Neurology
The field of medicine that focuses on the nervous system is known as neurology. Neurology investigates not only the normal functioning of the nervous system but also addresses diseases, abnormalities, and damage to various components of this system. Due to the complexity of the nervous system, there are hundreds of distinct neurological disorders that impact billions of people worldwide. These disorders are responsible for a significant number of disabilities and contribute to a large portion of global mortality.
About Neurology
Neurology is a medical specialty dedicated to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders affecting the nervous system. The nervous system is divided into two main components:
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Central Nervous System (CNS): This includes the brain and spinal cord.
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Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): This encompasses the nerves and sensory organs outside of the central nervous system.
A neurologist is a medical professional specialized in neurology, treating patients with injuries, illnesses, or disorders of the central or peripheral nervous systems.
Neurological Disorders Treated
Neurologists address a wide range of conditions, including:
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Blood Vessel Disorders: Conditions affecting the brain or spinal cord, such as aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and dural arteriovenous fistulae.
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Brain Injuries: These can include anoxic injuries and traumatic brain injuries.
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Brain Tumors: Neurologists treat both benign and malignant tumors.
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Degenerative Disorders: These progressive conditions worsen over time and include diseases like Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s chorea, and Alzheimer’s disease.
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Neuromuscular Disorders: These include conditions such as Bell’s palsy, cervical spondylosis, peripheral neuropathy, muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
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Stroke Disorders: Neurologists manage various types of strokes, including ischemic strokes (caused by blood clots), hemorrhagic strokes (caused by bleeding in the brain), and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs or “mini-strokes”).