anatomic parts.
 The central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, acts as
a central processing station.
 The peripheral nervous system transmits sensoryinformation between the
muscles, tissues and nerves in the rest of the bodyto the brain.
When these connections are disrupted, neurological symptoms occur.
A neurologist is a physician specializing in neurology and trained to investigate, or
diagnoseand treat neurologicaldisorders. Neurologists may also be involved in
clinical research, clinical trials, and basic or translationalresearch. While
Clinical tasks
Neurologists examine patients who have been referred to them by other physicians
in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. A neurologist will begin their
interaction with a patient by taking a comprehensive medical history, and then
perform a physical examination focusing on evaluating the nervous system.
Components of the neurological examination include assessment of the patient's
cognitive function, cranial nerves, motor strength, sensation, reflexes,
coordination, and gait. In some instances, neurologists may order additional
diagnostic tests as part of the evaluation. Commonly employed tests in neurology
include imaging studies such as computed axial tomography (CAT) scans,
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound of major blood vessels of the
head and neck. Neurophysiologic studies, including electroencephalography

2. (EEG), needle electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies (NCSs)and
evoked potentials are also commonly ordered. Neurologists frequently perform
lumbar punctures in order to assess characteristics of a patient's cerebrospinal fluid.
Advances in genetic testing has made genetic testing an important tool in the
classification of inherited neuromuscular disease. The role of genetic influences on
the development of acquired neuromuscular diseases is an active area of research.
Treatment options vary depending on the neurological problem. They can include
everything from referring the patient to a physiotherapist, to prescribing
medications, to recommending a surgical procedure. Some neurologists specialize
in certain parts of the nervous system or in specific procedures. Forexample,
clinical neurophysiologists specialize in the use of EEG and intraoperative
monitoring in order to diagnose certain neurological disorders. Other neurologists
specialize in the use of electrodiagnostic medicine studies - needle EMG and
NCSs. In the US, physicians do not typically specialize in all the aspects ofclinical
neurophysiology - i.e. sleep, EEG, EMG, and NCSs.. A neurologist who
specializes in head and facial pain is referred to as a headache specialist. These
specialists diagnose and treat headache, migraine and face pain. A neuro-
oncologist is trained to diagnose and treat patients with tumors in the brain and
nervous system.
Neurodevelopmental and Neuromuscular Neurology
A number of neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy and Down syndrome,
affect a patient's long-term development. Patients with these conditions often
require a lifetime of care, although neurologists and other specialists can help high-
functioning patients establish at least partial independence. Neuromuscular
disorders, such as muscular dystrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, inhibit a
patient's physical development by interfering with communication between the
nerves and muscles. These conditions can't be cured, but neurodevelopmental and
neuromuscular neurologists can help improve a patient's quality of life. Pediatric
Neurologists
Clinical Neurophysiologists
While some neurologists focus on treating nerve disorders, clinical
neurophysiologists are primarily diagnosticians. Nerve signals are sent to the brain,
and processedbythe brain, as electrical impulses. Neurophsyiologists evaluate
neurological function, and diagnose neurological deficits, by using a variety of
tests to monitor these electrical impulses. These include electroencephalograms, or
EEGs, which measure electrical impulses within the brain; electromyography and

3. nerve conduction tests, which detect nerve impulses in muscle tissues; and evoked
potential tests, which use EEGs to record the brain's reaction to specific stimuli.
Vascular Neurologists
Some neurological conditions, such as strokes and aneurysms, are caused by
problems with the brain's circulatory system, rather than the nervous system itself.
Vascular neurologists diagnose and treat these problems with the aid of advanced
imaging from the radiologic lab, and miniature cameras or instruments inserted
through a blood vessel and threaded into the problem area. These techniques can
be used to clear obstructions or repair blood vessels with stents, as well as to assess
damage to the patient's brain. :
Mental Stimulation
It is fitting that neurologists treat brain related conditions because the work of
neurology is extremely mentally challenging. Diagnosing neurological conditions
often takes weeks or months and a host of tests. Thorough and ongoing testing and
analysis is often required given the difficulty in diagnosing conditions that often
show no obvious connection between physiological ailments and nervous system
issues.
Benefits of Being a Neurologis Treatment
Neurologists develop a treatment plan for patients after diagnosing a disorderor
condition. For example, treatments suchas anti-epileptic medications help patients
with epilepsy. Physicians may also recommend surgical procedures for
neurological patients, such as brain stimulation. Neurosurgeons, not neurologists,
perform surgical procedures, butneurologists consult with surgeons on the
procedures and treatment. Doctors monitor the patient’s progress during treatment
to determine its effectiveness.
Supervisory Role
Neurologists direct the activities of nurses and medical technicians in the treatment
of patients. Physicians communicate with nurses and medical staff to ensure that
patients receive appropriate care and treatment. Neurologists also direct therapeutic
personnel and the staff performing diagnostic testing. In addition, neurologists rely
on information from medical staff to evaluate a patient’s progress. Physicians
update patient charts after an examination.

4. Neurologists Do
A primary care physician will usually refer a patient to a neurologist if the patient
is showing symptoms of a disorder of the nervous system. Neurologists then
attempt to arrive at a diagnosis by conducting a series of tests. For example, they
may test reflexes, sensation, balance, or a patient's ability to speak or reason.
Neurologists may also order pictures taken of the inside of a patient's bodyvia
methods such as a CT scanor MRI, or use an EEG to measure a patient's brain
wave activity. Once they have arrived at a diagnosis, neurologists work with a
patient's primary care doctorto ensure that a patient gets the treatment he needs.