What is Neurology?
Neurology is a branch of medicine, dealing with the disorders
of the nervous system. The nervous system is a complex communicating framework
including the brain, spinal cord, and cranial nerves, which coordinate the
basic actions of the human body. Neurological disorders are treated by
neurologists, who are physicians specialized in the field of neurology.
Neurology is further subdivided into categories such as neurosurgery,
pediatric neurology, and neurophysiology.
Neurological disorders include diseases affecting the central
nervous system such as brain, brainstem and cerebellum, peripheral nervous
system, and autonomic nervous system. The major neurological disease
conditions include headaches, neurodegenerative disorders, cerebrovascular
disease, sleep disorders, cerebral palsy, pathogenic infections, movement
disorder, demyelinating disease, spinal cord disorders, peripheral nerve
disorders, and traumatic injuries to the brain, spinal cord and nerves.
Neurological disorders often exhibit only simple symptoms
such as headache. In depth clinical investigation, with the help of an expert
is essential to resolve the actual condition. Comprehensive neurological
examination is primarily conducted to evaluate functions, motor and sensory
skills, using items such as a tuning fork, flashlight, reflex hammer,
ophthalmoscope, and needles. The incorporation of high end technology in
neurological diagnostic procedures has helped neurologists to confirm the
exact condition. Common diagnostic procedures include angiography,
electromyography, electroencephalography, polysomnography, scans such as
ultrasound, MRI, CT, PET, SPECT etc. Malignancy of tumors is assessed by
biopsy. Genetic tests are used to find out the possibility of a genetic
disease.
With the help of
advancements in the field, now efficient medical treatment is available for
neurological disorders. In the case of motor disabilities and memory loss,
adequate care plays the most vital role in neurological patient management.
