What is Neurology?

Neurology is a branch of medicine that deals with management of disorders related to brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles. All the sensations we receive and all our body activities are controlled by nervous system.

Common neurological problems are Headache, seizures or epilepsy, blackouts or syncope, vertigo, stroke, various neuropathies, Parkinson’s disease and other abnormal movements, memory disorders and various muscle diseases.

Headache is the commonest neurological problem for neuro consultation. There are several different causes of headaches, ranging from migraine to the most serious ones like bleeding or clots in brain.

Momentary loss of consciousness is another commonest reason to visit neurologist and on evaluation we can zero on the etiology like syncope/epilepsy and plan treatment accordingly.

Stroke is serious neurological disease and can happen due to blockage in blood vessel due to clots or due to bleeding in the brain. Early diagnosis and prompt management can save life and avoid serious disability.

Spinning sensation or vertigo results from various etiologies like ear fluid imbalance, or some inflammation/ tumor/ stroke in region of the brain controlling balance. Early differentiation among the etiologies can avoid serious consequences.

Numbness or tingling in one or more extremities is another common reason for seeking neurologist consultation. Patient may need specialized tests like nerve conduction studies to find the cause of it and plan treatment.

Parkinson’s disease can present with shaking in limbs, slowness of movements and stiffness in body, balance issue. There are several Parkinson’s-like disorders which also can present similarly.

Memory disorder is another domain of neurologist and patient can be helped with early diagnosis and treatment to lead an relatively independent life.