What is a Neurologist?

 

What type of training does a Neurologist have?

A Neurologist is a Medical Doctor, specialized in the study of the Nervous System. This includes diseases of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles. After 4 years of college and 4 years of medical school, this specialty training includes 4 years of Neurology Residency, during which time the "Neurology skills" are fine tuned.

 

What symptoms or diseases are treated by a Neurologist?

Some common "symptoms" evaluated by a Neurologist include: headaches, neck pain, lower back pain, weakness, sleep problems etc. Some common disorders diagnosed by a Neurologist include: Stroke, Alzheimer's, migraine headaches, "pinched nerve", Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Peripheral Neuropathy, ALS, Myasthenia Gravis, Polymyositis, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and Seizures.

 

How does a Neurologist evaluate a patient?

As a Neurologist, we will obtain a detailed history to better undertsand your condition. We will then perform a detailed Neurological Exam, which is probably very different from any previous medical exam you might have undertaken. This evaluation process may take anywhere from 30 minutes to 60 minutes.

 

Who conducts the evaluation process?

Unlike other offices, we do NOT use a "physician assistant" or a nurse to evaluate our patient. Dr. Athni will obtain the history and perform the detailed neurological exam.

 

What tests might be ordered by the Neurologist?

After the evaluation, some diagnostic tests may be ordered, such as : blood tests, MRI, CT scan, EMG-NCS, Sleep Studies, EEG, VNG, Ultrasounds, to name a few.

 

How is a diagnosis made?

After reviewing the results of the diagnostic tests, in conjunction with the neurological evaluation, a diagnosis will be made, and a treatment plan will be recommended.