Neurology
Dr. Shonali Valsangkar | Neurologist in Solapur
Overview
Neurology is a branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the nervous system. Neurology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of all categories of conditions and diseases involving the central and peripheral nervous systems (and their subdivisions, the autonomic and somatic nervous systems), including their coverings, blood vessels, and all effector tissue, such as muscle. Neurological practice relies heavily on the field of neuroscience, the scientific study of the nervous system.
Symptoms
The physical symptoms of neurological problems may include the following:
- Partial or complete paralysis
- Muscle weakness
- Partial or complete loss of sensation
- Seizures
- Difficulty reading and writing
- Poor cognitive abilities
- Unexplained pain
- Decreased alertness
Treatments
One approach to treating primarily behavioral neurological issues goes by the name of cognitive behavioral therapy, formerly known as talk therapy. CBT focuses on reorienting a patient’s thoughts and behaviors related to their disability. While this is obviously not an appropriate response to many disorders of the brain and nervous system, such as Parkinson’s disease or epilepsy, it has shown considerable effect in the treatment of ADHD, anxiety, and other mood disorders, as well as a range of primarily psychogenic impairments. It enjoys several advantages, not the least of which is that it doesn’t present the risk of side effects the way drugs or other interventions might. CBT can often be administered by someone other than a doctor, though it should be administered by licensed therapists. It will frequently be among the first choices for patients, given its generally noninvasive nature.
Diagnosis
When doctors suspect someone has a neurologic condition such as a brain injury, tumors, hydrocephalus, aneurysm, epilepsy, or stroke, a range of neurologic tests can help determine the diagnosis. A radiologist or technologist administers the test and then sends the results to the doctor.
Causes
The specific causes of neurological problems vary, but can include genetic disorders, congenital abnormalities or disorders, infections, lifestyle or environmental health problems, including malnutrition, and brain injury, spinal cord injury, or nerve injury.
