Who is a neurologist?
A neurologist is a medical expert who addresses concerns in the nervous system. They are adept at diagnosing and treating disorders affecting the spinal cord, brain, and peripheral nerves. Their skills extend to comprehending the intricate functioning and anatomy of individual nerves, muscles, and organs.
Neurology specialists can address diverse patient issues, serving as primary healthcare providers for neurological concerns. Their practice spans multiple settings, including medical institutions, rehabilitation centers, and private clinics.
Neurologists vs. neurosurgeons
Both neurologists and neurosurgeons play essential roles in addressing nervous system issues. However, their approaches and expertise differ. Neurosurgeons undergo extensive medical training, including medical school and a neurosurgery residency that entails a one-year general surgery internship and six to eight years of specialized training. They are qualified to perform surgical interventions on both the brain and spine. Some may further specialize in undertaking intricate procedures.
On the other hand, neurologists focus on non-surgical management of nervous system disorders. Their training encompasses medical school and a neurology residency, focusing on medical treatments, diagnostics, and comprehensive patient care.
General practice doctors often refer individuals to neurologists or neurosurgeons for thorough neurological assessments. The referral process is dynamic; the two practitioners decide based on the condition's nature. Generally, a neurologist is referred to first. They may, in turn, refer patients to neurosurgeons if surgery is deemed beneficial. Conversely, neurosurgeons may refer patients to neurologists for ongoing neurological management. This cooperative method guarantees that individuals obtain the most appropriate and thorough care customized to their medical needs.
What subspecialties can neurologists become experts in?
After becoming medical doctors, neurologists can choose to specialize in treating particular parts of the nervous system. This narrowing of focus allows doctors to become highly skilled in addressing specific neurological conditions.
To do so, they can undergo further training, known as a fellowship, once they complete their residency to deepen their expertise in a specific subspecialty. These areas may include:
- Headache medicine
- Neuromuscular medicine
- Neurocritical care
- Neuro-oncology
- Geriatric neurology
- Autonomic disorders (stroke care)
- Pediatric neurology
- Interventional neuroradiology
- Epilepsy care
Reasons to visit a neurologist near you
If you're experiencing symptoms that suggest a nervous system issue, your primary doctor might refer you to a neurologist. Here are some key reasons to consult a neurologist:
- Existing neurological disorders: If you have a diagnosed neurological condition, regular check-ups with a neurologist are crucial, even if your symptoms are under control. Conditions warranting ongoing monitoring include Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, dementia (including Alzheimer's disease), and a history of stroke.
- Persistent headaches: While occasional headaches are normal, frequent or persistent headaches need evaluation. There are various types of headaches, each with different causes. Persistent headaches may indicate an underlying serious condition that needs professional assessment.
- Migraine: Migraines are a common type of headache affecting millions globally. Symptoms include unilateral or bilateral head pain that worsens with activity, throbbing or pulsing pain, nausea, light and sound sensitivity, and sometimes smell sensitivity. A neurologist can offer specialized treatment if your primary care provider cannot handle your symptoms.
- Blackouts: Blackouts are sudden lapses in awareness and can range from brief, trance-like states to episodes resembling seizures. Frequent blackouts require neurological evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
- Seizures: If you experience a seizure and do not have a known seizure disorder like epilepsy, seeing a neurologist is essential. Seizures can also be indicative of other conditions, such as meningitis or a brain tumor, and may occur in adulthood as well as in childhood.
- Dizziness: Dizziness or vertigo, the sensation of spinning or feeling that the world is spinning around you, can severely impact daily life. Although some cases are resolved independently, a neurologist can diagnose and treat the underlying causes, including ailments like Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) or Meniere's disease.
- Neuropathy: Peripheral neuropathy impacts the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, causing symptoms like chronic pain, balance issues, and numbness. Conditions like autoimmune diseases or diabetes can lead to neuropathy. Consulting a neurologist can help manage symptoms and address the root cause of your neuropathy.
What types of tests can a neurologist order?
Neurological assessments play a critical role in diagnosing various conditions related to the nervous system. These tests provide valuable insights into the operations of the brain, spinal cord, and connected structures, helping doctors reach an accurate diagnosis. Some common tests are:
- Angiography: This procedure reveals blockages, damage, or abnormalities in the blood vessels of the brain, head, or neck, detecting issues like aneurysms and blood clots.
- Biopsy: Involves the removal of tissue for examination, commonly taken from muscle, nerve, or brain tissue.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis: Examines the fluid around the brain and spinal cord, detecting conditions such as brain bleeds, infections, multiple sclerosis, and metabolic diseases.
- Imaging techniques (CT, MRI, X-rays, ultrasound): Provide detailed pictures of the brain and related structures, aiding in diagnosing various neurological disorders.
- Electroencephalography (EEG): Measures brain electrical activity, assisting in diagnosing seizures, infections, brain injuries, and tumors.
- Electromyography (EMG): This test monitors the electrical activity in the muscles, assisting in the detection of muscle and nerve disorders, spinal nerve root compression, and conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
- Electronystagmography (ENG): Helps diagnose involuntary eye movement, dizziness, and balance disorders.
- Evoked potentials: Help measure the speed and completeness of electrical signals from the eyes, ears, or skin to the brain, aiding in the identification of conditions like multiple sclerosis.
- Myelography: Assists in issues like diagnosing spinal and spinal cord tumors, herniated disks, and fractures.
- Polysomnogram: Monitors brain and body activity during sleep, enabling the detection of sleep disorders.
- Positron emission tomography (PET): Reveals tumors and evaluates the presence of conditions such as epilepsy, brain tumors, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease through imaging.
- Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT): Diagnoses tumors and infections and assesses the location of concerns like seizures, degenerative spine disease, and stress fractures via imaging.
- Thermography: Checks temperature changes in the body or specific organs and locates pain syndromes, peripheral nerve disorders, and nerve root compressions.
Differences between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Alzheimer’s disease is a specific brain condition. It’s a progressive disorder, meaning it worsens over time. Research suggests that Alzheimer’s may begin 20 or more years before any noticeable symptoms appear, with silent changes occurring in the brain. Over time, these changes lead to issues such as memory loss/difficulty with language, as neurons in areas related to thinking, learning, and memory are gradually damaged or destroyed. As the disease advances, more brain areas are affected, including those responsible for basic physical functions like walking and swallowing. Eventually, the person becomes fully dependent on caregivers, and the disease leads to death.
Many people confuse Alzheimer’s disease with dementia, but they are not the same. Dementia is a term that describes symptoms, including problems with memory, reasoning, language, and other thinking skills that interfere with daily life. Dementia can have various causes, but Alzheimer’s disease is the most common one.
How can one prepare for a neurologist visit?
Knowing what tests to expect at your neurology appointment may not be enough. Prior preparations for the session are essential to promote effective communication and enhance the overall quality of your visit. When preparing to visit a neurologist near you, consider the following points:
- Document your symptoms: Write down your symptoms and note potential triggers. Track the duration of symptoms, any new developments, and relevant changes.
- Compile health information: Carry a comprehensive list of your health information, including medications, allergies, previous illnesses, and your family's disease history.
- Prepare questions: List any questions about your symptoms, diagnosis, and potential treatments.
- Organize test results: Send your previous diagnostic results to the neurologist or bring them for a thorough review.
- Bring a supportive companion: Consider bringing a friend or family member to help ensure you get all the essential details during the consultation and feel calm and collected.
- Discuss follow-up plans: Inquire about a follow-up appointment to know when you need to visit next and to stay prepared for future steps.
What should you expect during your first appointment with a neurologist?
At your initial visit, the neurologist will look at your medical history and then ask questions about your symptoms, such as when they started and whether you’ve seen other specialists or tried previous treatments.
You’ll then undergo a physical examination, typically assessing your coordination, sensation, mental function, strength, vision, and reflexes.
The neurologist may recommend further testing based on your symptoms and exam results. This could involve imaging studies or other diagnostic procedures to better understand your condition.
Sometimes, the neurologist may not do these tests immediately but will schedule them later to help pinpoint the underlying cause of your symptoms. The neurologist may need multiple tests for an accurate diagnosis.
How can you find the best neurologist in Nashville, Tennessee?
The body's central command system, the nervous system, can encounter various disorders affecting the nerves. When a nerve is damaged, the transmission of signals to the brain may be affected, leading to sensations like numbness or pain. In such instances, seeking neurological attention becomes necessary. However, it may take work to find a suitable practitioner.
But worry not! Zocdoc is a platform designed to facilitate seamless connections with reputable healthcare providers. To initiate the search, you can access the platform's webpage, using the 'find' feature to input relevant details such as the medical condition, preferred appointment time, location, and insurance plan. Zocdoc's insurance checker functions to verify plan acceptance.
If you cannot find your insurance plan listed on Zocdoc, you can upload a photo of your medical insurance card (note that this doesn't apply to vision or dental insurance). We will scan the image and attempt to identify your plan. If you encounter any issues uploading the card, please get in touch with our service team for assistance. Please visit Zocdoc's patient help center for more insurance-related questions.
The platform's filters enable users to refine their search based on provider attributes such as availability, specializations, gender, hospital affiliations, languages, and pediatric expertise.
Each neurologist's profile on Zocdoc offers a detailed overview of their professional background, including their experience, education, training, certifications, professional memberships, and licenses. Real-time patient reviews and ratings provide valuable insights, helping you find the best neurologist near you.
Zocdoc accommodates in-person and virtual appointments, with the latter indicated by the purple video button on the provider's profile. With Zocdoc, you can schedule appointments with a neurologist before, during, or after regular office hours depending on their availability. If the neurologist’s schedule allows, you can also book appointments on weekends and holidays.
The platform ensures an easy, cost-free, and secure appointment booking process, enhancing accessibility to neurological care in Nashville, Tennessee, within an informative framework.
Statistics on neurologists in the United States
Association of American Medical Colleges' numbers indicate that Tennessee had around 258 neurology physicians and 119 neurological surgeons in 2019. For every neurologist in the state, there were 26,240 residents.
As of May 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported nearly 11,340 employed neurologists nationwide. Of this figure, approximately 7,760 were practicing in physicians' offices, while 2,620 were active in general medical and surgical hospitals. Notably, California stood out with the highest concentration of neurologists, boasting around 3,050 professionals in the field. Tennessee had about 390 working neurologists, ranking fifth among the states with the highest practitioner concentration.
Sources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Cleveland Clinic
Healthline[1]
Healthline[2]
MedicalNewsToday
WebMD
Association of American Medical Colleges
Regional Neurological Associates
Alzheimer’s Association
