Neurology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system. This includes the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. Neurologists diagnose and manage conditions such as strokes, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, migraines, and neuropathies, among others.
In short, neurology focuses on diseases and disorders that affect the nervous system and aims to improve patients' neurological health.

What is Neurology?
Neurology is a medical specialty focused on disorders of the nervous system. The nervous system includes:
Central nervous system (CNS): brain and spinal cord
Peripheral nervous system (PNS): nerves outside the brain and spinal cord
Autonomic nervous system: controls involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, breathing
What do neurologists do?
Neurologists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and managing neurological disorders. Unlike neurosurgeons, neurologists generally do not perform surgery but use medication, physical therapy, and other treatments.
Common conditions treated by neurologists:
Stroke: sudden loss of brain function due to interrupted blood flow
Epilepsy: repeated seizures caused by abnormal brain activity
Multiple sclerosis (MS): immune system attacks nerve coverings causing communication problems
Parkinson’s disease: progressive movement disorder caused by loss of brain cells
Migraines and headaches: severe recurrent headaches
Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias: progressive memory loss and cognitive decline
Neuropathies: nerve damage causing pain, weakness, or numbness
Myasthenia gravis: autoimmune disorder causing muscle weakness
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells controlling muscles
How do neurologists diagnose?
Clinical examination: checking reflexes, muscle strength, coordination, sensation
Imaging tests: MRI, CT scans to view brain and spinal cord
Electrophysiological tests: EEG (brain waves), EMG (muscle response)
Laboratory tests: blood work, spinal fluid analysis
Treatments in neurology:
Medications to control symptoms or slow disease progression
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Lifestyle modifications
Sometimes coordination with neurosurgeons for surgical treatment if needed
Why is neurology important?
Neurological disorders affect millions of people worldwide and can severely impact quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes and help patients manage their conditions effectively.