What is a Neurologist

Introduction to Neurology

Neurology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of disorders of the nervous system. The nervous system is a complex, sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates body activities. It has two major divisions:

Central nervous system: the brain and spinal cord

Peripheral nervous system: all other neural elements, such as eyes, ears, skin, and other "sensory receptors"

A doctor who specializes in neurology is called a neurologist. The neurologist treats disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, such as:

Cerebrovascular disease, such as stroke

Demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis

Headache disorders

Infections of the brain and peripheral nervous system

Movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease

Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease)

Seizure disorders, such as epilepsy

Spinal cord disorders

Speech and language disorders

Neurologists do not perform surgery. If one of their patients requires surgery, they refer them to a neurosurgeon.

Education to Become a Neurologist in the United States

Four years of pre-medical education in a college or university

Four years of medical school resulting in an M.D. or D.O. degree (doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy degree)

One year internship in either internal medicine or medicine/surgery

At least 3 years of specialty training in an accredited neurology residency program

Many neurologists also have additional training or interest in one area of neurology, such as stroke, epilepsy, neuromuscular, sleep medicine, pain management, or movement disorders.