Neurologist

A neurologist is a specialist who carries out prevention and treatment of various disorders, diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Such a specialist is necessary for frequent headaches and dizziness, for diseases of the blood vessels of the brain, after head injuries, for disorders of the peripheral and central nervous systems, for frequent loss of consciousness, for Parkinson's disease.

The human brain and spinal cord completely control all systems and organs of the human body. Their condition determines how a person sees, hears, speaks, perceives the world around him, is aware of himself, etc. Stress, fatigue, irritability - these are all conditions that are pathological for the body and to prevent severe conditions associated with nervous disorders, it is very important to receive a timely consultation with a neurologist.

In modern conditions, it is extremely important to take care of your own health. Pain is the body's first signal that some kind of malfunction is occurring, this signal cannot be ignored. When back pain occurs, taking painkillers will not bring the desired effect, such drugs will only help to temporarily eliminate the pain, but not the cause of its occurrence. Back pain is one of the most common reasons for visiting a neurologist, however, there are still a number of symptoms that need to be taken into account. Symptoms that may indicate possible problems with the central nervous system are the following: severe headaches (frequent or occurring from time to time), loss of consciousness, vision, speech, dizziness, tinnitus, various sleep disorders, convulsions, a constant feeling of fatigue or weakness.

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Who is a neurologist?

A neurologist treats diseases of the nervous system (CNS, peripheral nerves) in his practice. As a rule, people turn to a specialist after strokes, osteochondrosis, visual impairment, hearing, sensitivity, headaches, etc.

When contacting a specialist, first of all, he determines the cause of the body's dysfunction, establishes the site of the lesion and the degree of damage to the nervous system, and then prescribes the appropriate treatment.

When should you see a neurologist?

It is necessary to seek help from a neurologist if you experience ailments such as intolerance to stuffiness, various loads, changes in blood pressure, a feeling of constant fatigue, decreased attention, increased sweating, sleep disturbances, and increased feelings of anxiety.

A neurologist helps to find and eliminate the cause of frequent headaches, dizziness, mood swings, noise in the ears or in the head.

What diagnostic methods does a neurologist use?

After the initial examination of the patient, the neurologist prescribes standard tests - a general blood and urine test. Then, in each individual case, the specialist decides whether additional testing is necessary or not.

A neurologist uses the following diagnostic methods in his work:

• electroneuromyography is a set of methods aimed at assessing the functional state of the neuromuscular system. During this diagnostic procedure, a nerve impulse is transmitted along the sensory and motor fibers of the peripheral nerves;
• electroencephalography – allows to determine the functional state of the brain, existing focal lesions, their severity and location, the reactivity of the central nervous system, etc.;
• rheoencephalography – allows to evaluate cerebral circulation;
• echoencephaloscopy – this neurophysiological and ultrasound diagnostics allows us to assess pathological processes in the brain tissue;
• X-ray of the skull, spine - X-ray examination of the bones of the skull, spine. The method is widely used in psychoneurological practice for deformations, changes in the size of the skull, craniocerebral injuries, general cerebral symptoms;
• myelography is a contrast X-ray examination of the spine, in which a contrast agent is injected into the spinal canal, allowing the doctor to evaluate the structure of the subarachnoid space and nerve roots. This method of examination is usually prescribed for spinal cord pathologies;
• pneumoencephalography is also a contrast X-ray examination, in which air is introduced into the cerebrospinal fluid space of the brain. The method is widely used for developmental abnormalities of the nervous system, tumor diagnostics, etc. Pneumoencephalography is usually performed in combination with a diagnostic puncture;
• computer tomography is the most effective and informative method of modern diagnostics. A special X-ray machine allows you to get an image of a section of almost any area being examined. Usually, this method of examination is prescribed to confirm a pathology detected using another diagnostic method;
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – using radio waves and a special magnetic field, high-quality images are obtained that help in diagnosing many diseases. The study is usually prescribed for disorders of brain activity, to identify tumors, etc.;
• positron emission tomography (PET) is a modern and most accurate method for diagnosing neurological, cardiac and oncological diseases;
• Angiography is a contrast X-ray examination of blood vessels; this method is used mainly to study blood flow and diagnose diseases of the vessels or adjacent tissues.

What does a neurologist do?

A neurologist treats diseases associated with the nervous system, which is divided into central (brain and spinal cord) and peripheral (other nerves).

Each disease usually has its own symptoms, characteristic only of it. The most common symptom that accompanies most diseases of the nerves and nervous system is pain. Usually these are headaches, pain in the neck, back, limbs.

Pain in the neck is a signal that requires increased attention. First of all, because the spinal cord passes through there and there are a large number of spinal roots, inflammation or compression of which causes a disease of the peripheral nervous system (radiculitis).

Pain in the lower back, spine, and thoracic region can occur with osteochondrosis and radiculitis.

Pain in the limbs (arms and legs) can occur for a number of reasons. In this case, you should first contact a neurologist. Since this may be associated with pathological conditions of the peripheral nerves. If, in addition to painful sensations, there is a feeling of numbness or increased sensitivity, muscle weakness - then a neurologist is the doctor you should contact first.

Particular attention should be paid to muscle weakness, which is a very important symptom. In this case, one muscle on the face has weakened or the entire arm does not matter, you should immediately seek help from a specialist, since this condition indicates a serious neurological disease.

Usually, the doctor makes a preliminary diagnosis after the initial examination of the patient. The main causes of numbness of the limbs or paralysis of the nerves on the face are neuritis of the facial nerve, neuroinfections, hemorrhages, strokes, hereditary diseases or malignant tumors of the central nervous system, autoimmune diseases.

Dizziness is the main reason why a consultation with a neurologist is necessary. During the appointment, the specialist determines the existing pathology of the cervical vessels or damage to certain areas of the brain.

If double vision appears, strabismus occurs, problems with vision occur - this is an urgent reason to contact a neurologist, all these symptoms almost always indicate organic lesions of the central nervous system.

What diseases does a neurologist treat?

Diseases that a neurologist deals with are related to the nervous system. Disruption of the central nervous system and peripheral nerves can be caused by various head injuries, radiculitis, osteochondrosis and its complications, intervertebral hernias. Also, cerebrovascular accidents, strokes, and CNS tumors can disrupt the functions of the nervous system.

Dangerous symptoms that require specialist intervention are frequent and severe headaches, migraines, dizziness, loss of consciousness, epileptic seizures, sleep disorders, and tinnitus.

A neurologist treats organs such as the brain and spinal cord, nerves, spine, and thalamus.

Advice from a neurologist

Most of the problems that people consult a neurologist are related to the spine. To avoid the development of serious diseases, a neurologist recommends paying special attention to your bed, as the condition of your back depends on its comfort. The mattress should meet the physiological characteristics of the spine, so it is equally harmful to sleep on a bare wooden board or on down feather beds.

The bed should be moderately hard, and it is important to consider the person's weight - the greater the weight, the harder the mattress should be. It is also harmful to sleep on pillows that are too big, in this case the head is in the wrong position, which leads to swelling of the neck muscles.

To have a good rest, you need to take care of a comfortable sleeping position. Some people prefer to sleep on their stomach, after which they notice that their lower back starts to hurt in the morning. In this case, you can put a small pillow under your stomach.

In case of osteochondrosis, when it is difficult to find a suitable position, you can put a wooden board on the bed, on top of which you put 5-8 cm foam rubber and a blanket, preferably woolen.

If you are bothered by pain radiating to your leg, it is recommended to place a rolled-up blanket or towel (or pillow) under your knee to reduce the stretching of the sciatic nerve and also relieve pain.

Before getting out of bed in the morning, you need to stretch well in one direction and then sit for about a minute with your feet on the floor and only then get up.

A neurologist will not only help in diagnosing and treating diseases related to nerves, but will also recommend effective preventive methods that will help prevent a number of neurological diseases. The main thing is to seek help from a specialist in a timely manner, in this case the chances of completely getting rid of the disease increase.

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