Adult Neurology is the medical specialty dealing with the inborn, developmental and acquired, acute and chronic diseases of the central (brain and spinal cord) and peripheral (nerves and muscles) nervous system in Adult population. For pediatric population please refer to neuropediatrician.

The central nervous system is enclosed in an osseous cage, the skull and spine, covered by subcutaneous tissue and skin. Diseases of these structures are not within the scope of neurology.

Note that, injuries to muscles, sprains or tears after exercise, tendinitis or pain in joints are not within the scope of neurology

The nervous system is known to be a complex and sophisticated system, regulating and coordinating the body activities such that, in many occasions, neurology overlaps with other specialties.

What are the symptoms of a neurological disorder?

There are numerous symptoms that can point towards a neurological issue with some of them being nonspecific not necessarily meaning a neurological problem. Most of the time, pain and especially back pain, arises from bone structures and muscle contractions (spondylosis, discs …) so that you might require an orthopedic or neurosurgeon.

In case of any doubt, you can check with your family physician.

Some of them are as follows:

  • Headache
  • Numbness and /or tingling in one side of the body, arms and/or legs,
  • Weakness in one side of the body or in one limb.
  • Numbness and weakness in the face, eyelid drop, drooping of mouth.
  • Muscular waste and weakness.
  • Muscle twitching, muscle jerks
  • Tremor or other involuntary movements
  • Tics
  • Speech difficulty (word finding problems, slurred speech)
  • Memory problems
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness (blackouts)
  • Seizure/s
  • double vision
  • Balance problems and difficulty walking

If some of these symptoms happen suddenly, especially unilateral weakness, speech problems or unbalance, please seek immediate assistance.

Which medical disorders are related to neurology?

Your doctor, based on the symptoms and examination, would be the best person to diagnose you and arrive at a conclusive decision regarding your disorder. Usual disorders are as follows:

  • Migraine, cluster headache
  • Trigeminal neuralgia
  • Epilepsy
  • Neurodegenerative disorders including Dementia (Alzheimer’s disease and others) Huntington’s disease, Motor Neuron Disease (MND) and Ataxia.
  • Cerebro-vascular disease including Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) and stroke
  • Parkinson’s disease and other parkinsonism, essential tremor, dystonia, Chorea, myoclonus, Restless leg syndrome and other movement disorders.
  • Multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating disorders
  • Guillain-Barre’ syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and other Peripheral neuropathies.
  • Myopathy
  • Infections of the brain and spinal cord such as encephalitis, meningitis and myelitis
  • Bell’s palsy
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

How is a neurological disorder diagnosed?

Your doctor will consult you first, taking a detailed clinical history and carrying out a neurological examination. Then, the doctor may suggest some tests to accurately diagnose your condition. They may include one or more of the following:

  • Electroencephalography (EEG)
  • Electromyography (EMG)
  • Nerve Conduction Studies for diagnosis of nerve disorders (NCS)
  • Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP)
  • Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEP)
  • Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials (BAEPS)
  • Brain or spine imaging (MRI or CT)
  • Lab test.
  • Consult other specialties

What does a Neurology Ambulatory Care Department do?

Neurology Ambulatory Care Department provides diagnosis and management (pharmacologic and non pharmacologic treatment is prescribed within the scope of neurology practice) for patients with all spectrum of neurological disorders as well as referral to other departments according to the patient’s needs.

In case of any doubt do not hesitate to contact us.We will be more than happy to guide through the selection of the more suitable doctor for you

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