Who are neurologists?
Neurologists are healthcare professionals who specialize in treating and managing neurological disorders. They help patients diagnose and treat brain-related health conditions or nervous system problems. These healthcare providers can prescribe tests like biopsies, thermography, MRIs, etc. Neurologists are experts in treating brain-related issues or nervous system-related health conditions but are not licensed to perform surgical procedures.
What kind of education and training do neurologists receive?
Becoming a neurologist involves a comprehensive educational journey. Prospective neurologists typically undergo four years of college and four years of medical school. Subsequently, they engage in a one-year internship that includes training in neurology and other medical fields. Following this, they complete a three-year residency focusing on neurology. Neurologists may pursue up to three years of fellowship for additional training in specific neurology subspecialties.
Some subspecialty fields within neurology include:
- Neurodevelopmental disabilities
- Brain injury medicine
- Neuroimaging, child neurology
- Vascular neurology
- Clinical neurophysiology
- Neuro-oncology
- Epilepsy
- Pain medicine
- Headache medicine
- Geriatric neurology
- Sleep medicine
Each subspecialty provides a nuanced focus on particular aspects of neurological care.
Are neurologists and neurosurgeons the same?
No, neurologists and neurosurgeons are not the same. Neurologists and neurosurgeons have different treatment approaches. While both professionals address conditions affecting the nervous system, neurosurgeons specialize in surgical interventions. Neurosurgeons undergo medical school, followed by a general surgery internship and six to eight years of neurosurgery residency. They are qualified to perform surgeries on the brain and spine, with some specializing in intricate procedures.
In contrast, neurologists who do not perform surgery typically receive referrals from general practice doctors. Depending on the case, a neurologist might refer a patient to a neurosurgeon for surgical intervention, emphasizing a collaborative approach to patient care.
Neurologists vs. psychiatrists
While neurologists and psychiatrists share some common duties, such as diagnosing patients, offering consultations, prescribing medications, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals, their specific roles differ significantly.
Psychiatrists focus on assessing mental health. They evaluate a patient's psychological state through in-depth interviews, written evaluations, and personality assessments. Their unique responsibilities include:
- Developing strategies to manage symptoms
- Ordering blood tests
- Providing referrals to other specialists
- Coordinating with therapists for comprehensive care
In contrast, neurologists specialize in nervous system disorders, which can affect various parts of the body. During initial consultations, they perform physical examinations and discuss symptoms with patients. Specific neurologist duties include:
- Performing specialized diagnostic tests such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA), etc.
- Conducting nerve function assessments
- Analyzing test results
- Prescribing medications for symptom relief during diagnosis
- Recommending treatments post-diagnosis
- Conducting follow-up appointments to assess progress
When should you see a neurologist?
- Suppose you have a family history of neurological disorders. A lot of neurological disorders can be due to heredity. The most common inherited neurological disorder is CMT. It is commonly known as hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy.
- Regularly visiting a neurologist is necessary if you suffer from severe vitamin deficiencies. Extreme vitamin deficiencies can lead to various neurological problems.
- Suppose you have a history of diabetes in your family or an account of Alzheimer's in your heredity. In that case, you should visit a neurologist to understand your possibilities better.
- Suppose you have difficulties with motor movements or show signs of physio spasms or decreased sensitivity. In that case, a neurologist can help you determine the diagnosis and solutions to the health issue.
- You can also seek care from a neurologist if you have veen experiencing other symptoms like muscle soreness, dizziness, or drastic changes in mood or sensations.
Common symptoms that require an appointment with a neurologist
Some of the more common symptoms for which you may need to see a neurologist (or be referred to one) are:
- Memory impairment, forgetfulness
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Disturbances of taste or scent
- Vision issues
- Tingling and numbing sensations
- Facial asymmetries (one side of the face does not match the other [eyelid droops, inability to smile completely)
- Vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and deafness
- Difficulty swallowing, hoarseness of voice, difficulty shrugging or turning your neck, and difficulty moving your tongue
- Muscular weakness, cramps, spasms, and twitching
- Pain that feels like a burn or an electric shock in any portion of the body
- Neck or back pain, headache
- Imbalanced gait
- Tremors
- Slowness in movement
Here are common disorders that neurologists treat
- Parkinson's disease: Parkinson's disorder is one of the most common neurological conditions neurologists treat. People who have Parkinson's disease have difficulty coordinating their motor movements. The disorder is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects motor coordination. The condition gets worse as age progresses. Though a permanent solution is absent, many treatment options are still available for people with Parkinson's disease. In the early stages of Parkinson's disorder, patients may encounter signs like changes in facial expressions, posture, etc.
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): ALS, or Gehrig's disease, is a common progressive nervous system disorder. It causes damage to the nerve cells situated in the brain and spinal cord. When these nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord get affected, it causes a loss of muscle control. Common symptoms of ALS include slurred speech, muscle twitching, weakness in the limbs, difficulty in talking, weakness in hands, clumsiness, trouble swallowing, muscle cramps and twitching in your arms, cognitive and behavioral changes, etc.
- Stroke: According to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control, every year, about 800,000 Americans suffer from strokes. Strokes are one of the most crucial neurological disorders that can cause much damage. People must be aware of common stroke symptoms so that they can contain any potential or lasting harm in the initial stages. Clots or blockages in arteries can occur because of a lack of blood flow to the brain. This leads to a stroke. Better access to healthcare facilities means fewer Americans die of stroke than in previous decades. Symptoms of stroke include trouble speaking, walking, vision problems, etc.
- Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a health condition where the person experiences abnormal brain activity. It is a central nervous system disorder that causes seizures, periods of abnormal brain activity, random sensations, and even loss of sensations. Epilepsy can affect any age group or gender. A person can show various symptoms of seizures. Some people might show physical signs like twitching arms or legs, while others react expressionlessly and stare at a surface for a few seconds while experiencing a seizure.
Though having a seizure does not necessarily mean that a person has epilepsy, if they show signs of another stroke within 24 hours and without any triggers, they might be diagnosed with epilepsy. Some people might require ongoing and lifelong seizure treatment, while others need short-term treatment, and episodes eventually disappear.
Symptoms of epilepsy include temporary confusion, stiff muscles, uncontrollable jerking or twitching movements in the legs, loss of consciousness, awareness, fear, or anxiety. There are two types of seizures, which include focal seizures and generalized seizures.
What is a brainstem stroke, and what are its symptoms?
A brain stem stroke is a severe medical condition characterized by the interruption of blood supply to a part of the brain stem, a crucial region located at the base of the brain. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies stroke as the "second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability" globally. This condition can arise from either a blocked artery or a leaking blood vessel, leading to significant implications for an individual's health.
The brain stem regulates vital bodily functions, including breathing, swallowing, eye movement, facial sensation, hearing, heart rate, and blood pressure. When a stroke affects the brain stem, it disrupts these essential functions, potentially resulting in severe and long-term complications.
Two primary types of strokes can impact the brain stem:
Ischemic stroke:
- This occurs when blood clots form in the narrow arteries of the head or neck, obstructing the blood supply to a particular brain area.
- They account for the majority (87%) of all strokes, with approximately 10% of these affecting the brain stem.
Hemorrhagic stroke:
- Hemorrhagic strokes, or brain bleeds, happen when a weakened blood vessel ruptures, causing swelling and increased pressure. This pressure can damage tissues and cells in the brain.
- While less common than ischemic strokes, hemorrhagic strokes cause a significant portion (40%) of all stroke-related deaths.
Symptoms of a brainstem stroke are diverse due to the crucial role the brainstem plays in motor functions. Common manifestations include dizziness, loss of balance, vertigo, blurred or double vision, difficulties with speech or swallowing, headaches, and confusion. Given the brainstem's role in receiving and relaying signals throughout the body, strokes in this area disrupt these signals, leading to physical symptoms such as weakness/numbness in the face, arms, or legs.
In addition to these symptoms, it's essential to recognize that a transient ischemic attack (TIA), often referred to as a mini-stroke/warning stroke, can also affect the brainstem. TIAs result from a brief interruption of blood supply to the brain, causing milder symptoms that typically resolve within an hour.
What to expect when visiting a neurologist?
Once you zero in on the best neurologist near you, it's time to understand what to expect. During the first visit, a neurologist will enquire about your medical history and symptoms. You'll also be subject to a physical examination focusing on your brain and nerves.
The neurologist may check the following for you:
- Mental status
- Speech
- Vision
- Coordination
- Reflexes
- Sensation (how well you feel things)
The exam may give them a good idea of your diagnosis, but you'll need more tests to confirm it.
Here are some common neurological tests:
- Blood and urine tests to detect infections, toxins, and protein disorders.
- Brain or spine imaging tests to look for tumors, brain damage, or issues with your blood vessels, bones, nerves, or disks.
- An electroencephalograph, or EEG, is a study of brain function. You will undergo an EEG if you have seizures. Small patches called electrodes are applied to your scalp and wired to a machine. The machine records your brain's electrical activity.
- An electromyogram, or EMG, is a test of communication between a nerve and the muscle with which it communicates. The test involves placing electrodes on your skin or putting a needle into a muscle.
- A series of evoked potential tests measure a patient's brain response to hearing, vision, and specific nerve stimulation. While these are similar to an EEG, your doctor will use sounds or flashlights to observe how your brain responds.
- A muscle or nerve biopsy helps look for signs of certain neuromuscular disorders. One takes a small sample of tissue and examines it under a microscope.
- Your doctor may conduct a spinal tap or lumbar puncture. They remove a small amount of fluid from your spine to observe signs of blood or infection.
- A Tensilon test can aid in diagnosing myasthenia gravis, a muscle-weakening condition. Your doctor gives you edrophonium (Tensilon) to see if it temporarily strengthens certain muscles and helps ease your weakness.
How do you prepare for your neurologist appointment?
When visiting a neurologist near you, it is helpful to prepare for your appointment by doing the following:
- Make a list of your symptoms and other health information, such as medications, allergies, previous illnesses, and disease history in your family.
- Make a list of your questions.
- Send previous test results to the neurologist or bring them with you.
- Bring a friend or family member to help you remember everything.
- It would help if you took notes because the neurologist will most likely provide much information.
- You should ask questions if you're unsure about something.
- Ensure you understand your diagnosis, treatment, and any additional steps you must take.
Finding the best neurologists near you in Boston
Sometimes, neurological disorders tend to be time-sensitive, and finding the right neurologist in a short period can be a challenging task. When dealing with time-sensitive neurological diseases like epilepsy, waiting for a neurologist appointment can be problematic. At Zocdoc, we believe in providing patients with the best resources and quick access to healthcare specialties and healthcare professionals in their city.
Suppose you live in Boston and need to find a neurologist as soon as possible. Head over to Zocdoc's website and select from a vast list of options for neurologists in Boston. Using the Zocdoc website, you can filter your search according to your insurance plans, schedule, and budget. Zocdoc also provides a comprehensive profile of each provider that includes information about their expertise, ratings, educational qualifications, experience, language, and licensure.
Add your insurance information to your Zocdoc account to find in-network providers. Some doctors may require you to bring your insurance card to the appointment. Reach out to Zocdoc's patient help center for any insurance-related queries.
Rest assured, booking appointments with the best neurologists near you through Zocdoc is safe, quick, and free of charge!
Vital statistics you should know
About 3.5% of Massachusetts adults who fall in the 35 and older age group have had a stroke. Around 2.8% of adult men aged 35 and older living in Massachusetts reported being diagnosed with a stroke. Approximately 4.2 percent of adult women 35 and older residing in Massachusetts reported being diagnosed with a stroke.
Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity, high cholesterol, smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes are leading causes of stroke, and about 33% of Americans suffer from one of these conditions. Per a CDC report in 2020, about 1 in 6 deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD) was due to a stroke. In addition, every 40 seconds, someone in America suffers from a stroke, and at least 17 people die every 60 minutes.
Sources
Mayoclinic[1]
Mayoclinic[2]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Mayoclinic[3]
Mass.gov
WebMD
Medical News Today[1]
Medical News Today[2]
Cleveland Clinic
Talkspace
