Thank and as always... it was wonderfull checkup...highly apreciated how Dr. Nauman meet and checked us.
A neurologist ( دماغ کا سپیشلسٹ ڈاکٹر ) is a specialist doctor who deals exclusively with problems of the nervous system. This includes illnesses that affect the spinal cord, brain and nerves in the body. Neurologists diagnose, treat and manage the disorders that ail the nervous system.
With neurology related ailments, time is of the essence. Hence, whenever you feel like there are problems with your coordination, or your memory is malfunctioning, or you are having trouble speaking or comprehending or identifying things, it is best to consult a neurologist (دماغ کا ڈاکٹر).
The list of conditions that warrant a visit to a neurologist include coordination issues like being unable to keep balance or having a proper gait, suffering from muscle atrophy or weakness, having sensory issues and becoming easily disoriented. All these conditions stem from the nervous system and point to the potential problems therein.
Furthermore, if you are diagnosed with conditions like epilepsy, infections in the CNS like meningitis, neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s, you need to visit a good neuro physician. You should expect a physical and neurological exam on your first visit to the doctors. They can also recommend more tests, depending on your condition.
A neurologist is qualified to deal with diseases of the nervous system, which include tumours of the spine or brain, epilepsy, brain aneurysms, migraines and headaches etc.
They also are involved in the management of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimers, Parkinsons. Similarly, neuromuscular disorders like MS, ALS are also within a neurologists (پٹھوں کے امراض کا ڈاکٹر) domain.
Neurologists also provide treatment with injuries of the nervous system. Conditions like ischemic strokes are also treated by neurologists, however, a haemorrhagic stroke requires intervention by neurosurgeon.
Infections that affect the nervous system like meningitis and HIV are also treated by Brain specialists.
The following are the most common neurological diseases in Pakistan:
Disease | Number of Patients |
---|---|
Epilepsy | 37004 |
Head Injury | 43650 |
CVA/Stroke | 23208 |
Meningitis | 13706 |
In order to become a neurologist in Pakistan, one has to complete their MBBS and do a house job with a rotation in Neurology. After this, one has to give FCPS part I, which is an exam for fellowship with College of Physicians and Surgeons, Pakistan.Once this is cleared, one has to undergo further training and exams and clear their FCPS part II. Passing this exam marks the end of specialization, after which one is a certified neurologist.
There are many different names being used for neurologists. These include:
Neurologists (نیورولاجسٹ) are concerned with a wide range of ailments that can strike the nervous system and impair the body. They perform the important task of diagnosing the problem, which is a very complicated process as the human brain is very sophisticated and issues are not always very clear.
Moreover, they also treat the problems ailing the spinal cord. Nerves play an important role in the communication system of the body, and any broken chain has ramifications for the overall health of the patient. It is the neurologist’s role to diagnose and treat these problems.
Similarly, many brain disorders cannot be cured. Brain cells do not rejuvenate, so any damage done to them is permanent. For example, conditions like Alzheimer’s occur due to cognitive decline, which cannot be cured. In such cases, neurologists (دماغ کا ڈاکٹر) help with disease management. Good and timely treatment can delay cognitive decline and considerably improve the condition of the patient.
The scope of diseases and conditions cured by neurologists is very broad. From mental disorders like Alzheimer’s, to brain-muscle coordination and migraines, their expertise involves interacting with a wide range of patients.