The Role of the Pediatric Neurologist in Diagnosing and Managing Neurological Conditions in Children
Neurological conditions in children can change your life in an instant. You suddenly have a…
Neurology is the branch of medicine that deals with the nervous system. In addition to determining normal functioning of the nervous system, neurology also deals with diseases, disorders, and harm to various aspects of the nervous system.
The nervous system is the part of your body that transmit signals to and from various parts of your body as well as coordinating actions. The nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and sensory organs in the body.
The nervous system is broken down into two main parts: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system is the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system is all of the nerves that branch off from the spinal cord. While they are often referred to as two different systems, they are not independent of each other.
Neurologists are medical doctors who specialize in diseases, injuries, and disorders of the nervous system. Neurologists diagnose and treat those diseases. Nervous system disorders can be acute or chronic and can range in severity. Among other diseases and disorders, neurologists treat strokes, migraines, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and neuropathy.
Generally, people get referred to a neurologist by their primary care physicians after the primary care provider has determined that the patient needs the help of a specialist. However, patients should be proactive in their healthcare decisions. Ask for a referral or make an appointment to see a neurologist if: