Neurology

Neurology is a branch of medical science that is concerned with disorders and diseases of the nervous system. The term neurology comes from a combination of two words - "neuron" meaning nerve and "logia" meaning "the study of". The nervous system is a complex, sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates body activities. It has two major divisions: Central nervous system: the brain and spinal cord. it includes structural and functional disorders of the nervous system ranging from birth defects through to degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

The healthcare provider who specializes in neurology is called a neurologist. The neurologist treats disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, such as:

• Muscle disorders and pain
• Headache
• Epilepsy
• Neuritis and neuropathy( is damage or dysfunction of one or more nerves that typically results in numbness, tingling, muscle weakness and pain in the affected area. )
• Brain and spinal cord tumors
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson disease
• Stroke
• Myasthenia gravis
• Muscular dystrophy
• Alzheimer disease and other forms of memory problems 

Therapies for neurological disorders may often consist of: Lifestyle changes to either prevent or minimize the impact of such conditions. Physiotherapy to manage the symptoms and restore some function. Pain management, as many impairments can be associated with considerable discomfort.

A neurological examination is indicated whenever a physician suspects that a patient may have a neurological disorder. Any new symptom of any neurological order may be an indication for performing a neurological examination. A neurological exam checks for disorders of the central nervous system. The central nervous system is consists of brain, spinal cord, and nerves from these areas. It controls and coordinates everything you do, including muscle movement, organ function, and even complex thinking and planning.

During a neurological examination, the neurologist reviews the patient's health history with special attention to the current condition. The patient then takes a neurological exam. Typically, the exam tests vision, strength, coordination, reflexes and sensation. This information helps the neurologist determine if the problem is in the nervous system. Further tests may be needed to confirm a diagnosis or to find a specific treatment.

Some warning signs for which you need to visit the neurologist is as below: 

• Persistent or sudden onset of a headache
• A headache which changes
• Loss of feeling or tingling
• Problems with memory such as Forgetfulness
• Clumsiness or confusion
• Seizures
• Brain or spinal cord injury
• Weakness or loss of muscle strength
• Sudden loss of sight
• Movement disorders like trembling, slow movements
• Lack of coordination
• Muscle rigidity
• Muscle spasms or tics

The term dementia refers to a set of symptoms, not a specific disease. It is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behaviour it is the most common form of dementia.

There is a hereditary component to Alzheimer's. People whose parents or siblings have the disease are at a slightly higher risk of developing the condition. The risk increases if more than one family member has the illness. When diseases tend to run in families, either heredity (genetics), environmental factors, or both, may play a role. 

A migraine is often a disabling and recurring headache that frequently occurs only on one side of the head. It can cause severe pulsing or throbbing sensations usually in one area of your head, as well as nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light or sound. A tension headache is a mild, dull pressure without other symptoms. A cluster headache can deliver a severe, “stabbing” pain behind one eye and may be accompanied by congestion in your sinuses.

The best neurology hospitals in India are as below: 

• Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
• Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
• BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi
• Global Hospitals, Chennai
• Jaypee Hospital, Noida
• Manipal Hospital, Bangalore.
• Max Super Specialty Hospital, Gurgaon
• Zydus Hospital, Ahmedabad
• Aster CMI Bangalore
• Narayana Multispecialty Hospital, Ahmedabad
• Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital and Research Center, Pune