Medical Specialties: Neurology
Some of the scariest diseases can be those that take away our ability to move or think clearly. Neurology has developed as a field that specializes in treating disorders of the nervous system – everything from the brain to the nerves in the fingertips. Neurologists are trained to investigate and treat these diseases.
While we often think of neurology as focusing on the brain and spinal cord – the central nervous system – it actually concentrates on nerves throughout the entire body. This peripheral nervous system consists of nerves that extend throughout the body’s limbs and organs. Part of this is the autonomic nervous system, which controls bodily functions at the subconscious level, such as heart rate.
Disorders can strike at any of these systems. Some ailments, such as feelings of vertigo or numbness, can be treated with medication, but they may also be symptoms of a more serious condition. Patients with recurring seizures may also be placed on regular medicine. Severe trauma to the brain or spinal cord can result in paralysis or a coma. A neurosurgeon may operate to address the problem, but the effects may be lifelong. Unfortunately, many disorders have no cure or treatment. For example, Alzheimer’s disease, which slowly takes away the ability to think clearly, cannot yet be stopped by modern medicine.
