A neurologist specializes in caring for people with diseases and conditions of the brain and nervous system, including the spinal cord, nerves, muscles, and related blood vessels. Neurologists diagnose and treat many diseases, including stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, headaches, seizures, and brain and spinal cord injuries. Neurologists are also experts in preventing neurological disease and in reducing neurological disability.
A neurologist typically:
Evaluates a patient’s medical history and educates the patient about brain and nervous system health and disease prevention
Performs physical exams that include evaluating blood pressure, vital signs, and the health of the brain and nervous system
Orders and interprets laboratory and imaging tests and prescribes medications
Diagnoses and treats acute and chronic diseases and conditions that affect the brain and nervous system including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and meningitis
Screens, treats and monitors conditions that increase the risk of serious brain and nervous system conditions, such as a head injury that can lead to long-term memory loss and headaches
Performs certain invasive procedures such as nervous system biopsies
Provides direct care for brain and nervous system conditions in the office and in the hospital
Works closely with your primary care doctor and other specialists and members of your healthcare team to provide optimal care
Neurologists may also be known by the following names: brain doctor, brain specialist, and nerve doctor.
There are 516 specialists practicing Neurology in Washington with an overall average rating of 3.6 stars. There are 81 hospitals in Washington with affiliated Neurology specialists, including Swedish Cherry Hill Campus, MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital and UW Medical Center - Montlake.
