Neurologist
A physician who specializes in treating diseases and disorders associated with the nervous system that includes spinal cord, brain, associated nerves and muscles. To be a neurologist, one should have completed four years of graduation, four years of medical school, one year of internship in internal medicine/surgery and three years of neurology residency. They can further hold a sub-specialization in stroke, epilepsy etc. They should also be certified by a recognized board.
A neurologist conducts
- Neurological assessment of the nerves related with the neck and head.
- Checks on movement of the muscles and the strength of the same.
- Checks on ambulation, balance and reflexes.
- Checks for sensation, speech, language, memory, and various other cognitive skills.
- They ask for diagnostic tests in few patients such as CAT scan, MRI, EEG, EMG/NCV and lumbar puncture and analyze those results in relation to the disorder of the patient.
Modern techniques and neurologist
Neurologists have been able to understand the problems in patients better with the modern and innovative techniques available.
- With latest CAT scans understanding the diseases have become a lot easier.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)/MRA (magnetic resonance angiography) gives a better understanding of the structures.
- NCV (nerve conduction velocity) give a better understanding of the nerves.
Guillain Barre Syndrome
Guillain Barre syndrome or GBS is a rare disease that affects the peripheral nervous system. This condition arises when the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nerves. Guillain-Barre syndrome can be life-threatening. Typically GBS follows an infection such as sore throat, Hodgkin's disease or other bacterial diseases. Sometimes surgery can trigger GBS. A severe attack of Guillain-Barre syndrome can leave a patient totally paralyzed. The patient has difficulty in breathing and sharp fluctuations in blood pressure and pulse rate.
Symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome include severe numbness and weakness in the limbs. It can result in loss of feeling and movement and temporary paralysis. There may be bouts of headache and vomiting. Symptoms such as tingling in the limbs and muscle weakness are characteristic of GBS. Early diagnosis is vital to the treatment of Guillain-Barre syndrome. A nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test can aid the doctor in diagnosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome. A spinal tap is another diagnostic mechanism that helps to determine the pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid. Electromyography (EMG) helps in identifying the extent of damage to the neurological system.
If dianosed within the early weeks, patients suffering from Guillain-Barre syndrome can recover in good time. Plasmapheresis and high-dose immunoglobulin therapy are used to treat Guillain-Barre syndrome. Severe cases of GBS need hospitalization. Critical body functions need to be monitored during the recovery of the nervous system.
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