Staff Profiles

What is a Neurologist?

Protecting and treating the brain and nervous system is the essence of a neurologists' work.

A neurologist is a medical doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system. Pediatric neurologists are doctors with specialezed training in children's neurological disorders.

A neurologist's educational background and medical training includes an undergraduate degree, four years of medical shcool, a one-year internship and possibly additional years of training in internal medicine, and at least three more years of specialized training in the field of neurology. Many neurologists also have additional training in one area of neurology such as stroke, epilepsy or movement disorders.

Neurologists are principal care providers or consultants to other physicians. When a person has a neurologic disorder that requires frequent care, a neurologist is often the principal care provider. Patients with disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease or multiple sclerosis may use a neurologist as their principal care physician.

In a consulting role, a neurologist will diagnosis and treat a neurological disorder and then advise the primary care physician managing the person's overall health. For example, a neurologist would act in a consulting role for conditions such as stroke, consussion or headache.

Neurologists can recommend surgical treatment, but do not perform surgery. When treatment includes surgery, neurologists will monitor surgically treated patients and supervise their continuing treatment. Neurosurgeons are medical doctors who specialize in performing surgical tratments of the brain or nervous system.

The human brain is the most complex structure in our world. Its intricacies remain unsolved and unending. How we think, reason, move, sense, learn and communicate - all are determined by the brain.

The medical specialty of neurology focuses on the total nervous system, which includes the brain, spine, nerves and muslces. In recent years, research performed by neurologists has greatly advanced understanding of the brain and nervous system. With this new understanding, neurologists are developing new treatments and, ultimately, cures for a host of neurological diseases, which are among the most destructive and costly public health problems in the United States.

For example, today neurologists can successfully treat stroke patients with clot-busting mdedication proven to reduce deaths and decrease disability. Research developments have also produced new medications that relieve migraines, slow the progression of multiple sclerosis and improve movement for patients with Parkinson's disease. These are just a few of the many advances neurologists use to help improve the lives of millions of men, women and children around the world with neurological disorders.

The future is promising for the medical specialty of neurology. Advanced therapies, new diagnostic techniques and the aging population ensure a strong demand for neurologists today and in the future.

Neurologists treat disorders of the nervous system, brain, spinal cord, nerves, muscles and pain. Common neurological disorders include:

Stroke
Alzheimer's disease
Headache
Epilepsy
Parkinson's disease
Sleep disorders
Multiple Sclerosis
Pain
Tremor
Brain and spinal cord injuries
Brain tumors
Peripheral nerve and muscle disorders
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Many neurological disorders can be treated. Treatment or symptomatic relief is different for each coondition. To find treatment options, neurologist will perform and interpret tests of the brain or nervous system. Treatment can help patients with neurological disorders maintain the best possible quality of life.

During a neurological examination, the neurologist reviews the patient's health history with special attention to the current condition. The patient then takes a neurological exam. Typically, the exam tests cognition, vision, strength, coordination, reflexes and sensation. This information helps the neurologist determine if the problem is in the nervous system. Further tests may be needed to confirm a diagnosis or to find a specific treatment.

An examination is used when a family doctor or non-neurologist seeks a specialized opinion about a patient whose symptoms may involve the brain or nervous system. The examination also be performed when a patient wants a second opinion from a neurologist. The neurologist's expertise in disorders of the brain and nervous system can give patients effective diagnosis and treatment for neurological disorders.

Common Neurological tests utililized include image or sound wave tests and electrical activity or response tests.

Computerized tomography or computer assisted tomography (CT or CAT scan): This test uses x-rays and computers to create two-dimensional pictures of selected body parts. Dye may be injected into a patient's vein to obtain a better picture. Other than needle insertion for the dye, this test is painless.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI is an advanced way of taking pictures of the inner brain. It is harmless and involves magnetic fields and radio waves. It is performed when a patient is lying in a small chamber for about 30 minutes. Because MRI utilizes a very strong magnet, if you have metal in your body other than dental filings, notify your physician. Be sure to tell your physician if you suffer from claustrophobia (fear of closed areas). A physician can offer recommendations that can help you relax. This test is painless.
Neurosonography: This test uses ultra high frequency sound waves to analyze blood flow and blockage in the blood vessels in or leading to the brain. This test is painless.
Transcranial Doppler (TCD): This test uses sound waves to look at major blood vessels in the brain. A microphone is placed on different parts of the head to view the intracranial blood vessels. This test is painless.
Electroencephalogram (EEG): The EEG records the brain's continuous electrical activity through electrodes attached to the scalp. It is used to help diagnose structural diseases of the brain and episodes such as seizures, fainting or blacking out. This test is painless.
Electromyogram (EMG): An EMG measures and records electrical activity from the muscles and nerves. This may be helpful in determining the cause of pain, numbness, tingling or weakiness in the muscles or nerves. Small needles are inserted into the muscle and mild electrical shocks are fiven to stimulate the nerve. Discomfort may be associated with this test.
Evoked Potentials (EP): The EP test records the brain's electrical response to visual, auditory and sensory stimuli. This test is useful in evaluating and diagnosing symptoms of dizziness, numbness and tingling, as well as some visual disorders. Discomfort may be associated with this test.
Sleep studies: Involve tests that diagnose specific causes of sleep problems. To perform tests, it is often necessary for a patient to spend the night in a sleep laboratory. Brain wave activity, heart rate, electrical activity of the heart, breathing and oxygen in the blood are all measured during the sleep test. This test is painless.
Another common test performed is - Cerebral Spinal Fluid Analysis (Spinal tap or lumbar puncture): This test is used to check for bleeding, hemorrhage, infection or other disorder of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. In this test the lower back is numbed with local anesthesia, and a thin needle is placed into the space that contains the spinal fluid. The amount of spinal fluid needed to diagnose the specific problem is removed and the needle is withdrawn. Discomfort may be associated with this test.

To become a neurologist in the United States, extensive education and training is required. After graduating from an undergraduate college or university, a student must then graduate from an accredited medical school with either a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy degree.

To be eligible for board certification, physicians planning to specialize in neurology must enroll in a residency program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. These residency programs provide supervised neurology training in both hospital and ambulatory care settings. Educational conferences and research training also supplement neurology residency programs.

Physicians specializing in adult neurology will complete at least one year of an internship (with a mininum of eight months in internal medicine) and three years of neurology residency. Those specializing in child neurology will spend two years in a general pediatric residency, or a year in both internal medicine and pediatrics, or one year in research and one year in pediatrics. Residents in child neurology then spend at least one year in adult neurology service and two years in a child neurology service.

After completing residency training, neurologists can choose to enroll in a fellowship program. A fellowship offers a neurologist the opportunity to develop expertise in a subspecialty of neurology such as stroke, dementia or movement disorders. Fellowship programs range from one to two years.

Upon completion of residency training, a neurologist may seek certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. To be eligible for certification, applicants must:

possess an unrestricted state license to practice medicine;
complete the required years of residency training in the United States;
pass both a written and oral examination administered by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

This information on this page is adapted from the brochures "What is a Neurologist?" and "Choosing the Medical Specialty of Neurology" from the American Academy of Neurology and the American Academy of Neurology Education & Research Foundation.

Protecting and treating the brain and nervous system is the essence of a neurologists' work.

A neurologist is a medical doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system. Pediatric neurologists are doctors with specialezed training in children's neurological disorders.

A neurologist's educational background and medical training includes an undergraduate degree, four years of medical shcool, a one-year internship and possibly additional years of training in internal medicine, and at least three more years of specialized training in the field of neurology. Many neurologists also have additional training in one area of neurology such as stroke, epilepsy or movement disorders.

Neurologists are principal care providers or consultants to other physicians. When a person has a neurologic disorder that requires frequent care, a neurologist is often the principal care provider. Patients with disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease or multiple sclerosis may use a neurologist as their principal care physician.

In a consulting role, a neurologist will diagnosis and treat a neurological disorder and then advise the primary care physician managing the person's overall health. For example, a neurologist would act in a consulting role for conditions such as stroke, consussion or headache.

Neurologists can recommend surgical treatment, but do not perform surgery. When treatment includes surgery, neurologists will monitor surgically treated patients and supervise their continuing treatment. Neurosurgeons are medical doctors who specialize in performing surgical tratments of the brain or nervous system.

The human brain is the most complex structure in our world. Its intricacies remain unsolved and unending. How we think, reason, move, sense, learn and communicate - all are determined by the brain.

The medical specialty of neurology focuses on the total nervous system, which includes the brain, spine, nerves and muslces. In recent years, research performed by neurologists has greatly advanced understanding of the brain and nervous system. With this new understanding, neurologists are developing new treatments and, ultimately, cures for a host of neurological diseases, which are among the most destructive and costly public health problems in the United States.

For example, today neurologists can successfully treat stroke patients with clot-busting mdedication proven to reduce deaths and decrease disability. Research developments have also produced new medications that relieve migraines, slow the progression of multiple sclerosis and improve movement for patients with Parkinson's disease. These are just a few of the many advances neurologists use to help improve the lives of millions of men, women and children around the world with neurological disorders.

The future is promising for the medical specialty of neurology. Advanced therapies, new diagnostic techniques and the aging population ensure a strong demand for neurologists today and in the future.

Neurologists treat disorders of the nervous system, brain, spinal cord, nerves, muscles and pain. Common neurological disorders include:

Many neurological disorders can be treated. Treatment or symptomatic relief is different for each coondition. To find treatment options, neurologist will perform and interpret tests of the brain or nervous system. Treatment can help patients with neurological disorders maintain the best possible quality of life.

During a neurological examination, the neurologist reviews the patient's health history with special attention to the current condition. The patient then takes a neurological exam. Typically, the exam tests cognition, vision, strength, coordination, reflexes and sensation. This information helps the neurologist determine if the problem is in the nervous system. Further tests may be needed to confirm a diagnosis or to find a specific treatment.

An examination is used when a family doctor or non-neurologist seeks a specialized opinion about a patient whose symptoms may involve the brain or nervous system. The examination also be performed when a patient wants a second opinion from a neurologist. The neurologist's expertise in disorders of the brain and nervous system can give patients effective diagnosis and treatment for neurological disorders.

Common Neurological tests utililized include image or sound wave tests and electrical activity or response tests.

Computerized tomography or computer assisted tomography (CT or CAT scan): This test uses x-rays and computers to create two-dimensional pictures of selected body parts. Dye may be injected into a patient's vein to obtain a better picture. Other than needle insertion for the dye, this test is painless.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI is an advanced way of taking pictures of the inner brain. It is harmless and involves magnetic fields and radio waves. It is performed when a patient is lying in a small chamber for about 30 minutes. Because MRI utilizes a very strong magnet, if you have metal in your body other than dental filings, notify your physician. Be sure to tell your physician if you suffer from claustrophobia (fear of closed areas). A physician can offer recommendations that can help you relax. This test is painless.
Neurosonography: This test uses ultra high frequency sound waves to analyze blood flow and blockage in the blood vessels in or leading to the brain. This test is painless.
Transcranial Doppler (TCD): This test uses sound waves to look at major blood vessels in the brain. A microphone is placed on different parts of the head to view the intracranial blood vessels. This test is painless.
Electroencephalogram (EEG): The EEG records the brain's continuous electrical activity through electrodes attached to the scalp. It is used to help diagnose structural diseases of the brain and episodes such as seizures, fainting or blacking out. This test is painless.
Electromyogram (EMG): An EMG measures and records electrical activity from the muscles and nerves. This may be helpful in determining the cause of pain, numbness, tingling or weakiness in the muscles or nerves. Small needles are inserted into the muscle and mild electrical shocks are fiven to stimulate the nerve. Discomfort may be associated with this test.
Evoked Potentials (EP): The EP test records the brain's electrical response to visual, auditory and sensory stimuli. This test is useful in evaluating and diagnosing symptoms of dizziness, numbness and tingling, as well as some visual disorders. Discomfort may be associated with this test.
Sleep studies: Involve tests that diagnose specific causes of sleep problems. To perform tests, it is often necessary for a patient to spend the night in a sleep laboratory. Brain wave activity, heart rate, electrical activity of the heart, breathing and oxygen in the blood are all measured during the sleep test. This test is painless.
Another common test performed is - Cerebral Spinal Fluid Analysis (Spinal tap or lumbar puncture): This test is used to check for bleeding, hemorrhage, infection or other disorder of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. In this test the lower back is numbed with local anesthesia, and a thin needle is placed into the space that contains the spinal fluid. The amount of spinal fluid needed to diagnose the specific problem is removed and the needle is withdrawn. Discomfort may be associated with this test.

To become a neurologist in the United States, extensive education and training is required. After graduating from an undergraduate college or university, a student must then graduate from an accredited medical school with either a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy degree.

To be eligible for board certification, physicians planning to specialize in neurology must enroll in a residency program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. These residency programs provide supervised neurology training in both hospital and ambulatory care settings. Educational conferences and research training also supplement neurology residency programs.

Physicians specializing in adult neurology will complete at least one year of an internship (with a mininum of eight months in internal medicine) and three years of neurology residency. Those specializing in child neurology will spend two years in a general pediatric residency, or a year in both internal medicine and pediatrics, or one year in research and one year in pediatrics. Residents in child neurology then spend at least one year in adult neurology service and two years in a child neurology service.

After completing residency training, neurologists can choose to enroll in a fellowship program. A fellowship offers a neurologist the opportunity to develop expertise in a subspecialty of neurology such as stroke, dementia or movement disorders. Fellowship programs range from one to two years.

Upon completion of residency training, a neurologist may seek certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. To be eligible for certification, applicants must: