NEUROLOGY
Neurology is the branch of medicine that deals with the medical management of the nervous system and its disorders. This encompasses a wide spectrum including nerve and muscle diseases as well as brain and spinal cord problems. Neurologists are doctors that specialize in treating patients with neurological disorders. When surgery on the nervous system is required, this is usually performed by neurosurgeons.
Common Neurological Disorders
- Headache disorders (e.g. migrane, tension headache)
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders
- Neurodegenerative disorders (e.g. dementia, Alzheimer’s disease)
- Cerebrovascular disease (strokes, transient ischemic attacks)
- Sleep disorders
- Cerebral palsy
- Bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic infections of the central nervous system (e.g., encephalitis), meningitis, tetanus, botulism
- Tumours of the brain
- Movement disorders (Parkinson’s disease, Tourette Syndrome)
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spinal cord disorders
- Disorders of peripheral nerves, muscle and neuromuscular junctions
- Traumatic injuries to the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves
- Altered mental status, encephalopathy, stupor and coma
Common symptoms
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Limb weakness or numbness
- Gait and/or speech difficulties,
- Difficulties with vision
- Memory problems