A neurologist, also known as a brain specialist, is a doctor who specializes in diseases and injuries of the brain and nervous system. These specialists treat brain lesions and tumors, as well as degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and injuries caused by external forces like car accidents and falls. While all brain specialists are trained in using medicine to diagnose and treat disorders, some go on to become neurosurgeons and specialize in the surgical side of the field.
The human brain serves as the master controller of the entire body, and even minor damage to certain areas can result in serious consequences such as paralysis or death. Temporary or permanent loss of hearing, vision, speech, and long-term or short-term memory are examples of less extreme effects caused by brain injury. A brain specialist is trained to examine a set of symptoms and determine which part of the brain is affected. They then use a variety of tools to diagnose the damage and devise a treatment plan.
A medical imaging device, such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine or a computed axial tomography (CAT) scan, is usually used to diagnose brain conditions. These devices enable brain specialists to examine the interior of the brain and assess its function. They also allow specialists to detect abnormal masses like lesions or blood clots. An electroencephalogram (EEG) measures brainwave activity, and a lumbar puncture (also known as a spinal tap) examines the fluid around the spine for bacteria and other abnormalities.
After a brain specialist has identified the source of the problem, the next step is to decide on a treatment plan. Antibiotics and other medications can be used to treat certain conditions, such as bacterial encephalitis, or swelling of the brain as a result of an infection. Many degenerative brain diseases have no cure, but medicine and therapy can help slow their progression and alleviate some of the symptoms. Because brain surgery is such a risky procedure, it is usually only used as a last resort.
A bachelor’s degree in premedical training is required to become a brain specialist, which begins with an undergraduate degree in premedical training. After completing their basic education, students usually enroll in a medical program, which is followed by an internship and several years as a resident. Students take an exam to become board-certified neurologists after completing all educational requirements. To keep up with changes in the field, most brain specialists must continue to take advanced classes throughout their careers.