Neurologists specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord and nerves that extend to the arms and legs. They often work in a hospital setting but also practice independently or in private clinics. They are referred to by primary care doctors when they suspect a neurological disorder is at play. They are experts in their field who work like a detective to find the source of symptoms, which may be traced back to the central or peripheral nervous system.

A neurologist must have excellent communication skills because they must be able to explain medical concepts and describe tests in a clear manner to patients. They must also have active listening skills to fully understand a patient’s issues and make accurate diagnoses. Lastly, they must be empathetic because their patients are likely scared and in pain.

They must be a team player, because their job requires collaboration with other specialists and nurses to provide the best possible care. In addition, they must be able to work well under pressure because their patients’ lives are on the line. Neurologists must also be committed to research because the field is always changing and they need to stay current to offer their patients the latest advances in treatment.

While neurology is a highly respected career, it is not for everyone. Those who want to become a neurologist need to have a high level of emotional stability and conscientiousness, as well as being open to new experiences and agreeable. They should also have an excellent memory, as they will likely be asked to recall large amounts of medical information.

During a patient’s appointment, it is important that the neurologist listen carefully to the symptoms. They must be able to separate out the emotion that the patient brings with their issues and cut through the noise to find the root cause of the problem. They must also be able to use a variety of diagnostic imaging and testing, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans and electromyography.

If the neurologist believes the patient is having a stroke, they must quickly act to prevent permanent damage. They must have a comprehensive understanding of the different types of strokes and be able to recognize when the patient is having a TIA or transient ischemic attack, which are temporary strokes that occur when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Learn more on this from Universal Neurological Care.

In addition, a neurologist must have a thorough knowledge of the anatomy and function of the central and peripheral nervous systems, including the brain, spinal cord, muscles and autonomic nerves. They must be able to recognize and distinguish between various disorders, such as migraines, tremors, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis, and they should know the appropriate treatments for each condition. They should also be familiar with the effects of systemic diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, on the nervous system. They must be able to use this information to develop effective and safe treatment plans.

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Universal Neurological Care, P.A.
8823 San Jose Blvd Ste. 209, Jacksonville, FL 32217
(904) 404-7044