Neurology

Neurology is the branch of medicine concerned with disorders of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (the muscles and nerves). The neurological history and examination consist of a conversation between the doctor and the patient and a physical examination that comprehensively assesses the nervous system, as well as other systems connected with it.

A detailed history gathers information about the symptoms that brought the patient to the neurologist (the presenting complaint) and explores their past medical history (previous illnesses) and family history, while the physical examination establishes the neurological status. Together, this information shows whether the nervous system is damaged and at which level: central, peripheral or both. Based on the conversation and the examination, the doctor will be able to refer the patient for further tests.

The neurologist will recommend treatment or a treatment protocol and, if needed, further tests necessary for diagnosis and monitoring. Neurological diagnostics is a complex set of tests, both laboratory and imaging, which – sometimes together with invasive tests or procedures – make it possible to detect, monitor and treat neurological diseases.