Of all the systems in the body, damage to the nervous system can (arguably) be the most devastating. And although the inner workings of the nervous system are complex and intricate, neurologists have dedicated their lives to understanding it.
What is a neurologist?
A neurologist is a physician who specializes in the study, diagnosis, treatment and management of injuries, diseases and disorders of the nervous system. The nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord and is made up of two parts: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. Diseases, disorders and injuries affecting the nervous system often require treatment by a neurologist.
Education
The training of a neurologist includes undergraduate studies, a four-year medical degree, a one-year internship, and at least three years of residency training. Because the nervous system is so complex, it is common for neurologists to complete additional training in a subspecialty.
Subspecialties
When a neurologist chooses a specialty, he or she completes a fellowship in that area. Some common specialties include:
Headache medicine
Neuromuscular medicine
Neurocritical care
Neuro-oncology
Geriatric Neurology
Autonomic disorders
Vascular care (stroke)
Pediatric Neurology
Interventional Neuroradiology
Epilepsy
Role
Neurologists are the primary care providers when a patient has a neurological disorder that requires frequent treatment. In cases of stroke, concussion, or headache, neurologists usually take on a consultative role for primary care physicians. Neurologists do not perform surgery, but may refer patients who need surgery to a neurosurgeon or spine surgeon. In the event of surgery, a neurologist may further monitor and supervise treatment.
What conditions do neurologists treat?
Diseases
A Neurologist in Dubai treats disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems, including the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, peripheral nerves, nerve roots, autonomic nervous system, neuromuscular junction and muscles.
The most common diseases of the nervous system include:
Epilepsy: A neurological disorder associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain, resulting in recurrent, unprovoked seizures and loss of consciousness.
Alzheimer’s disease (and other dementias): progressive mental decline caused by general degeneration of the brain.
Stroke (and other cerebrovascular diseases): a stroke occurs when a blood vessel is unable to supply oxygen and nutrients to the brain due to a blood clot or rupture.
Migraine (and other headache disorders): severe, recurring headaches often accompanied by nausea and vision problems.
Multiple sclerosis: A chronic disease in which nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged, resulting in numbness, speech and muscle difficulties, vision problems and severe fatigue.
Parkinson’s disease: a progressive disease characterized by tremors, muscle rigidity and slow, imprecise movements. It is associated with degeneration of the brain’s basal ganglia and a lack of dopamine.
Brain tumors: a collection of abnormal cells in the brain that leads to impaired cognitive function.
Brain trauma (and other nervous system injuries): injury to the brain from an external agent, sometimes resulting in an altered state of consciousness and permanent or temporary impairment of cognitive, physical, or psychosocial function.
Tourette’s syndrome (and other dysfunctions): a neurological disorder associated with involuntary tics and vocalizations and the compulsive utterance of obscenities.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease): A progressive damage to the motor neurons of the central nervous system that results in muscle wasting and paralysis.
Diseases
A Neurologist will treat diseases that attack the nervous system, such as:
Infections (bacterial, viral, fungal)
Cancers (malignant, benign,)
Neurological diseases and disorders are common, and the risk of developing one increases with age. Neurologic disorders, such as injury of the nervous system, are also a common occurrence. Research shows that as many as 60 million people worldwide may suffer a traumatic brain injury each year. It is important to know the signs of neurological diseases and disorders, as they are serious and may be life-threatening when left untreated.
If you or a loved one experiences symptoms of a neurological disorder, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician and ask about making an appointment with a neurologist at Gndubai.