Neurology is a medical specialty foucisng on disorders and diseases of the  brain, spinal cords, nerves. This includes a wide range of disorders, such as stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. Neurologists use various diagnostic tests and procedures, such as CT scans, MRIs, and electromyography, to evaluate patients and make an accurate diagnosis.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the field of neurology, covering common neurological disorders, treatments, and effective therapeutic approaches. You can find more information about neurology and neurological health in the rest of the article.

 

What Does a Neurologist Do?

Neurologists are medical doctors trained to locate, monitor, and treat issues with the neurological system. These experts are highly skilled in identifying and monitoring issues related to the brain, spine, and nerves; including but not limited to stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. Physical examination of the nervous system is very intricate and requires a skillful and proficient expert. An accurate physical examination can diagnose many illnesses long before being detectable in tests. To provide accurate and effective care, neurologists utilize a variety of diagnostic tests and collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists, to develop comprehensive treatment plans for their patients. In addition to these, neurologists are committed to keeping their knowledge and expertise up-to-date by engaging in ongoing research and professional development. This allows them to stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field of neurology and provide the most current and effective care to their patients.

 

Early Signs of Neurological Disorders

The signs and symptoms of neurological disorders can be diverse and depend on the type of disorder and area of the nervous system that is affected. Some frequently observed symptoms associated with neurological disorders are:

  • Loss of strength or sensation in the face, arms, or legs,
  • Loss of balance or coordination,
  • Difficulty in speaking or swallowing,
  • Seizures or convulsions,
  • Headaches or migraines,
  • Vision or hearing problems,
  • Dizziness or vertigo,
  • Tremors or muscle spasms,
  • Fatigue or sleep disorders,
  • Cognitive or memory problems

It's important to note that some neurological disorders can also cause emotional or psychological symptoms such as depression or anxiety.

 

What Are the Common Nerve Diseases?

There are many diseases that affect the nervous system. Some of them are listed below:

  • Stroke: A stroke, also called as brain attack, occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, leading to the death of brain cells. Neurologists play a crucial role in diagnosing the type of stroke and recommending appropriate treatment options, such as medications or surgery. However, it should be noted that neurologists don’t perform surgery. Instead, neurosurgeons are responsible for surgical procedures 
  • Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological condition that affect the nervous system and causes seizures. Seizures can have a comprehensive impact on the entire organism. In the event of recurrent seizures occurring two or three times, suspicion of epilepsy may arise 
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS): Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease characterized by the formation of numerous plaques in the brain and spinal cords as a result of disorder in the immune system. The symptoms of multiple sclerosis may vary depending on the area of the brain and spinal cord 
  • Alzheimer's disease: Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder neurological characterized by the decline and eventually loss of cognitive function including impairments in memory, thought processes, and thinking ability
  • Parkinson's disease:Parkinson's disease is a degenerative nerve condition that causes a decline in motor functions due to degradation, harm, or loss of neurons in certain areas of the brain, resulting in symptoms such as difficulty with movement, tremors, and unsteadiness. 
  • Migraines: Migraine is a common and debilitating neurological disorder characterized by severe and recurring headaches often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and discomfort on one side of the head. To alleviate these symptoms, patients may be prescribed medication or recommended alternative treatments, such as stress-reduction techniques, by a neurologist.
  • Brain and spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injury and brain injury that affect the communication between brain and the rest of the body. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves and cells that extends from the brain to the lower back and so spinal cord injury occurs when these bundles are damaged. On the other hand; brain injury is the result of a sudden impact to the head which can range from permanent brain damage to coma even if death.

 

What Are the Diagnosis Methods for Neurological Disorders?

To make a diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment plan, neurologists may use a variety of diagnostic tests and procedures. The following are some frequent tests and procedures in neurology:

  • CT scan: X-rays are used in a CT scan to provide finely detailed pictures of the brain or spine. It can be used to spot anomalies like tumors or brain hemorrhages.
  • MRI: To provide precise pictures of the brain or spine, an MRI utilizes strong magnets and radio waves. It is often used to identify abnormalities or changes in brain tissue.
  • Electroencephalography (EEG): Using electrodes positioned on the scalp, an EEG captures the electrical activity of the brain. Epilepsy and other diseases that influence brain function can be identified with it.
  • Electromyography (EMG): The electrical activity of muscles is measured by an EMG. It can be used to diagnose muscle disorders or nerve damage.
  • Lumbar puncture (spinal tap): A lumbar puncture involves inserting a needle into the lower back to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. It can be used to diagnose infections or other conditions that affect the brain and spinal cord.

 

Treatment for Neurological Disorder

Once a diagnosis has been made, neurologists may recommend various treatment options, depending on the specific condition and the patient's needs. Neurology treatment options may include neurological medications, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and surgery. For example, medications may be used to control seizures in patients with epilepsy, while physical therapy may be recommended to help individuals with multiple sclerosis improve mobility. In addition to these, some neurological disorders have specific treatment options, while others may have no cure but can be managed with medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

 

HealthTürkiye® - Putting Your Nerves at Ease

At HealthTürkiye®, we are committed to guiding you to exceptional care for individuals with neurological disorders. Türkiye's experienced neurologists are committed to providing patients with the greatest treatment, support, and guidance so they can achieve the best results.

Türkiye offers a wide range of diagnostic tests and procedures to diagnose and evaluate patients accurately and works with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets their specific needs. Our treatment options may include medications, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and surgery.

In addition to our top-notch medical care, Türkiye also offers a supportive and welcoming environment for our patients and their families. We understand that living with a neurological disorder can be challenging, and we are here to provide the support and resources you need to manage your condition and improve your quality of life.

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25/04/2023 19:00