The neurologist is the doctor specializing in nervous system diseases. What diseases do he care for exactly? When to consult it? How does a consultation take place? What price?
What is the definition of a neurologist?
Neurology is a medical specialty recognized by the order of doctors which consists in treating diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system. The neurologist is therefore the doctor specializing in all pathologies affecting the nervous systemin particular diseases reaching the central nervous system, whether at the level of the brain or spinal cord.
What does a neurologist take care of?
The neurologist is led to follow people with several diseases:
- Migraine
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Epilepsy
- Dementia
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Brain hemorrhage
- Brain or spinal cord tumor
- Diseases of the peripheral nervous system, especially in the context of the evolution of diabetes with diabetic neuropathy, or any other nervous damage.
- Neuro muscle diseases, such as myopathies, neuropathies, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, vascular diseases such as stroke and certain infectious or inflammatory pathologies such as meningitis, or encephalopathies.
When to consult a neurologist?
The consultation with a neurologist takes place either in an emergency, at the hospital, during a stroke for example, or in a cabinet (liberal or hospital) after being sent by his attending physician. The neurologist is not not in direct access in the care pathway health insurance. Various symptoms can lead to consulting a neurologist: acute or chronic headache, tingling, decrease in motor skills or sensitivity, memory disorders …
After a specific interrogation on the reasons for consultation, the history and the symptoms, the neurologist proceeds A complete clinical examination To orient it in its diagnosis. Additional examinations can be prescribed according to the disease and its location such as an electroencephalogram which records electrical activity of neurons and brains, an electromyogram which records electrical activity of a muscle or a nerve, a cerebral scanner or an MRI which visualize the brain for example. As for the lumbar puncture, it makes it possible to analyze the cerebrospinal or cerebrosy fluid in the nervous system and the spinal cord.
It is recommended to bring all additional examinations that can help the neurologist in his diagnosis and management, as well as the usual treatment and the mail of the attending physician.
How much is a consultation with a neurologist?
In sector 1, the price of a consultation with a neurologist varies from 39.70 euros at 60 euros For a very complex consultation. In sector 2, excess fees can be applied. After deduction of the package of 1 euro, health insurance reimburses from 26.79 euros to 41 euros. The consultation is free in a hospital environment.
What studies to become a neurologist?
To become a neurologist, you have to study medicine and access a specialization of 5 years at the boarding school before supporting a thesis and obtaining a state diploma in medicine, with specialty in neurology.
To know: The exercise of neurology can be practiced in a public hospital establishment or a private clinic. Certain neurologists stationed within a hospital establishment can also collaborate on research work, commissioned by the pharmaceutical industry or university structures. Others make the choice of education, by participating in the training of medical students, or even labor in the laboratory.
