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What is a Neurologist?

A neurologist is a specialist doctor who diagnoses problems associated with the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles.

Neurologists analyse the patient’s symptoms, detailed examination findings and perform investigations to work out the problem. Neurologists may perform procedures such as diagnostic testing, nerve blocks and botulinum toxin injections. Neurologists do not perform brain surgery – this is done by our neurosurgical colleagues.

A neurologist has spent many years training before becoming a specialist. This includes university studies, hospital internship and residencies, training as a physician and then specialty training as a neurologist.

Most neurologists go on to do subspecialty training in specialised fields within neurology. This usually involves spending months to a year working in a specific hospital which may be in Australia or overseas. Examples of neurology subspecialties include: neuromuscular disease; clinical neurophysiology; movement disorders; stroke medicine; epilepsy management; neuroimmunology; and, neurogenetics.

Many neurologists also do further studies such as a doctorate (PhD) and are often involved in publishing scientific research.

These are some of the conditions that are managed by a neurologist:

• Nerve injury and compression
• Spinal disorders including pain and pinched nerves
• Epilepsy and seizures
• Dementia including Alzheimer’s disease
• Stroke
• Migraine and other headache disorders
• Multiple Sclerosis and other inflammatory diseases of the brain
• Parkinson’s disease and tremor
• Brain tumours
• Brain trauma and concussion
• Muscle diseases causing pain, cramping or weakness
• Movement disorders and tics
• Neurodegenerative disease such as motor neuron disease
• Infections that involve the nervous system
• Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating treatments

Patients with some of these symptoms may also be seen by a neurologist:

• Headaches
• Chronic pain
• Dizziness
• Numbness or tingling
• Weakness
• Movement problems
• Seizures or loss of consciousness
• Vision problems
• Memory problems or confusion
• Sleep problems
• Speech or language difficulties
• Excessive sweating

Northern Beaches Neurology have 7 specialised Neurologist who can assist with all facets of your neurological care. Contact us on (02) 9982 2270 or reception@nbneuro.com.au to book an appointment.

If you are suffering from Migraine or Excessive Sweating visit The Migraine Clinic or Sydney Sweat Clinic pages for more information.