Neurology focuses on disorders of the nervous system. This field of medicine deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of all disorders of our nervous system. In addition to the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems, this field also encompasses, in a broader sense, certain muscle disorders—particularly neuromuscular conditions.
The line between neurology and psychology is blurred, as many disorders of the nervous system can also lead to pathological behavioral changes. However, neurology—a subspecialty of internal medicine—does not focus on human experience and behavior; rather, it focuses specifically on the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, as well as the peripheral nerves and their connections to the muscles.
What neurological conditions do neurologists treat?
Neurologists primarily treat diseases and disorders related to nerve and muscle activity. Of particular interest are neurological disorders resulting from degenerative processes or direct damage to the brain. Among the most common conditions treated in neurology are
- stroke,
- epilepsy,
- multiple sclerosis (MS),
- various movement disorders,
- Parkinson’s disease (“shaking palsy”), as well as
- and, due to our increasing life expectancy, increasingly, dementia.
Typical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include tremors @ Pixel-Shot /AdobeStockWhat diagnostic procedures do neurologists use?
As with all medical diagnostic processes, a neurological examination also begins with a medical history. During a conversation with the patient, the neurologist clarifies, for example, how long the symptoms have been present and where exactly they are located. This information provides the neurologist with initial clues to identify the neurological condition.
Following this, the neurologist will perform a few simple tests, such as assessments of motor function, cranial nerves, reflexes, and coordination.
Only after reaching a preliminary diagnosis will the neurologist use additional diagnostic imaging and testing procedures for further evaluation. Such examinations are usually conducted at specialized neurology clinics. There, the following are primarily performed:
- blood tests,
- cerebrospinal fluid analysis,
- electroencephalograms (EEGs), as well as
- ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
are performed there.
First and foremost, these tests allow the neurologist to determine how far nerve damage has already progressed or to what extent vascular disorders are responsible for the deficits and symptoms, such as after a stroke.
It is important to note, however, that even in the age of modern medical technology, the physical examination and clinical assessment still take precedence. The diagnostic procedures are used solely to confirm findings or to test clinical hypotheses.
What does the range of services offered by neurology specialists look like?
Depending on the type of condition, neurology specialists have a wide variety of procedures and methods at their disposal to alleviate symptoms.
Among other things, neurologists use deep brain stimulation to restore the nervous system to its proper rhythm and to a state of functioning that is largely symptom-free.
In addition, however, new fields of practice have emerged, particularly in the last decade, that are already making significant progress in the treatment of neurological disorders—for example, in neuroimmunology, neurotraumatology, and neuro-oncology.
However, these tasks are carried out almost exclusively by neurologists at the numerous specialized neurology clinics throughout Germany.
In deep brain stimulation (DBS), electrical impulses are sent to the nerve cells @ Teeradej /AdobeStock
What qualifications do neurologists have?
In Germany, neurologists complete postgraduate training in internal medicine with a specialization in neurology.
