Neurology: what neurologists do, their education and training
Neurology deals with the medical disorders associated with the nervous system and brain. If you experience any medical condition related to your nervous system or brain, it is advisable to consult a physician specializing in neurology.
With your brain being one of the most fascinating and complex organs in the body, it is vital to keep your brain active and healthy at all times. Neurologists help treat and manage conditions that affect the brain and spinal cord. Whether you are experiencing complex or common neurological disorders, a neurologist can help identify the symptoms and device accurate treatment plans for various conditions.
Neurology Residency
Neurology is a field of medicine focusing on disorders related to the nervous system. This discipline specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventive care measures for illnesses involving the brain, spinal cord, muscles, and peripheral nerves.
The nervous system is a complex system that coordinates and regulates the body’s activities. Physicians specialized in neurology help treat a range of neurological disorders, such as:
· Autoimmune neurological disorders.
· Movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease.
· Cerebrovascular diseases like stroke.
· Infections of the peripheral nervous system and the brain.
· Speech and language disorders.
· Disorders related to the spinal cord.
· Seizure disorders like epilepsy.
· Blackouts.
Neurology Education and Training Requirements
Most neurologists take up extra training or focus on a specific area of neurology, such as movement disorders, neuromuscular disorders, pain management, or sleep medicine. In the US, to become a neurologist, you have to complete the following:
1. Four years of pre-med education in an accredited university.
2. Four years of medical school and getting an MD or DO degree.
3. Followed by one year of internship training in either surgery or internal medicine.
4. Three years of residency training in the field of neurology.
5. Those interested can move on to three more years of fellowship for additional training in any neurology subspecialty of their choice. The training period will be much longer for neurologists pursuing multiple fellowships.
Neurologists: What Do They Treat?
Neurologists help treat adults and children affected by neurological health conditions that affect almost any part of the body. With a better understanding of the anatomy and functions of the nervous system, a certified neurologist can provide accurate diagnosis and treatment for most neurological conditions.
Neurologists are crucial in providing medical care for diverse neurological conditions using various treatment options. Some of the common symptoms that require the help of neurologists are:
· Muscle weakness.
· Confusion.
· Dizziness.
· Coordination issues.
· Failure or change in sensation
Patients with issues with their sense organs, resulting in the impairment of smell, vision, and touch, must consult a neurologist to get proper treatment. In most cases, health disorders related to the senses are often related to nervous system disorders.
Final Thoughts
Neurologists familiar with the latest treatment and research options can provide patients with the right treatment and medical care. If you like solving complex issues, you sure enjoy your role as a neurologist.
In addition to treating a wide range of health conditions, neurologists will encounter patients with chronic issues and life-threatening conditions like Brain tumors, Alzheimer’s disease, etc. With advancements in diagnosis and treatment therapy for neurological conditions, this field of medicine is becoming an exciting career choice for many.