https://www.chiropractorsnellville.com/services/imaging/mri/Neurologists and neurosurgeons are doctors who specialize in treating health conditions, disorders, and injuries that affect the brain, spine, and nervous system. Whether you see a neurologist or neurosurgeon will depend on what brings you into the office. A neurologist can also refer you to a neurosurgeon when necessary. If you are looking for neurosurgeons or neurologists in Snellville, here is what you need to know about what each of these doctors does and how they can help you.
Difference Between a Neurologist and Neurosurgeon
There are hundreds of neurological disorders that impact the brain, spine, and nervous system. Neurologists and neurosurgeons specialize in treating a wide range of neurological conditions, though there are certain reasons why you may see one over the other.
What Does a Neurologist Do?
A neurologist is a type of medical doctor who has specialized training in how to diagnose, treat, and manage neurological disorders. You may receive a referral from your primary care physician if you are experiencing symptoms of a neurological condition. Your primary care doctor and neurologist can work together to diagnose your neurological condition and develop a course of treatment. Neurologists provide testing and diagnostics for a number of neurological conditions. A neurologist can also treat and consult on neurological conditions, including chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and ALS. Neurologists can offer both non-invasive and minimally invasive treatment options for neurological conditions. A neurologist may also refer you to a neurosurgeon if surgery is recommended.
What Does a Neurosurgeon Do?
A neurosurgeon is a type of medical doctor who specializes in performing surgical procedures on the brain, spine, and nerves. Neurosurgeons receive specialized training in addition to medical training with a seven-year residency program in neurosurgery. You may receive a referral to a neurosurgeon when more conservative approaches to treatment for a neurological condition are unsuccessful or not recommended. Neurosurgeons can work in hospital emergency rooms and private practice clinics, providing diagnostic support, consultations, and treatment options for neurological conditions. A neurosurgeon does not always perform invasive surgical procedures. They may also consult with your neurologist or primary care physician about other options for treatment before resorting to a more invasive surgical option.
Diagnosing Neurological Disorders
Both neurologists and neurosurgeons can diagnose neurological disorders and provide you with specialized care. In general, it is more common to see a neurologist for diagnosing a neurological disorder and get started on a plan for treatment. Neurologists and neurosurgeons are highly trained and skilled in tests and diagnostic tools used to detect a neurological disorder. Neurological symptoms can be similar across multiple types of neurological disorders, so multiple tests can help determine what specific neurological condition you are dealing with. Common tests and procedures to diagnose neurological disorders include lab tests, diagnostic imaging tools, and nerve tests. A CT scan or MRI can provide your neurologist or neurosurgeon with highly detailed images of the affected area. Your neurologist or neurosurgeon may also request repeated scans periodically throughout your treatment to monitor your progress and the success of the treatment. Neurological exams like an EEG, or electroencephalogram, measures the electrical activity in your brain.
Treating Neurological Disorders
Issues that impact your brain, spine, or nervous system can be treated in a number of different ways. Depending on what specific neurological disorder you have been diagnosed with, your neurologist or neurosurgeon will develop a personalized treatment plan for you. If you are dealing with a neurological disorder, it can affect your functioning from head to toe. Neurologists and neurosurgeons develop personalized treatment plans that address your symptoms as well as the root cause so you can learn techniques to manage your symptoms and experience lasting relief.
5 Common Neurological Issues
You might be surprised to learn that these 5 common neurological issues can be treated by a neurologist or neurosurgeon.
Headaches
There are so many types of headache disorders that can really disrupt your quality of life. Common examples of headache disorders include frequent migraines, cluster headaches, and tension headaches. Recurrent or chronic headaches can be a sign of a more serious neurological issue that needs to be addressed.
Spine Pain
An injury to your spine can cause pain, tingling, weakness, and numbness that affect your extremities, too. Depending on what part of your spine is impacted, it can affect your range of motion in your head and neck or trunk and back. There are several causes of spinal pain, and a neurologist can help identify the root cause.
Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve can cause pain, tingling, and numbness that radiates into other parts of the body. If you have a pinched nerve in your neck, it can cause uncomfortable symptoms that extend into your shoulder and arm. Similarly, a pinched nerve in your lower back can impact your hip, leg, and foot. Pressure and stress on a nerve can disrupt healthy functioning and cause uncomfortable neurological symptoms.
Head Trauma
Traumatic brain injuries like a concussion should be treated as soon as possible. Any type of head trauma can significantly impact the healthy functioning of your brain and cause serious, even life-threatening symptoms. If you suffered a blow to the head while playing sports or due to a car accident, then a neurologist can identify the impact on your brain and nervous system.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is one of several neurological disorders that affect millions of people each year. This autoimmune disorder causes the body’s immune system to attack nerves and lead to nerve damage. It can cause many different painful and uncomfortable symptoms that can become debilitating. A neurologist can help you manage your symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
If you are looking for a Snellville neurologist or neurosurgeon, then visit AICA Orthopedics. Our team of doctors and specialists offers a wide range of diagnostic and treatment options for neurological disorders, conditions, and injuries. Visit AICA Orthopedics to schedule an appointment with a neurologist or neurosurgeon today!