What is neurology?
Neurology is a branch of medicine that is related to the study of disorders of the nervous system. The nervous system is a complex system in the human body that coordinates the other functions of the body. It is categorized into two major types:
central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord
Peripheral nervous system: this includes the other neural elements of the body like nerves, neuromuscular junctions, muscles, and "sensory receptors" in the eyes, ears, skin, etc.
A medical practitioner who has expertise in neurology is known as a neurologist. Big Apollo Spectra, the renowned advance neuro hospital Patna, hosts the best neurologist in Patna.
Symptoms that need a neurologist's consultation:
Here are a few major symptoms that require a neurologist's consultation:
In addition, people suffering from complications related to senses like touch, vision, or smell may have to consult a neurologist.
Common Neurological Disorders:
The neurologist offers medical treatment for the disorders caused in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Here are a few disorders that neurologists treat:
Cerebrovascular disorders like stroke
Multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases affect the central nervous system.
Infections that occur in the brain or peripheral nervous system
Movement disorders like Parkinson's disease
Neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease), and Parkinson's disease
Seizures or epilepsy
In order to reach a diagnosis that explains your symptoms, neurologists inquire about the history of the presenting complaints. They might ask about your prior medical history, family history, medication history, and any other relevant information. They also perform neurological examinations that are aimed at evaluating your
Cognition and mental status
Vision, hearing, and speech
Coordination, balance, reflexes, and gait
Investigations for neurological disorders:
Neurologists may recommend several investigations to support the clinical diagnosis. It includes a variety of electrophysiological tests and imaging studies of the nervous system. Blood, urine, or other body fluid tests may be recommended to analyze the seriousness of the condition and prescribe necessary medications. Genetic testing may be suggested if a genetic or inherited condition is suspected to be responsible for your symptoms. Some of the common tests that are recommended by neurologists are listed below:
Imaging Studies: Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT),
Electromyography (EMG): This test measures the electrical function in muscles and aids in knowing the disorders in nerves and muscles, spinal root compression, and motor neuron disorders like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Evoked potentials: This is a test that gives a picture of how swiftly the electrical signals reach the brain from your eyes, ears, or touch to your skin. The test can help diagnose multiple sclerosis, acoustic neuromas, and spinal cord injuries.
Angiography: Angiography helps in diagnosing if the blood vessels in your brain, head, or neck have blockages, damage, or abnormalities. It helps in analyzing aneurysms and blood clots.
Cerebrospinal fluid analysis: This test includes the removal of a fluid sample that surrounds the patient’s brain and spinal cord. The test helps in diagnosing whether there is a brain bleed, infection, multiple sclerosis, or metabolic disease.
Biopsy: A biopsy is about removing a tissue from the human body, which may be a muscle, nerve, or brain tissue.
Neurologists prescribe patients medications, physical therapy, or other approaches. The Big Apollo Spectra Neurologist in Patna gives the best consultation and treatment advice but does not perform surgery. If any patient needs surgery, they are referred to a neurosurgeon. For certain people, a multi Speciality team strategy is used, which includes a neurologist, neurosurgeon, physiotherapist, and other medical practitioners as appropriate.
Depending on your condition, your treatment may include one or more of the following:
Medicines: Modern-day medicines are quite effective in treating neurological disorders. The treatment plan is individualized by your doctor depending on both the disease and the patient's characteristics.
Physical or occupational therapy This is therapy performed by an occupational therapist to improve movement symptoms and prevent further complications. For instance, proper movement of the arms and legs may curb muscle tightness and weakness in cases of paralysis or mobility loss. The gradual increase in exercise may boost your capacity to move.
Speech therapy. If you have complications related to speech or swallowing, a consultation with a speech therapist may be helpful.
Stress reduction or distraction techniques Stress reduction techniques comprise progressive muscle relaxation, respiratory exercises, physical movement, and workouts. Distraction techniques such as music, conversation, and deliberately changing the walking style also help.
Mental health options: Functional Neurological problems are not everything about what is in your head; the way you think also has an impact on the signs of the disorders and recovery. Psychiatric treatment choices are:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This is a kind of psychotherapy that indicates the negative thought process and inaccurate thinking, which can aid you in analyzing situations better and responding effectively. CBT also helps you manage stressful lifestyles, situations, and symptoms. It is a very helpful treatment if you suffer from epileptic seizures. A few other kinds of psychotherapy may help in treating interpersonal problems, trauma, or abuse histories.
Treating other mental health conditions. Anxiety, depression, or other mental health complications worsen neurological disorders. Treating mental health along with functional neurologic disorders helps in quick recovery.
If you are in search of a head specialist doctor near you, Big Apollo Spectra Patna is your one-stop trustworthy multi Speciality hospital to get the best neurological treatment.