What Is a Neurologist?
The human brain is like a command center, controlling everything from our thoughts and emotions to how we move and breathe. But when something goes wrong with the nervous system, it can affect every part of life. That’s where neurologists come in. But what exactly is a neurologist? These doctors, trained at institutions like the UAG School of Medicine, are dedicated to diagnosing and treating brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders—helping people regain function and improve their quality of life.
What Does a Neurologist Do?
If you're considering a career in medicine and have a deep curiosity about the human brain, neurology might be the perfect path for you. Neurologists specialize in the nervous system—brain, spinal cord, and nerves—helping diagnose and treat conditions that affect everything from memory and movement to sleep and sensation. Unlike neurosurgeons, who operate on the brain, neurologists focus on non-surgical treatments for a wide range of neurological disorders. They use a mix of medical history, physical exams, and advanced tests to get to the root of the problem. Their day-to-day work includes:
- Evaluating Patients
Patients come to a neurologist when experiencing unexplained symptoms like dizziness, weakness, memory problems, or chronic pain. Neurologists conduct a thorough neurological exam testing:
- Reflexes
- Muscle strength and coordination
- Sensation and balance
- Cognitive function
- Conducting Diagnostic Tests
To get a clearer picture of what’s happening in a patient’s nervous system, neurologists use advanced diagnostic tools, including:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) & CT Scans – Provide detailed images of the brain and spinal cord.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) – Measures electrical activity in the brain, often used for epilepsy diagnosis.
- Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap) – Helps diagnose infections, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions.
- Electromyography (EMG) – Assesses nerve and muscle function.
- Developing Treatment Plans
Once a diagnosis is made, neurologists create personalized treatment plans. While they don’t perform surgery, they:
- Prescribe medications to manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
- Recommend physical, occupational, or speech therapy.
- Advise on lifestyle changes to improve overall brain health.
- Refer patients to specialists if needed.
- Research and Advancements in Neurology
Neurology is a constantly evolving field, with ongoing research into better treatments for neurological disorders. Many neurologists contribute to medical research, clinical trials, and the development of new therapies.
What Are Neurology Subspecialties?
Neurology is a vast and ever-evolving field, with doctors often choosing to focus on specific areas of expertise. Some of these subspecialties include:
- Neuropsychiatry – Exploring the connection between mental health and brain function
- Neurocritical Care – Treating patients with life-threatening brain and spinal cord injuries
- Epileptology – Helping patients with seizure disorders find effective treatments
- Neuromuscular Medicine – Focusing on conditions like ALS and muscular dystrophy
- Neurohospitalist Medicine – Focuses on the care of hospitalized patients with neurological disorders, addressing acute issues such as strokes or severe headaches
- Pediatric Neurology – Caring for children with neurological disorders like cerebral palsy and autism
- Neuro-oncology – Treating brain and spinal cord tumors.
- Sleep Medicine – Addressing disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy.
What Conditions Can a Neurologist Treat?
Neurologists help patients with a wide range of conditions, including, but not limited to:
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia – Disorders that affect memory, thinking, and behavior.
- Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders – Neurologists diagnose and manage epilepsy with medication and lifestyle changes.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – A chronic disease affecting the brain and spinal cord.
- Parkinson’s Disease – A movement disorder that affects coordination and balance.
- Migraines and Chronic Headaches – Neurologists help patients manage severe and recurring headaches.
- Stroke – A neurologist plays a critical role in stroke prevention, treatment, and recovery.
- Neuromuscular Disorders – Conditions like ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and muscular dystrophy.
How Do You Become a Neurologist?
- Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Aspiring neurologists first complete an undergraduate degree, typically in a science-related field like biology, chemistry, or neuroscience.
- Attend Medical School
After earning a bachelor’s degree, students attend medical school for four years to earn an M.D. or DO. Schools like UAG School of Medicine provide a strong foundation in medical knowledge and hands-on clinical training.
- Complete a Residency in Neurology
After medical school, doctors complete a four-year neurology residency program, where they gain real-world experience treating patients under supervision.
- Optional Fellowship for Specialization
If a neurologist wants to specialize in a subspecialty like epilepsy, stroke, or neuropsychiatry, they complete an additional 1-2 years of fellowship training.
- Obtain Licensing and Board Certification
To practice in the U.S., neurologists must:
- Pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
- Get board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN).
What Is a Neurologist’s Salary?
Neurologists earn a good salary, but it varies based on experience and location. On average, neurologists in the U.S. make about $301,000 per year, with some earning significantly more depending on their subspecialty and practice setting.
Job Outlook for Neurologists
Neurology offers stability, job security, and opportunities for professional growth. The demand for neurologists is growing due to:
- An aging population with increasing cases of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
- Advances in neurological research leading to new treatment opportunities.
- Increased awareness of neurological disorders.
The Future of Neurology: Innovations and Opportunities
Neurology is a constantly evolving field, with groundbreaking research and technological advancements shaping the way neurological conditions are diagnosed and treated. From AI-assisted diagnostics to gene therapy for neurodegenerative diseases, the future of neurology holds exciting possibilities for those entering the field today.
One of the most promising areas of advancement is in neurotechnology, where tools like brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and deep brain stimulation (DBS) are revolutionizing treatment options for conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and even depression. Neuropsychiatry, a growing subspecialty, is also gaining momentum as scientists uncover deeper connections between neurological disorders and mental health conditions.
As a future neurologist, you’ll have the opportunity to work at the forefront of these innovations, helping to improve patient outcomes and push the boundaries of medical science.
Why Choose Neurology?
Neurology is one of the most fascinating fields in medicine. The brain and nervous system control every function in our bodies, and there’s still so much to discover. If you’re passionate about science, problem-solving, and helping people manage complex conditions, neurology offers an incredibly fulfilling career path.
How UAG Can Help You Achieve Your Dreams in Neurology
Choosing the right medical school can make all the difference. UAG School of Medicine is here to help you succeed. Here’s why UAG is a great choice for future neurologists:
- Internationally Respected Education – We provide a world-class medical education that prepares students to practice in both the U.S. and abroad.
- Early Hands-On Clinical Training – We emphasize real-world experience from the beginning, allowing students to gain clinical exposure early in their studies.
- Strong USMLE Preparation – Our M.D. program is designed to help students excel on the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), a critical step for practicing in the U.S.
- Pathway to U.S. Residency – Many of our graduates secure competitive residency placements in neurology and other specialties.
- Bilingual & Multicultural Training – Studying here offers a unique opportunity to develop bilingual skills, which is a valuable asset in today’s medical field.
- Affordable Medical Education – Compared to U.S. medical schools, we offer a high-quality education at a more affordable cost.
- Global Alumni Network – UAG graduates work in top hospitals and research institutions worldwide, creating a strong professional network for future neurologists.
Your Goals Are Within Your Reach at UAG
If you want to know what a neurologist is for yourself, turn your passion for the brain and nervous system into a rewarding career. UAG School of Medicine can help you get there. With world-class education, early clinical experience, and strong USMLE preparation, UAG provides everything you need to succeed in neurology or any medical specialty.
Contact us to learn more!
