Neurologist Frequently Asked Questions
Medically reviewed by Nancy Hammond, MD – Written by Tim Jewell
What is a neurologist?
Neurologists diagnose, treat, and manage disorders related to the brain and central nervous system.
You can see a neurologist for conditions such as migraines, epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s.
Neurological testing often includes sensory testing of the eyes, ears, nose, and touch, as well as diagnostic testing like MRIs, CTs, EEGs, and lumbar punctures.
Neurologists can perform the following procedures:
- electromyography (EMG)
- electroencephalogram (EEG)
- computed tomography (CT scan)
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan)
- positron emission tomography (PET scan)
- lumbar puncture
- tensilon
- sleep studies
- skin biopsy
- botulinum toxin injections
- trigger point injections
This is not an exhaustive list. Contact your local neurologist for a full list of procedures they can perform. Keep in mind that most neurologists don't do surgery — this is usually done by neurosurgeons.
Neurologists treat the following conditions:
- general headaches
- cluster headaches
- migraine
- seizure disorders, such as epilepsy
- stroke
- multiple sclerosis (MS)
- neuromuscular disorders, such as myasthenia gravis
- nervous system infections, such as encephalitis, meningitis, or brain abscesses
- brain diseases (neurodegenerative disorders), such as Lou Gehrig’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease
- disorders of the spinal cord, such as inflammatory and autoimmune disorders
- neuropathy
Some neurologists may specialize in other areas, too, in addition to what's on this list. Get in touch with your local neurologist to learn more about the full range of conditions they may be able to treat.
Neurologists may specialize in these areas:
- diagnosis and treatment of headaches
- diagnosis, treatment, and management of epilepsy
- diagnosis and treatment of brain, nervous system, and muscular conditions (neuromuscular medicine)
- emergency or critical care for the brain and nervous system (neurocritical care)
- diagnosis and treatment of brain and nervous system cancers (neuro-oncology)
- treatment of brain and nervous system for children (pediatric neurology)
- treatment of brain and nervous system treatment for older adults (geriatric neurology), especially for conditions like Alzheimer’s
- conditions that affect your autonomic nervous system, which controls your heart rate, body temperature, breathing, and more
- treatment or care of people who have strokes or other conditions that affect blood vessels in your brain (vascular care)
- imaging tests for brain and nervous system conditions (neuroradiology)