Neurologists, not unlike neurosurgeons, must endure extensive internships, residencies, and fellowships that are taxing and lengthy. Although surgery is not part of a neurologists training, they must study and understand the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system that includes complicated interactions with neural elements such as eyes, ears, skin and other sensory receptors. It is an arduous journey from a first-year medical student to a practicing Neurologist.
Neurologists manage, treat and diagnose neurologic conditions and diseases, as well as patients with sensory problems that involve issues with touch, vision or smell. Testing and diagnosis are an important aspect of a neurologist’s practice because many conditions and diseases often have many of the same symptoms. In addition, the nervous system is complex and is vitally involved in essentially every function your body performs, consequently you may be asked by your neurologist to come back for further testing. This is not unusual and not a reason to become anxious or concerned because an accurate diagnosis is a first and most important step to health and wellness.
A neurologist treats a variety of disorders but the most common are:
