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Medically reviewed by:
Gabrielle Mavelian, DO

Neurology is a field of medicine that studies disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. Neurological conditions may originate in childhood or be acquired later in life through injury, infection, inflammation, or other disease. The field of neurology helps identify and diagnose these interrelated conditions, navigate treatment plans, and optimize functional living.

What does a neurologist do?

A neurologist is a physician who has graduated from medical school and undergone years of additional specialized training in internal medicine and neurology. A neurologist helps diagnose patients with a wide array of neurologic conditions and offers neurologic services and treatment plans. Neurologists often work closely with other medical professionals, such as psychologists, social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists, to help patients optimally manage their conditions.

Neurology services include:

  • Medication management
  • Imaging with ultrasound, CT, MRI, or PET scans
  • Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) studies
  • Electromyography (EMG) studies
  • Electroencephalogram (EEG) studies
  • Lumbar punctures (LP)
  • Targeted injections (such as Botox)

Neurological disorders

Neurological disorders managed by neurologists include:

  • Stroke (CVA) and transient ischemic attack (TIA)
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Dizziness and vertigo
  • Memory loss, confusion, and dementia (including Alzheimer’s)
  • Concussions, brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries
  • Benign and malignant brain tumors
  • Epileptic seizures
  • Imbalance and discoordination syndromes
  • Weakness, numbness, tingling, or paralysis of the extremities
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Tremors
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Trigeminal neuralgia
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Infections of the nervous system, such as encephalitis

Neurologists near me

It can be hard to know when to see a neurologist. Neurological disorders and their symptoms can often be vague, and they can begin gradually. Signs of a neurological disorder include headaches or severe facial pain, weakness or numbness, memory or speech troubles, problems with vision, balance, or coordination, seizures, dizziness or vertigo, or muscle spasms.

If you are experiencing signs of a neurological disorder, use this link to find a neurologist near me.

Frequently asked questions about neurologists

Neurological disorders that cause muscle spasms

A muscle spasm happens when a muscle or group of muscles involuntarily contracts or tightens and then can’t be voluntarily relaxed. A muscle spasm may last just a few seconds, or it may last a few minutes. Sometimes, muscle spasms can happen because of dehydration, aging, or overuse. However, muscle cramps can also be a common symptom of a neurological disorder. Several neurological disorders may have muscle spasms as one of the earliest symptoms. These include Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). If you are having new or unexplained muscle spasms, make sure to search for a neurologist near me.

What is neurology?

Neurology is a specialized field of medicine that helps patients manage disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. The brain, spinal cord, and nerves are all interconnected, forming the “command center” that dictates how you perceive and move throughout the world. The brain also helps you communicate by controlling your vision, hearing, and speech centers. A neurologist is a specially trained physician who has studied the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system extensively and can help patients diagnose and manage neurological conditions.

Signs of neurological disorders

Signs of neurological disorders can be very broad and come and go, making them difficult to distinguish at first. However, it’s important to pay close attention to symptoms that seem new or persistent, as these may be signs of a neurological disorder. Signs of neurological disorders include headache, facial pain or asymmetry, vision changes, speech changes, difficulties with movement and balance, muscle weakness or cramps, numbness, seizures, passing out, dizziness, or memory problems.

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