A neurologist is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats disorders of the nervous system.  Disorders include those affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles.  Neurologists examine cognitive abilities such as memory and speech; nerves of the head, neck, and extremities; muscle movement and strength; and balance and reflexes.

Neurologists may be either primary care physicians for patients with chronic neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, or they may be consultants to other physicians, like your family doctor.  Many diseases and conditions treated by a neurologist are treated with medication and/or certain therapies.  Neurologists themselves do not perform surgery.  If your condition necessitates surgery, we will refer you to a neurosurgeon.

Your neurologist may order various tests, including:

• CT scan (Computed Tomography)
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)EEG
• (Electroencephalography)
• EMG (Electromyography)
• Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)

Neurologists have completed many years of education, including:

• 4 years of college
• 4 years of medical school (resulting in an M.D. or D.O. degree)
• 1 year of internship in internal medicine or medicine/surgery
• 3 years of neurology residency