Why is Neurology important?

This article will answer “Why is neurology important?” The article will highlight what neurologists do, what conditions neurologists work in, what research neurologists undertake, and the techniques neurologists use to study the brain. In the end, the article will answer some frequently asked questions.

Why is Neurology important?

Neurology is important because by learning about the nervous system, we can understand better the functioning of the mind and body. Every day, neurologists are making new discoveries about how the functioning and dysfunction of the nervous system impact our lives. 

Neurologists study the brain. They treat diseases of the brain and spinal cord. They also treat diseases of the peripheral nerves and muscles. They treat conditions such as epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s disease.

Neurologists do focus on research and teaching often. They conduct various scientific research in colleges, universities, private industries, or government agencies. They usually do research to understand the disorders of the nervous system and to focus on clinical/medical research and clinical trials.

As experts, neurologists try and understand the dysfunction and search for treatment solutions that can help patients deal with neurological disorders and diseases of the brain and the nervous system. 

Research in neurology helps in answering questions about how to overcome diseases and disorders of the brain and the spinal cord, and they are making new advances in the same every day. These are several reasons why neurology is considered to be important.

What is Neurology?

Neurologists are medical doctors who aim to study the non-surgical management of serious disorders of the nervous system including both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Neurologists use diagnostic tools to understand malfunctioning of the brain and come to a conclusion about the disorders accordingly. 

They study infections of the nervous system for instance meningitis or encephalitis. They also diagnose degenerative disorders such as Lou Gehrig’s disease and others. They are also specialised in diagnosing epilepsy and other seizure disorders. 

Neurologists study and diagnose speech and language problems. They also diagnose neuromuscular conditions, such as myasthenia gravis and various spinal cord disorders from congenital issues or traumatic injury

It is widely believed neurologists are involved more in the diagnoses of conditions and don’t play a big role in the treatment for the same. There are various conditions that have not progressed much when it comes to modern medicines. 

However, there has been tremendous growth in the research of neurological conditions and therapies for the same are increasing in number. 

They differ from neurosurgeons in the sense that neurosurgeons are enabled to perform surgeries, while neurologists only adhere to non-invasive medical treatment of nervous system disorders.

What skills do Neurologists possess?

They also have the following skills:

• A keen interest and curiosity about the different aspects of the nervous system. Understanding what can and does go wrong in disorders of the nervous system and having a keen determination in finding relevant treatments for the same

• Strong inquisitiveness skills in order to be able to design, implement, and analyse the results of the research on the disorders of the nervous system
• Critical thinking in making quick decisions about which tests to administer, why should they be administered, and making diagnoses
• Good communication skills to be able to interact with patients with neurological disorders, their family members, and clients with who you will have to work in the industry
• Good scientific writing abilities to be able to contribute to various publications including journals, magazines, and scientific manuals
• Patience in order to deal with a huge number of cases
• Courage and ability to work with autonomy and independence
• Being able to be cooperative to work in teams of psychiatrists, neurosurgeons, and neuropsychologists
• Motivation to keep reading upcoming and newer discoveries to stay away from relevant trends in order to make the best treatment choices for the patients under the care
• Having excellent time-management skills
• Being organised and conscientious

Who is a neuroscientist?

Neuroscientists are interested in studying the nervous system. They are also referred to as medical research scientists. The nervous system is comprised of:

• The brain
• The spinal cord, and
• Nerve cells in the body

A neuroscientist is an individual who studies the complex field of the brain including the molecular and developmental biology of the nervous system, the physiology of the nervous system along with the anatomy of the same.

Neuroscientists use the knowledge acquired about the functioning of the nervous system to better understand how it functions and how the brain can be used effectively. It also assesses whether the treatments available are efficient to treat brain and nervous system disorders.

Neuroscience is considered to be a diverse and larger-than-life field. This is the reason why neuroscientists may want to narrow down and focus on specialising in one of the areas of neuroscience mentioned above. 

Thus, they usually narrow down on the research areas that intrigue them the most. These can include becoming a neurologist and choosing to work with patients who have conditions of epilepsy, strokes, and multiple sclerosis (MS).

What is a neuropsychologist? 

These are psychologists that specialise in understanding how behaviours interact with the brain. Neuropsychologist helps understand the relationship between the brain and several other behaviours that people engage in. 

The neuropsychologist also tries to understand how disorders of the brain and the nervous system can affect the behaviour and cognitive functioning of an individual. These are individuals who have a doctorate in psychology and are trained in neuropsychology. 

Their role is to understand how systems of the brain affect behaviour and thinking, as well as how several structures of the brain function. Neuropsychologists often work in clinical settings. They can also work in hospitals. 

Which is better neurologist or neuropsychologist? 

Neuropsychologists treat cognitive, mental, as well as behavioural effects that brain disorders have on a person without the use of medications. Whereas, Neurologists only provide medication treatment for any physical problems caused by brain disorders. 

What is Psychology?

Psychology is referred to as the field that scientifically studies the human mind and its functions of the human mind. It specifically focuses on what motivates behaviours and the mental processes underlying it. In essence, psychology is the study of human behaviour. Psychologists use experiments, surveys, systematic observation, and other research methods to uncover the principles of the mind and behaviour. 

Conclusion

This article answers “Why is neurology important?” The article highlights what neurologists do, what conditions neurologists work in, what research neurologists undertake, and the techniques neurologists use to study the brain. In the end, the article will answer some frequently asked questions.

Frequently Asked Questions: Why is Neurology important?

What is sensory neuroscience?

Sensory neuroscience helps in the understanding of the different processes of the nervous system and how the body uses all the incoming sensory information to it.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a neuropsychologist?

The difference between neuropsychologists and psychologists is the approach they take to studying individuals. While psychologists focus on the emotional health of an individual and the emotional turbulence their disorders take in their life, neuropsychologists understand the cognitive and mental effects of the same. 

Can anxiety mimic neurological conditions?

Millions of people who have anxiety do suffer from physical symptoms of anxiety that also mimic several neurological diseases like: Multiple Sclerosis, Brain Tumors, or Lyme Disease

These symptoms can sometimes be so similar that a neurologist may have to run several neuroimaging tests and assessments in order to be able to rule out any serious neurological illness. 

Since anxiety is notorious for causing physical symptoms it is often advised for patients to visit neurologists so that they can keep their brain and brain nerves healthy.

What is Huntington’s disease?

This is an inherited condition that causes the neurons in the brain to break down gradually. This disease usually has an onset age between 30 to 40. This disease can result in damage to the progressive movement, deterioration of cognitive thinking, and other psychiatric symptoms like psychosis.

References

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Stahl, S. A. (2002). Different strokes for different folks. Taking sides: Clashing on controversial issues in educational psychology, 98-107.

Walker, F. O. (2007). Huntington’s disease. The Lancet, 369(9557), 218-228.