Neurologist Near me in NYC

What Is Neurology?

Neurology is a form of treatment that focuses on the health of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system. In the context of accident related care, neurologists treat spinal injuries, herniated discs, conditions that affect nerves and cause radiculopathy, as well as brain injuries. Neurologists are medical doctors who are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of neurological disorders. These include multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and spinal cord injury.

Looking for a neurologist near me? Learn more about the benefits of neurological treatments & check the list of the top nearby Neurologists

Neurology is a form of treatment, performed by trained & highly experienced doctors, that uses both medicine and modern solutions to care for patients.

AccidentDoctors911 has an array of Neurologists who have offices near you in Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Hudson, and other areas in New York & New Jersey.

The Training of a Neurologist

Neurologists are medical school graduates. Most complete an internship in internal medicine, and a neurology residency which is followed by board certification. Many neurologists choose to pursue a further subspecialty.

Neurology Subspecialties

Some common subspecialties in this field of medicine include pediatric neurology; geriatric neurology; neuro-oncology; brain injury medicine; neuromuscular medicine; neurodevelopment disabilities and neuro-critical care.

What are Some Common Neurological Disorders?

According to the World Health Organization, neurological conditions affect millions of people worldwide. Symptoms may take the form of muscle weakness, partial or total loss of sensation, vision loss, impaired cognition, unexplained pain, seizures, and signs of decreased awareness. These conditions may be sudden in onset, intermittent, progressive, or stable.  We recommend seeing a qualified Neurologist near you to make getting to appointments easier.

Common neurological conditions treated by a neurologist include:

• Seizure disorders, which can be associated with irregular electrical activity in the brain and cause intermittent seizures or unconsciousness;
• Stroke, which can involve the blockage or rupture of a cerebral blood vessel leading to the interruption of oxygen to brain tissue;
• Neurodegenerative disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, cause progressive mental decline due to gradual brain degeneration;
• Multiple sclerosis, which is characterized by muscular impairment, numbness, and blurred vision resulting from progressive or recurring damage to cerebral and spinal nerves;
• Traumatic brain injury, resulting from external forces and is associated with a decreased level of consciousness and altered cognitive or physical abilities;
• Disc Injuries, like herniated or bulging discs, can cause pain, weakness, and limitation of motion;
• Brain Tumors, both malignant and benign may cause a variety of different clinical symptoms depending on location, size, and type of tumor;
• Parkinson’s disease, a condition characterized by muscle rigidity, slow movement, and rest tremor which is associated with basal ganglia degeneration and dopamine deficiency;
• Neuromuscular disorders, like Myasthenia gravis, which is associated with progressive muscle weakness;
• Headache disorders, like migraines, are severe and may cause visual disturbances, and light sensitivity along with associated nausea.

What Is a Typical Neurological Exam?

In addition to a routine physical examination, a neurologist will also perform a neurological examination. The neurological examination is designed to assess a patient’s neurologic function and diagnose disorders of the nervous system.

The examination involves certain medical instruments and is usually painless. The results of a physical exam may prompt your neurologist to order further testing to confirm a suspected diagnosis. These additional tests could include Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or electrodiagnostic studies.

During your neurological examination, you should expect some of the following assessments:

• Mental status: Your neurologist will observe your level of awareness and degree of understanding by engaging you in conversation;
• Motor function: This may involve pushing and pulling the neurologist’s hands using your arms and legs;
• Sensory exam: The utilization of different instruments such as blunt needles, tuning forks, and other objects to test your sensory abilities;
• Cranial nerve exam: The 12 cranial nerves are evaluated, including your ability to smell, see, feel, hear, taste, swallow, and move your eyes, tongue, and facial muscles;
• Coordination exam: You may be asked to walk in a straight line or touch something with your eyes closed;
• Gait: The neurologist will observe you walk, stand, and balance. Some types of gait are associated with specific disorders or nerve root dysfunction;
• Deep Tendon Reflexes: Your neurologist will use a reflex hammer to test reflex muscle contraction by lightly tapping a specific tendon;
• Meningeal Signs: Specific maneuvers are carried out to test for the presence of meningeal irritation which can be caused by central nervous system infection or hemorrhage.

What Types of Diagnostic Tests Are Used By Neurologists to Diagnose Neurological Disorders?

Neurological disorders often share similar symptoms. Neurologists may perform additional testing to aid in the accurate diagnosis of a condition. These include:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI, a painless technology that can take detailed images of the inside of the body without using radiation;
• A lumbar puncture is performed to test spinal fluid and help diagnose diseases such as meningitis, myelitis, multiple sclerosis, encephalitis, leukemia, dementia, and hemorrhage. It involves the insertion of a needle into the lower spine to collect spinal fluid for analysis;
• Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Velocity tests are performed by placing electrodes on the skin to evaluate muscle and nerve function. These tests are particularly useful for diagnosing radiculopathy associated with injuries to the peripheral nervous system that can result from herniated discs;
• EEG: Electroencephalogram is used to assess electrical activity in the brain by placing electrodes on the patient’s scalp. It can be used to diagnose seizure disorders, brain tumors, or even sleeping problems.

What Recommendations Are Often Given To Neurology Patients?

The management of neurological conditions can include a number of treatment modalities including chiropractic, physical therapy, and pain management. At times, a condition may require surgical intervention and a referral to a neurosurgeon may be made.