All you need to know about neurologists

What is a neurologist?


Neurologists are medical professionals who specialise in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the nervous system of the human body. A general practitioner might refer the patient to a neurologist if the concerned patient shows signs of a neurological disorder. These neurological disorders include a wide range of conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Diabetic Neuropathy, headaches, and Nerve Damage. 


Conditions treated by a Neurologist


Neurologists mostly treat neurological conditions which encompass problems that affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Some of these conditions are:


  • Epilepsy

  • Stroke

  • Headaches and Migraines

  • Brain Aneurysms

  • Sleep Disorders

  • Infections of the nervous system including Encephalitis, HIV, and Meningitis

  • Neuromuscular diseases such as MS (Multiple Sclerosis), and ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)

  • Neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease



Some Procedures used by Neurologists


Neurologists are known for performing a wide variety of tests and procedures for diagnosing and treating neurological conditions in any patient. Some of these procedures that are used by the neurologists include:


Lumbar Puncture


This is a procedure where a sample of spinal fluid is collected from the patient and this procedure is used to diagnose conditions such as Meningitis, Encephalitis, Myelitis, Leukemia, Dementia, or bleeding in the brain. 


Electromyography


This procedure is also known as EMG and is used to assess how well a person’s muscles are responding to the electrical stimulation from the motor neurons, which are the specialised nerves that are responsible for controlling muscle movement.  During this procedure, a specially trained technician will insert small needles which are called electrodes into the muscle. These record different electrical activity that usually occurs in muscle tissues during periods of rest and movement. 



Electroencephalogram


Also called EEG, it is used to measure and record the electrical activity in the brain of the patient. Neurons in the brain can communicate with each other via electrical impulses which can be picked by an EEG and it can also track the brain wave patterns of the patient. This procedure is used to identify abnormal electrical activity in the patient’s brain and certain conditions including Epilepsy, Seizures, Brain Tumors, Sleeping Problems. 



Other Tests


Some other tests or procedures that are used by neurologists for the diagnosing of neurological disorders include 


  • Lab tests such as urine and blood sample analyses

  • Imaging tests including Ultrasounds, MRI, CT Scans, and PET Scans

  • Biopsy

  • Angiography

  • Genetic Testing



When do you need to see a Neurologist?


A general doctor will refer someone to a neurologist if they show symptoms indicating a neurological disorder such as:


  • Muscle Weakness

  • Confusion

  • Frequent or Severe Headaches

  • Dizziness

  • Loss of coordination

  • Paralysis

  • Sensory changes 



Neurologists in India


Neurological diseases are never talked about without reservations in India and there is a lack of awareness about the availability of good neurologists in India. It is important to visit the doctor at the right time for the best course of treatment. 

There are a lot of neurologists across the nation, but let us start by talking about the best neurologist in Delhi. Dr Kadam Nagpal at Salubritas is one of the well-known Neurologists in Northern India. He has over 16 years of experience in the field of neurology and has treated patients successfully over the years.


Finding a Neurology Clinic in Delhi is not at all difficult with the abundance of information available online along with the reviews from real patients that might help you. These days you can get a video consultation from doctors as well. You just have to find a good neurologist to go to.

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