What Does a Neurologist Treat?

Some of the conditions a neurologist treats are:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease)
• Back pain
• Brain and spinal cord injury or infection
• Brain tumor
• Epilepsy
• Headaches
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson's disease
• Peripheral neuropathy (a disease that affects your nerves)
• Pinched nerves
• Seizures
• Stroke
• Tremors (uncontrollable movements)

Neurological Exam and Procedures

When you see the neurologist, they'll talk with you about your medical history and your symptoms. You'll also have a physical exam that focuses on your brain and nerves.

The neurologist may check your:

• Mental status
• Speech
• Vision
• Strength
• Coordination
• Reflexes
• Sensation (how well you feel things)

They may have a good idea of your diagnosis from the exam, but you'll probably need other tests to confirm it. Depending on your symptoms, these might include:

• Blood and urine tests to look for infections, toxins, or protein disorders
• Imaging tests of the brain or spine to look for tumors, brain damage, or problems with your blood vessels, bones, nerves, or disks
• A test of the communication between a nerve and the muscle it works with called an electromyogram, or EMG. This is done with electrodes on your skin or a needle put into a muscle.
• A small amount of fluid is taken from your spine to look for blood or infection. This is called a spinal tap or lumbar puncture.
• A muscle or nerve biopsy to look for signs of certain neuromuscular disorders. A small amount of tissue is taken and looked at under a microscope.
• A Tensilon test can help diagnose myasthenia gravis, a condition that weakens your muscles. Your doctor gives you a medicine called edrophonium (Tensilon) to see if it strengthens certain muscles and relieves your weakness temporarily.