Neurologists: Who are they and what do they treat?

A medical professional who is specialised in the treatment, diagnosis and management of diseases and disorders related to the brain and the nervous system is called a neurologist. Neurologists are incredibly

specialised professionals who treat gravely serious conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, migraine, etc. Diseases like these can leave a person unable to take care of themselves if kept untreated and lead, directly or indirectly, to fatal consequences.

Your brain is an amazing organ that works day and night to maintain your body’s equilibrium and keep your other organs functional. Unlike you, it never sleeps. As explained by one of the best neurologists in Kolkata, people often ignore neurological problems, thinking it’s just a tension headache or something. However, it can signify a more serious problem, especially if your symptoms are recurring and extreme. So, it is recommended to get regular checkups.

What are the different types of Neurologists?

The different types of neurologists specialise in treating different types of conditions or may treat a specific age group. For example, a pediatric neurologist is a neurologist who specialises in treating neurological disorders in children. “Children may also face several nervous system problems, in which case, a neurologist becomes essential “, says the best neurologist in Kolkata.

What conditions does a Neurologist treat?

A neurologist treats several conditions ranging from simple migraine attacks to complex emergencies like cerebral stroke. A neurologist treats the following:

  • Alzheimer’s caused by dying brain cells that leads to mental degradation.
  • Stroke is the medical emergency caused when oxygen supply is cut out due to a clot or ruptured blood vessels.
  • Migraine, which is a severe form of headache that often occurs with vision problems and nausea.
  • Epilepsy which to recurring blackouts and sudden seizures.
  • Multiple sclerosis a disease caused due to damaged brain and spinal cord nerve cells leading to speech
    disorders, vision problems, numbness and severe weakness.
  • Parkinson’s disease, brain tumours, Tourette’s syndrome, infections are also treated by the neurologist.

How does a Neurologist treat conditions?

Neurologists examine the patient, order tests, diagnose diseases, prescribe medicines and sometimes perform certain procedures to help manage or cure the disease.

A neurologist will examine a patient properly to understand their problem. They will listen to your symptoms and ask about your medical history like a physician. The brain is related to many of our motor functions. A neurologist often examines and tests these functions in their patients, including speech, sensation, vision, mental condition, coordination and reflex.

A thorough examination is essential for the right diagnosis. Even with all the modern technology, a
neurological examination is the best way to figure out any condition in the early stages, which results in
a better prognosis and treatment outcome.

Depending on the examination, they will either prescribe you medications or order further tests. A neurologist is essential to perform some highly technical medical tests, which are extremely useful for clinical diagnosis. Some of them are:

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Electroencephalography
  • Computed tomography (CT)
  • Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)
  • Lumbar puncture commonly used for cerebral fluid tests.
Depending on the symptoms, physical examination and test reports, the neurologist concludes and diagnoses a condition.

Neurologists are medical professionals who help diagnose, treat, and manage several brains and nervous system disorders. It is crucial to consult one if you ever experience any severe symptoms related to the brain or nervous system like headache, problems with vision or memory, dizziness, migraines, etc. We, at ILS Hospitals, have some of the best neurologists in Kolkata; in case of emergencies, contact us today.