The neurologist is the doctor who specializes in diseases of the nervous system. What illnesses does it treat exactly? When to consult it? What happens during a consultation ? What price ?
What is the definition of a neurologist?
Neurology is a medical specialty recognized by the Order of Physicians 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 system.in particular diseases affecting the central nervous system whether at the level of the brain or the spinal cord.
What does a neurologist treat?
The neurologist is required to follow people with several diseases:
- Migraine
- Parkinson disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Epilepsy
- Dementias
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Cerebral hemorrhage
- Brain or spinal cord tumor
- Diseases of the peripheral nervous system, in particular in the context of the development of diabetes with diabetic neuropathy, or any other nerve damage.
- Neuromuscular diseases, such as myopathies, neuropathies, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, vascular diseases such as strokes and certain infectious or inflammatory pathologies such as meningitis or encephalopathy.
When to consult a neurologist?
The consultation with a neurologist is carried out either in emergency, in the hospital, during a stroke for example, or in the office (liberal or hospital) after having been referred by his attending physician. The neurologist is not not in direct access in the course of care of Health Insurance. Various symptoms can lead to consulting a neurologist: acute or chronic headaches, tingling, reduced motor skills or sensitivity, memory problems, etc.
After a precise questioning on the reasons for consultation, the antecedents and the symptoms, the neurologist proceeds to a complete clinical examination to guide him in his diagnosis. Additional examinations may be prescribed depending on the disease and its location, such as an electroencephalogram which records the electrical activity of neurons and the brain, an electromyogram which records the electrical activity of a muscle or a nerve, a scanner cerebral or an MRI which visualizes the brain for example. As for the lumbar puncture, it makes it possible to analyze the cerebrospinal or cerebrospinal fluid found in the nervous system and the spinal cord.
It is recommended to bring all the complementary examinations that can help the neurologist in his diagnosis and his care, as well as the usual treatment and the letter from the attending physician.
How much does a consultation with a neurologist cost?
In sector 1, the price of a consultation with a neurologist varies from 39.70 euros to 60 euros for a very complex consultation. In sector 2, excess fees may be applied. After deduction of the flat rate of 1 euro, Health Insurance reimburses from 26.79 euros to 41 euros. The consultation is free in hospital.
What studies to become a neurologist?
To become a neurologist, you have to study medicine and gain access to a 5-year specialization at the boarding school before defending a thesis and obtaining a state diploma of doctor of medicine, with a specialty in neurology.
To know : The exercise of neurology can be practiced within a public hospital establishment or a private clinic. Some neurologists working in a hospital establishment can also collaborate in research work commissioned by the pharmaceutical industry or university structures. Others choose to teach, by participating in the training of medical students, or even work in the laboratory.