Neurologist
A physician who specializes in treating diseases and disorders associated with the nervous system that includes spinal cord, brain, associated nerves and muscles. To be a neurologist, one should have completed four years of graduation, four years of medical school, one year of internship in internal medicine/surgery and three years of neurology residency. They can further hold a sub-specialization in stroke, epilepsy etc. They should also be certified by a recognized board.
A neurologist conducts
Neurological assessment of the nerves related with the neck and head.
Checks on movement of the muscles and the strength of the same.
Checks on ambulation, balance and reflexes.
Checks for sensation, speech, language, memory, and various other cognitive skills.
They ask for diagnostic tests in few patients such as CAT scan, MRI, EEG, EMG/NCV and lumbar puncture and analyze those results in relation to the disorder of the patient.
Modern techniques and neurologist
Neurologists have been able to understand the problems in patients better with the modern and innovative techniques available.
With latest CAT scans understanding the diseases have become a lot easier.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)/MRA (magnetic resonance angiography) gives a better understanding of the structures.
NCV (nerve conduction velocity) give a better understanding of the nerves.
Reye's Syndrome
Though the occurence of Reye's Syndrome is rare, it is a potentially life-threatening condition. Typically, a patient suffering from Reye's syndrome has elevated levels of ammonia and acidity in the blood and reduced blood sugar levels. There is swelling in the liver and in serious cases in the brain. This can lead to a comatose condition. Usually this syndrome occurs in chldren under 15 years; though there has been a substantial decrease in the number of cases. Usage of aspirin to treat a viral infection is thought to be one of the factors that triggers Reye's syndrome in children and teenagers. Often Reye's syndrome is confused with meningitis, encephalitis or mental illness. It is essential to treat this condition in the early stages, lest it lead to permanent brain damage. Usually Reye's Syndrome is preceded by a viral illness. The symptoms of Reye's syndrome are nausea, rapid breathing, unusual sleepiness and lethargy. Other symptoms are persistent vomiting and diarrhea. The affected child might exhibit bizarre behavior. In a matter of a few hours, the condition can worsen and there can be seizures or convulsions and loss of consciousness. There may be muscle function loss or paralysis of the arms or legs.
A child affected by Reye's Syndrome must be given adequate fluids and electrolytes. It is essential There must be balanced and nutritional food. If there is difficulty in breathing, a respirator can provide relief. Medication is given to reduce intracranial pressure. Avoid food that upsets the child's stomach and try and keep the fever under control. A variety of diagnostic tools ranging from head CT Scan or MRI to spinal tap (lumbar puncture) and liver biopsy can help in detecting Reye's syndrome. In addition to blood and urine tests, a spinal tap is conducted to rule out meningitis or encephalitis. Liver biopsy is useful in ruling out diseases of the liver.
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