Neurologist
 

A neurologist is a medical doctor specialising in the diagnosis, treatment and management of disorders of the brain, nervous systems and muscles. The GP refers a person to a neurologist for a specialist opinion if the person's symptoms are consistent with neurological problems.

Neurologists are generally asked to see people who have symptoms that might relate to the nervous system. Their initial role is to identify which part of the nervous system is affected and to determine the nature of the dysfunction. During a neurological examination the neurologist reviews the person's medical history with special attention to the current condition.

The neurologist will review the person's cognitive function, vision, hearing, balance, strength, co-ordination, reflexes and sensation. This is achieved by interviewing the person, and by performing a specific examination designed to test the functioning of the nervous system. If an abnormality in the neurological examination is identified, it may be necessary to conduct further tests to diagnose a neurological problem. These include scanning of the brain using a variety of different radiological techniques including computerised axial tomography (CAT scanning) and magnetic resonance intensification (MRI). These provide images of the brain and spine. MS plaques are easily identified using MRI scanning. Electrical testing may also be performed, including visual evoked responses (VERs), which measure the length of time it takes for an electrical signal to travel from the eyes to the back of the brain. VERs are often prolonged in MS. Spinal fluid analysis is undertaken by performing a lumbar puncture. A sample of spinal fluid is withdrawn and examined in the laboratory for evidence of inflammation associated with MS. In approximately 80% of people with MS, the spinal fluid contains oligoclonal bands. These bands, which are composed of antibodies directed at parts of the nervous system, indicate that there is a degree of inflammation within the central nervous system, and are useful in making a diagnosis of MS.

Please click on the link to download a list of Neurologists in Ireland