The brain is, by far, one of the most complex and fantastic organs in the body. Although those of other study areas may not agree, the mind should be studied steadily over a lifetime. If we were to look at another well known and complex organ, perhaps the heart can be an adequate comparison. Although the heart is fantastic, it can be boiled down to four valves, four chambers, and some electrical wire. Not only that, but the heart can be transplanted to another body. However, the brain has been studied for centuries, and the study is still barely in its infancy of research. Emerson Pugh spoke about the mysteries of the brain the best:
“If the human brain were so simple
That we could understand it,
We would be so simple
That we couldn’t.”
Neurology is simply the study of the brain. The title Neurologist refers to a medical doctor with specialized training in treating, diagnosing, and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system. A child (pediatric), neurologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of neurologic disorders in children from birth through adolescence. Some of the conditions can overlap with those seen by adult neurologists, and some are solely unique to the pediatric range.
To better focus on what is handled within neurology, we can break down the previously mentioned neurologists’ duties. A very significant role of the doctors is to diagnose any issues, illnesses, or diseases. Neurologists are highly trained specialists with the authority and knowledge to make educated diagnoses using a plethora of tests:
- Computed tomography (CT) or computer-assisted tomography (CAT) scans
- Nerve conduction studies and electromyography (NCS/EMG)
- Lumbar puncture (LP) for cerebral spinal fluid analysis
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Electroencephalography (EEG)
The study of neurology is a wonderfully vast and beautiful field. Committing yourself to the study of this field, or even an interest, is an excellent way to spend your time.