Neurology

Neurology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of disorders of the nervous system. The nervous system is a complex, sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates body activities. It has two major divisions:

• Central nervous system: the brain and spinal cord
• Peripheral nervous system: all other neural elements, such as eyes, ears, skin, and other "sensory receptors"

A doctor who specializes in neurology is called a neurologist. The neurologist treats disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, such as:

• Cerebrovascular disease, such as stroke
• Demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis
• Headache disorders
• Infections of the brain and peripheral nervous system
• Movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease
• Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease)
• Seizure disorders, such as epilepsy
• Spinal cord disorders
• Speech and language disorders

Neurologists do not perform surgery. If one of their patients requires surgery, they refer them to a neurosurgeon.

Understanding symptoms of neurological disorders is important, as it can lead you to an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Here are six common neurological disorders and ways to identify each one.

• Headaches
• Epilepsy and Seizures
• Stroke
• ALS: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
• Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
• Parkinson’s Disease

Neurosurgery

What is Neurosurgery?

Most people think of neurosurgery as brain surgery — but it is much more! It is the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of of patients with injury to, or diseases/disorders of the brain, spinal cord and spinal column, and peripheral nerves within all parts of the body. The specialty of neurosurgical care includes both adult and pediatric patients. Dependent upon the nature of the injury or disease a neurological surgeon may provide surgical and/or non-surgical care.

Neurosurgeons are medical doctors that diagnose and treat conditions related to the brain, spine, and other parts of your nervous system. They differ from neurologists in that they’re specifically trained and certified in the use of surgical treatments, whereas neurologists focus on other forms of treatment.

Because neurosurgeons are experts in the human nervous system, they also perform a wide variety of duties in addition to surgery. For instance, other health specialists such as emergency room doctors and neurologists often consult with neurosurgeons regarding their cases. Neurosurgeons also help evaluate and rehabilitate people with neurological conditions.

Neurosurgeons provide the operative and non-operative management (i.e., prevention, diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, critical care and rehabilitation) of neurological disorders. Because neurosurgeons have extensive training in the diagnosis of all neurological disease, emergency room doctors, neurologists, internists, family practitioners, and osteopaths often call upon them for consultations.