Second Opinion on General neurology

Neurology is the study of the structure, function, and diseases of the nervous system. It is the most complex and well-organized system of the human body, which governs our bodily reactions to the environment and also regulates most internal functions.

The nervous system is divided into central (CNS) and peripheral (PNS) systems.

The former includes the brain and spinal cord, while all the nerve cells that do not refer to them (peripheral nerves, nerve roots, and nerve plexuses) constitute the latter.

Muscles to a certain extent also belong to the field of neurology, since they form an inseparable entity with the nerves. Therefore, a neurologist is a physician who specializes in identifying and treating diseases of the brain, sense organs, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, including nerve roots, and muscles. He also deals with abnormalities of the blood vessels that supply the nervous system; disorders of the immune and endocrine systems insomuch as they affect the nervous system, and inflammations of the meninges.

Neurology conditions and subspecialties

Nervous system abnormalities can be caused by various factors and have a wide variety of manifestations. For example, impaired cerebral circulation leads to stroke. Multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases are associated with neuroimmunological (inflammatory) processes. Possible causes of diseases such as Parkinson's disease or dementia are degenerative processes. Inflammation of the brain and its membranes is caused by bacterial or viral infections.

The field of neurology also includes the consequences of craniocerebral injuries or damage to the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. Disorders of electrical activity of the brain can manifest themselves in the form of epilepsy. In addition, there are various neurological pain disorders such as headaches, facial pain, neuralgia or nerve compression, such as those resulting from herniated discs.

Tumor diseases of the nervous system fall under the subfield of neuro-oncology, neuropsychology or cognitive neurology deals with the diagnosis and therapy of disorders of attention and memory, as well as perception and action planning. Neuro-ophthalmology deals with neurological diseases of the optic nerves, the visual parts of the brain, and the eye muscles. Neuro-orthopedics deals with damage to the spinal cord and nerve roots as a result of diseases of the spinal column.

Common nervous system disorders

The most widespread neurology issues include:

- epilepsy;

- stroke;

- Parkinson's disease

- multiple sclerosis;

- brain tumors;

- meningitis;

- migraine.