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A neurologist observes the patient’s body reactions, examines the functions of the nervous system, diagnoses and implements specialized treatment. What exactly does he do and what is his job? Here is some information.
Neurology
Neurology is a very important field of medicine that deals with diseases of the peripheral and central nervous system. This field is related to psychiatry. Neurology focuses primarily on diseases the root of which are processes that destroy the human nervous system.
Neurologist – what does he do?
A neurologist examines the basis of the resulting neurological diseases, makes a diagnosis and orders appropriate treatment. He deals with the treatment of diseases such as:
- sciatica,
- degeneration of the spine,
- epilepsy,
- Parkinson’s disease,
- Alzheimer’s disease,
- pląsawica Huntingtona,
- strokes and post-stroke status,
- brain tumors,
- migraines and other headaches
The neurologist also carries out a medical history and performs simple tests of physiological reflexes, e.g. the knee reflex, the biceps or triceps muscle reflex, the adductor muscle reflex, the brachio-radial reflex, the ankle reflex, the so-called Babinski’s symptom. In addition to examining these reflexes, the neurologist quite often focuses on the assessment of walking, correctness of speech and surface sensation. By examining one or more of these reflexes, the neurologist may suspect a patient’s type of disorder, but will order other tests to make a specific diagnosis.
A neurological examination
After the initial diagnosis, for further diagnosis, the specialist may order the patient to undergo further tests. Among them are:
1.computed tomography (CT) – it is a radiological examination that allows for an accurate assessment of the condition of a specific part of the body. The spine and head are most often examined. Computed tomography allows to detect degenerative changes, neoplastic changes or other brain abnormalities.
2. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – it is a modern method of examination in the field of diagnostic imaging that allows for very accurate results. MRI is used to study and evaluate minor pathological changes within a specific neurological area.
3. electroencephalography (EEG) – thanks to it it is possible to study the bioelectrical activity of the brain. The test allows to detect, among others epilepsy, encephalitis, brain tumors, and insomnia.
4.emission tomography (PET-CT) – it is one of the most modern research that is used primarily in nuclear medicine. It is a combination of traditional computed tomography and positron emission tomography.
What is neurological rehabilitation?
Neurological rehabilitation involves the implementation of rehabilitation activities aimed at improving the health of patients, including after stroke, after craniocerebral injuries and other neurological diseases (Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis). The most important goal of neurological rehabilitation is to restore to the patient all vital functions lost as a result of the disease.