We all know perfectly what the different medical specialties are in charge of: the traumatologist, the internist, the dermatologist or the surgeon. But,do you really know how a neurologist can help you, the diseases he treats and when to go to him. In this article, David Schick, a neurologist in New York, explains what is a neurologist, how he can help you, as well as the most common reasons to see a neurologist.

In what situations can a neurologist help us?

A neurologist "is a specialist who takes care of diseases related to the brain and the nervous system." This specialty cares for people when they have conditions such as headache (migraine, tension), neuropathic pain (paresthesia and neuralgia), vertigo, dizziness, transient alterations in consciousness (epilepsy, confusion), instability, gait disturbances and balance, loss of strength, some vision problems, sleep disturbances, memory deficits and other higher functions (such as concentration, attention, time-space orientation), etc.

Generally speaking, a neurologist has the expertise necessary to diagnose and treat a range of conditions. However, there are a number of specialties within neurology, and most neurologist specialize in a specific area. That means, while some neurologists focus on treating nerve disorders, others such as clinical neurophysiologists are primarily diagnosticians. For example, neurologist David Schick diagnose and treats disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, muscles, and the involuntary nervous system that controls the heart, lungs and other organs. He treats headaches, stroke, dementia, seizures, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, sleep disorders and neuromuscular diseases.

What specifically does a neurologist treat?

At present, it is known that approximately 15% of the population has some neurological disorder. In this group of diseases are migraines, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, epileptic seizures, among others that are not so severe. Other functions of neurologists are to advise on the repercussions that this type of disease has on the family and social life of the patient; neutralize the component of intellectual or physical disability that these diseases entail and the sense of guilt and fear that are added because of it.

When to go to a neurologist?

In most cases, it is the general practitioner who refers a patient to the neurologist. However, the neurology specialist can be contacted directly. Once in consultation, the analysis of the case begins, drawing up the clinical history, a key piece in the diagnosis, since it is essential to specify the symptoms. In addition, a physical-neurological examination is performed and is generally supported by complementary diagnostic tests that help the neurologist to determine the disease with certainty: TSA or cranial Döppler, computerized axial tomography (CT), cranial or modular magnetic resonance (NMR), electroencephalogram, electromyography; neuropsychological test, polysomnography, depending on the problem of the particular patient.

A neurologist can help identify the cause of symptoms and create a treatment plan for both common and complex neurological conditions. Over the years working as a neurology specialist, David Schick has demonstrated a commitment to delivering exceptional diagnostic services and patient care together with his team of dedicated providers and staff.