Neurologists diagnose and treat disorders of the brain, spinal cord and
nerves (the central nervous system). They also deal with disorders involving
muscles.
These disorders include:
- Strokes
- Tumors
- Muscular dystrophy
- Headaches and other pains
- Meningitis
- Encephalitis
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson's disease
- Alzheimer's disease
- Multiple sclerosis
There are many subspecialties within neurology. They require additional
training. For instance, child neurologists work with children and adolescents.
They have special training in genetic and metabolic problems, malformation,
retardation and other developmental problems.
Neurologists work in public or private clinics, hospitals, and university
teaching facilities. Many are in private practice. Those working in academic
settings are required to teach classes as well as offer bedside training and
rounds to medical students, residents and others. Research might also be required.
Neurologists do a lot of paperwork. They dictate letters to family physicians
and fill out forms for insurance companies.
Many neurologists spend a lot of time in meetings with colleagues.
Keeping up to date is very important. Neurologists attend conferences and
read research articles and journals.
Many people confuse neurologists with neurosurgeons. They represent two
different medical specializations. Neurologists do not perform surgery.
Dr. Margaret McBride is the director of pediatric neurology at a children's
hospital in Ohio. "Neurologists study nerve sections and test peripheral nerves,"
she says. "We see patients and perform some procedures such as handling pump
devices, but what we do is called clinical work, not surgical."
According to Dr. Karen Roos, some people with disabilities might be able
to work as neurologists. Roos is the program director of the department of
neurology at Indiana University.
"Medicine is very physical. You walk here and there all day long," she
says. "A person in a wheelchair might be able to do the work, but a person
who walks with a cane or other mobility device could have difficulties getting
around."