When you need to see a neurologist, HSHS Medical Group Multispecialty Care - St. Elizabeth's offers patient-first neurology care. Here are some questions and answers to help you understand the role of a neurologist.
What is the difference between neurology and neurosurgery?
A neurologist is a medical doctor who takes care of patients with conditions including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, migraines, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis. They can also perform procedures like electromyography (EMG) to test for neuromuscular abnormality or botulinum injections for spasticity or migraines.
A neurosurgeon is a surgical doctor who operates on patients with neck and back problems, brain tumors and more.
What are the most common neurology conditions seen/treated?
Some of the most common conditions neurology specialists treat include:
- Migraine/headache
- Parkinson’s disease
- Epilepsy/seizure
- Multiple sclerosis
- Alzheimer's disease and dementia
- Stroke
What are common screenings/tests performed in neurology?
A neurology specialist can order or perform a variety of tests or screenings to help diagnose patients:
- Blood or urine tests
- Brain scans (CT, MRI, PET)
- Angiography
- Electroencephalography (EEG)
- EMG
- Ultrasound imaging
- Carotid ultrasound
When should someone see a neurologist?
If a patient has migraines, tremors, seizures, weakness, unexplained falls or memory loss, they should see a neurologist.
Are certain people more prone to having neurological issues?
Stroke and cerebrovascular diseases tend to be more common among African Americans and the Hispanic population. Alzheimer’s is more common in the elderly, especially those in their 80s. Seizures are common in children and in adults 60 and older. In addition, a number of neuromuscular conditions are common among many of our veterans.
To see an HSHS Medical Group neurologist, call 618-641-5803 or schedule an appointment online.