What is a Neurologist?

Neurologists specialize in treating diseases of the nervous system. The nervous system is comprised of the central and peripheral nervous system, and includes the brain and spinal cord. Before they can practice, they must graduate from medical school, complete an internship, and receive at least three years of training in a neurology residency program. Neurologists manage and treat neurological conditions; they can treat patients with strokes, seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis, or neuromuscular disorders. Within neurology, doctors can specialize in a specific area by completing a fellowship in that line after their residency. Examples of subspecialties include headache medicine, neuromuscular medicine, intervention neuroradiology, and epilepsy. Some typical neurological procedures are lumbar punctures (to test spinal fluid), Tensilon test (observe muscle movements), or EMG/EEG (measures of electrical activity in different parts of the body). Neurologists can also earn up to $200k-$340k per year in the United States! Neurology is a very complex medical field with many opportunities to offer.

Author: Rani Mukherjee