A neurologist is a medical specialist who focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of disorders related to the brain and nervous system. It covers a broad spectrum of conditions, including, but not limited to, Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), concussion, epilepsy, migraine, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. Neurologists have specialized knowledge in the physiology of the body’s nervous system, including blood vessels and tissue coverings.
Patients usually consult a neurologist when they experience symptoms or conditions related to the nervous system. Common symptoms that may prompt a visit to a neurologist include frequent headaches, seizures, movement disorders, memory problems or sensory problems. Relationships with neurologists often continue for the long-term management of individuals with chronic neurological conditions.
Dr. Vishal Deshpande, the best neurologist in Pune deals in all the above case. If anyone facing such problems then can take appointment or can visit clinic.
Neurologist in Pune
What Does a Neurologist Treat?
A neurologist, such as Dr. Vishal Deshpande addresses a variety of conditions related to the nervous system. Some of the conditions treated by them include:
- 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)
Neurologist Subspecialties
Neurology encompasses the brain and the entire nervous system, neurologists are equipped to diagnose and treat a diverse range of conditions. After completing their residency training, many neurologists choose to specialize in specific subsets of neurology.
Some of these subspecialties include:
- Headache medicine
- Sleep medicine
- Neuromuscular medicine
- Neurocritical care
- Neuro-oncology
- Geriatric neurology
- Autonomic disorders
- Vascular (stroke care) neurology
- Child (pediatric) neurology
- Interventional neuroradiology
- Epilepsy
Neurological Exam and Procedures
When you consult with Neurologist they will take a detailed medical history, discuss your symptoms, and conduct a thorough neurological examination that focuses on your brain and nerves.
This examination may assess various aspects, including:
- Mental status
- Speech
- Vision
- Strength
- Coordination
- Reflexes
- Sensation (how well you feel things)
While the neurologist may have a preliminary understanding of your condition from the examination, additional tests are likely necessary for confirmation. Depending on your symptoms, these may involve:
1. Blood and urine tests: Conducted to detect infections, toxins, or protein disorders.
2. Imaging tests of the brain or spine: Utilized to identify tumors, brain damage, or issues with blood vessels, bones, nerves, or disks.
3. Electroencephalograph (EEG): Employed if you’re experiencing seizures. Small electrodes placed on your scalp are connected to a machine by wires to record the electrical activity in your brain.
4. Electromyogram (EMG): A test of the communication between a nerve and the associated muscle. Electrodes on your skin or a needle inserted into a muscle help assess nerve and muscle function.
5. Evoked potentials: A series of tests measuring your brain’s response to stimuli for hearing, vision, and specific nerves. Similar to an EEG, these tests involve stimuli like sounds or flashlights to observe your brain’s reactions.
6. Spinal tap or lumbar puncture: This involves taking a small amount of fluid from your spine to check for blood or infection.
7. Muscle or nerve biopsy: Conducted to investigate signs of certain neuromuscular disorders. A small tissue sample is taken and examined under a microscope.
8. Tensilon test: Useful in diagnosing myasthenia gravis, a condition causing muscle weakness. Your doctor administers a medicine called edrophonium (Tensilon) to observe if it temporarily strengthens specific muscles and alleviates weakness.
Neurologists vs. neurosurgeons
Neurologists and neurosurgeons are both medical specialists dealing with conditions affecting the nervous system, but they play distinct roles:
Neurologists:
– Non-surgical specialists focusing on the diagnosis and management of neurological disorders.
– Dr. Vishal Deshpande is a neurologist in Pune, who completed medical school and neurology residency, specializing in non-surgical interventions.
– Expertise includes conditions like epilepsy, migraines, and multiple sclerosis.
– Conduct neurological examinations, order diagnostic tests, and provide non-surgical treatments.Neurosurgeons:
– Surgical specialists trained to perform interventions on the brain and spine.
– Complete medical school and undergo a neurosurgery residency, including a general surgery internship and 6–8 years of neurosurgical training.
– Qualified to perform surgeries for conditions such as brain tumors, spinal injuries, and nerve compressions.
– May further specialize in complex and technical surgical procedures.Collaboration:
– General practice doctors typically refer patients to either a neurologist or a neurosurgeon based on the nature of the condition.
– Neurologists like Dr. Deshpande may refer patients to neurosurgeons when surgery is deemed necessary.
– Conversely, neurosurgeons may refer patients to neurologists for non-surgical neurological management.In summary, while neurologists focus on non-surgical diagnosis and management, neurosurgeons specialize in surgical interventions for conditions affecting the nervous system. Coordination between these specialists ensures comprehensive care for individuals with neurological disorders.