Understanding the basics: What is neurological care?

If you’ve been diagnosed with a condition affecting the nervous system, your provider may refer you to a neurologist or a neurosurgeon for neurological care. What does that mean, though?

Neurological care includes neurology and neurosurgery, which are specialties that treat conditions affecting the brain, spine, and other parts of the nervous system. While both specialties treat neurological conditions, they’re a little different.

Keep reading to learn more about neurological care and the services provided by board-certified LCMC Health neurological specialists.

Defining neurology

Neurology is a field of medicine in which providers diagnose and treat nervous system conditions. A neurologist provides this specialized care, which may focus on pediatric, adult or all-ages care. In some cases, neurologists may also specialize in a specific medical condition or group of conditions.

Neurological conditions vary significantly because the nervous system includes an intricate network of nerves affecting many different parts of the body. Neurologists can provide care for more than 600 neurological disorders, including:

• Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Back or neck pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Epilepsy
• Huntington’s disease
• Muscular dystrophy
• Parkinson’s disease
• Spina bifida
• Spinal cord or brain injuries
• Tumors of the nervous system

If referred to a neurologist, your appointment will include a physical exam and testing, including imaging scans, to determine a diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, your provider will create a personalized treatment plan to meet your needs.

In many cases, treatment for a neurological condition starts with conservative therapies, including medication, physical therapy, or bracing. Many neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, require ongoing management of the condition as they progress. Your neurologist can adapt your treatment plan to meet your changing needs.

When surgical treatment is needed to alleviate symptoms or correct problems with the nervous system, a neurologist may refer you to a neurosurgeon. Your care team will work together to ensure you have the comprehensive care needed to treat and manage your condition, effectively.

Understanding neurosurgery

Neurosurgery is a field of medicine with specialists who offer surgical treatment of neurological conditions.

It might surprise you to learn, however, that neurosurgeons don’t just provide surgical care. They diagnose and treat neurological conditions using nonsurgical and surgical treatment methods. While they often collaborate with neurologists to provide care, they may sometimes be your sole source of neurological care.

Neurosurgeons can perform surgical procedures to treat any conditions affecting the nervous system, such as advanced spine care, including surgical treatment of:

• Brain aneurysms
• Brain or spine tumors
• Carpal tunnel
• Degenerative disc disease
• Epilepsy
• Herniated discs
• Intracerebral hemorrhage
• Peripheral nerve damage
• Scoliosis
• Spinal instability
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Vascular disorders

Neurosurgery may be performed on a scheduled basis, such as a planned surgery for a herniated disc in the spine, or in an emergency. Emergency neurosurgery may be needed to treat conditions such as stroke, brain aneurysm, or intracerebral hemorrhage.

Patients receiving neurological care through LCMC Health have access to the latest innovations in care, including minimally invasive surgery when possible. While neurosurgery procedures are often intricate and complex, many can now be performed using techniques that provide patients with multiple benefits, including smaller incisions, reduced bleeding, and a quicker recovery.

At LCMC Health, our care doesn’t end with surgery. You’ll have follow-up appointments with a neurological specialist to ensure you’re healing correctly, and we’ll also connect you with other resources, including rehabilitation services.

Are you experiencing a neurological condition? LCMC Health offers comprehensive care for conditions affecting the nervous system, including neurology and neurosurgery.