Frequently Asked Questions About Neurology

Neurology is a branch of medicine focused on the study and treatment of disorders of the nervous system, which includes your brain, spinal cord and all the nerves that branch off from the spinal cord. The nervous system is responsible for transmitting signals to and from various parts of the body so that it can move, feel, and think.

Neurologists diagnose, treat, and manage disorders of the bran and nervous system. Common conditions they treat include the following:

• Headaches (migraines, tension, cluster)
• Neuropathy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Strokes
• Epilepsy and seizures
• Tremors
• Alzheimer’s and dementia
• Parkinson’s disease
• Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
• Brain and spinal cord injuries
• Cerebral palsy
• Meningitis

In addition to reviewing your symptoms and taking a full medical and family history, neurologists may order specialized diagnostic tests and perform the following physical and neurological exams:

• Mental Exam – Checking memory, thinking skills and speech
• Cranial Nerves – Testing vision, eye movement, hearing and facial strength
• Motor Skills – Checking muscle strength, balance and coordination
• Reflexes – Using tools, like a small hammer, to tap and test nerve response
• Sensation – Testing if you can feel pain, touch, vibration and temperature properly

Neurologists complete four years of college and four years of medical school, followed by a one-year internal medicine internship and a three-year specialized neurology residency. Many neurologists go on to complete fellowship training in a subspecialty, such as stroke, epilepsy or neuromuscular medicine, and receive board certification.

Neurologists may order a variety of diagnostic tests, such as brain and spine imaging, electrical activity tests, and laboratory tests, to evaluate the nervous system.

• MRI – Shows detailed pictures of soft tissues in the brain and spinal cord to find tumors, damage or multiple sclerosis
• CT Scans – Uses X-rays to take quick pictures of the brain or spine after injuries or strokes
• Angiography – Looks at blood vessels in the brain or neck to find blockages or weak spots
• Electrical activity tests – Uses an Electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure brain waves or Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies to test muscle and nerve function
• Evoked Potentials – Measures brain wave responses to sight, sound or touch stimuli
• Lumbar Puncture (Spine Tap) – Collects fluid around the spinal cord to check for infections or bleeding
• Blood tests – Checks for vitamin shortages, infections or immune system problems
• Genetic Testing – Looks for inherited gene changes linked to brain disorders

The amount of sleep a child needs depends on their age.

• Newborns (0 to 3 months): 14-17 hours per day in short bursts
• Infants (4 to 12 months): 12-16 hours per day, including naps
• Toddlers (1 to 2 years): 11-14 hours per day, including naps
• Preschoolers (3 to 5 years): 10-13 hours per day, which may include a nap
• School-age (6 to 13 years): 9-12 hours per night
• Teens (13 to 18 years): 8-10 hours per night

Patients are typically referred to a neurologist by their primary care provider. However, patients should be proactive in their healthcare decisions. Ask for a referral or make an appointment to see a neurologist if you experience the following:

• Severe or chronic headaches
• Unexplained dizziness, vertigo or trouble with balance
• Problems with movement or muscle weakness
• Tremors, shaking or muscle twitching
• Numbness or tingling
• Decline in cognitive abilities or memory loss
• Unexplained personality changes
• Seizures