What is Neurology?
Neurology is the study of everything that makes up the nervous system – the brain, nerves and spinal cord. A neurologist will treat diseases and disorders of the nervous system including infections, degenerative disorders, headaches and autoimmune conditions.
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Literature on this site is for information purposes only, please do not use it to self-diagnose or any form of self-treatment. We recommend that you see a registered healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment plan.
Examples of tests done in Neurology
This is a painless test that records electrical signals from the brain. Small electrodes (stickers) are attached to the scalp and sends the electrical signals to a machine that can be interpreted by a specialist.
The main use of an EEG is to detect and investigate epilepsy, a condition that causes repeated seizures. An EEG can help identify the type of epilepsy and what may be triggering the seizures.
This is a form of imaging where you lie down inside a tube surrounded by large magnets which allows us to look at the brain and spinal cord in great detail.
A neurological examination evaluates brain and nervous system functioning. It’s a series of tests that assesses mental status, reflexes, movements and more.
A full neurological exam can help diagnose conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Stroke. It is also useful in diagnosing migraines, dementia and other neurological conditions.
This is a non-invasive test that checks the speed of nerve conduction using small stickers on the skin attached to wires that send an electrical signal to stimulate the nerve.
The measurements and observations that are taken from these tests can help diagnose trapped or damaged nerves in your arms, legs, neck, back or face.
They are also useful in diagnosing other nerve or muscle disorders.
This is an invasive test where a thin needle is inserted into a gap between the bones of your lower spine. You are given local anaesthetic which means it should not be painful but may cause back ache and headaches for a few days afterwards.
This test is usually done to take a sample of fluid from your spinal cord to be tested. The fluid can show signs of infection (encephalitis), bleeding (subarachnoid hemorrhage), high pressure (intracranial hypertension) or abnormal cells (multiple sclerosis).
These tests are done to investigate obstructive sleep apnea which is a condition that results in not getting enough oxygen during sleep due to stopping breathing.
The test is done while you sleep. During the procedure you are hooked up to a machine that will measure your brain waves, breathing pattern, muscle tone and eye movements.
The consultant will ask you to describe your symptoms and concerns and take a medical history.
The consultant will carry out an appropriate physical examination.
The consultant will arrange appropriate tests and investigations such as blood tests and imaging.
Dr Heather Angus-Leppan; MBBS (Hons), MSc, MD, FRACP, FRCP Consultant Neurologist, Barnet and Royal Free Hospital...
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