Neurologic Disparities

NEUROLOGIST

SCIENTIFIC OCCUPATIONS

Neurologist

A neurologist is a medical doctor who is specialised in the treating and diagnosing of nervous system disorders. The nervous system is complex, consisting of the brain and spinal cord as well as the neural supply to the whole body including eyes, ears and skin.

Neurologists generally have an in depth understanding of anatomy and physiology, as well as all the body systems. This is because diseases effecting the body could impair brain function. Some disorders that a person may seek a referral to a neurolgist include: stroke, brain tumours, Multiple Sclerosis, headache, infection of the brain or spinal cord such as Meningitis, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, epilepsy and speech

A recent breakthrough has occured in the treatment of stroke-induced brain damage at the University of Southern California. Scientists working collaboratively have allowed such breakthroughs to occur. The neurologists role is to recognise and assess the damage and treatment effects to these stroke patients undergoing trials, using his specialised skills as discussed. Scientists, such as neurophysicists and biochemists for example would also be involved in instigating, developing and conducting the research.

Hope for reversing stroke-induced long term disability….

A stroke or Cerebro-Vascula Accident (CVA) is a medical emergency. The blood supply to the brain is interrupted. It can be caused by excessive bleeding from a burst blood vessel for example (haemorrhagic) or more commonly from a deficient blood supply, such as from a blocked artery (ischaemic). A stroke can cause death or serious disability if not treated promptly.

A recent study has found that permanent brain damage from a stroke may be reversible thanks to a developing therapeutic technique combining transplanted human stem cells with a special protein(3K3A-APC). The protein combines with the stem cells to produce nerve cells (neurons), which are grafted onto the stroke damaged brain, making structural and functional changes to the host’s nervous

To assess for any neurolgic deficit, a neurologist would conduct a thorough clinical examination of the patient

The neurological exam

The main areas tested by a neurological exam are the: cranial nerves, reflexes, coordination, muscle strength tone and bulk, sensory function and gait. They determine whether a neurological dysfunction exists, identify which systems are affected, screen for potentially neurological disorders and abnormalities.

Although a neurological examination is not something easy to learn, requiring a university degree, there are some simple things anyone can do to help detect a stroke. The time from the initial vascula event to treatment is critical. Best prognosis is when treatment occurs within 3 hours.

For this instructional guide you do not need any equipment except for a test subject.

1. Ask the patient to show you their teeth. If their face is drooping on one side, they likely have one-sided facial weakness, a sign of stroke.

2. Ask them to close their eyes and raise their arms. Stroke patients often have arm weakness on one side and cannot raise both arms to the same