NEUROLOGY WEST ©

Dr. Andreas Kenneth Jahnke

What is Neurology?

 

 

  • Ancient Greek for neuro - nerve and logos - knowledge. 
  • On the European continent Neurology and Psychiatry had the same origin.
  • In Angloamerican countries Neurology developed out of Internal Medicine.
  • Neurology started as a relatively small medical discipline. But in the last 15-20 years it developed to the most challenging and fastest growing medical discipline. Neurological knowledge doubles every 4-5 years.
  • Neurology is the science of diseases affecting the central, the peripheral and the autonomic nerve system, as well diseases affecting the muscles.
  • Typical examples of Neurological Diseases: Stroke, spinal cord abnormalities, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Epilepsy,  myopathies, neuropathies.

What is NOT Neurology?

 

 

  • Radiology: the Neurologist's primary job is NOT to assess Ultrasounds, MRI's, Xray's and CT´s . This is the job of a radiologist whose specialty is to do and report imgaging. Of note, a radiologist is not a radiographer who is a technician supporting the neurologist. All scans are reported by a radiologist.  Nevertheless, if additional information is needed the neurologist might review scans if he/she feels this is really necessary. Otherwise he/she will not review every image. Of note, CDs and video-links are not for diagnostic purposes as it is for example outlined on the CD description. The quality of videolinks and cd's cannot compete with the radiological screens in  a radiology department.
  • Surgery: A neurologist does not provide surgery, neither orthopaedic, nor plastic or neurosurgery. Of note, a neurosurgeon usually does not have a neurological training and cannot replace a neurologist.
  • Primary care: Neurology is a single speciality in the wide field of medicine. He/she can therefore not replace a GP who covers a wider field of  medicine and should be always your first contact in all medical matters.

What Does A neurologist do?

 

 

  • He/she takes your history including your family history and does a detailed neurological examination.
  • He/she reviews indicated technical examinations like Electroencephalographies (EEG's), Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Studies (EMG/NCS), Computer Tomographies and Magnet Resonance Imaging  (CT/MRI) and other technical investigations.
  • He/she then evaluates your history, your examination, the lab and technical results and comes then to a diagnositic and therapeuti conclusion.
  • He/she then starts targeted treatment and reviews it on follow-up appointments.
  • He/she discusses the results of your assessment and the possible treatment options, their side-effects and benefits with you.
  • He/she cooperates with other medical disciplines whenever necessary.

Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)

  • Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) are used to detect damage of the peripheral nerve system including the peripheral nerves, the spinal nerve roots, the anterior of the spinal cord, the dorsal spinal ganglions, the skeletal muscles and much more.
  • Typical examples are: Diagnostics of carpal - and cubital tunnel - syndromes,fibular head syndrome, peripheral neuropathies, radiculopathies, plexopathies, myopathies and motor neuron disease. 
  • These are medical procedures and, like other procedures, eg, an x-ray, MRI, CT scan, patients do not receive feedback or consultations while the procedures are being conducted. The results need to be evaluated, dictated and interpreted after the procedure is finished and this must occur before the report is compiled and sent to the referring doctor. All patients can have a copy of their report once it is completed, if required.