Neurology
What is Neurology?
Neurology is the study and treatment of disorders of the nervous system, a complex, sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates body activities and functions. Neurological disorders are diseases of the brain, the spine, the nerves that connect them, and the blood vessels associated with them.
The two major divisions of the nervous system are:
- The central nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord.
- The peripheral nervous system that includes the rest of the body, such as eyes, ears, nerves, and other "sensory receptors".
A doctor who specializes in neurology is called a neurologist.
Neurological symptoms
Some of the symptoms patients experience that alert them to the possibility of a neurological disorder include the following:
- Muscle weakness
- Poor coordination
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Changes in sensation
- Headaches
- Loss of vision
- Double vision
- Speech or language difficulties
- Swallowing difficulties
- Changes in memory and cognition
- Imbalance
- Pain
- Sleep disturbance