What is the Difference Between Neurology and Neurosurgery?

Neurology deals with the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of nervous system diseases. Neurosurgery, on the other hand, manages the treatment of brain, spinal cord, and nerve diseases that may require surgery.

What is the Difference Between Neurology and Psychiatry?

Neurology evaluates nervous system disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and MS. Psychiatry, on the other hand, deals with the diagnosis and treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses. In some cases, the two branches may work together.

Should You See a Neurologist for Headaches?

Yes. Conditions such as migraine, tension-type headache, and cluster headache are evaluated by a neurology specialist. A neurological examination is recommended, particularly for recurrent headaches or those that affect daily life.

Which Department Treats Numbness in Hands and Feet in Neurology?

Yes. Numbness in the hands and feet can be caused by nerve entrapment, neuropathy, or certain central nervous system disorders. A neurology specialist investigates the cause of the numbness using EMG and other tests when necessary.

Should You See a Neurologist for Forgetfulness?

Yes. Forgetfulness can be associated with Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive disorders. A neurology specialist evaluates memory problems and plans the necessary tests.

What Tests Are Performed During a Neurological Examination?

During the neurological examination, reflexes, muscle strength, senses, balance, and coordination are evaluated. If deemed necessary, CT, MRI, EEG, EMG, or blood tests may be requested.

Are Neurological Diseases Treatable?

In many neurological diseases, symptoms can be reduced or controlled with treatment. Treatment success depends on the type and stage of the disease and the individual's health status.

What is Neurology? Which Diseases Does It Treat?

Neurology is the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of diseases affecting the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nervous system, and muscles. The Department of Neurology evaluates many health problems such as headache, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), nerve entrapments, and muscle diseases.

Neurology specialists utilize neurological examination, Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging, EEG, EMG, and other necessary diagnostic methods to determine diseases. Treatment is planned according to the cause of the disease and the individual's needs.

Which Diseases Does the Neurology Department Deal With?

The neurology department deals with diseases affecting the nervous system, ranging from headaches to epilepsy, cerebrovascular diseases to movement and memory disorders. These diseases can manifest with different symptoms, and a neurology specialist evaluation is required for diagnosis.

Headaches: Migraines, tension-type headaches, cluster headaches, and chronic headaches.
Cerebrovascular Diseases: Stroke (paralysis), cerebral hemorrhage, and diseases associated with the occlusion of cerebral vessels.
Neurodegenerative Diseases: Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other types of dementia.
Epilepsy: A disease characterized by seizures caused by irregularities in abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Demyelinating Diseases: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and other diseases affecting the myelin structure in the nervous system.
Muscle and Peripheral Nerve Diseases: ALS, muscle diseases, polyneuropathy, and nerve entrapments.
Movement Disorders: Tremor, dystonia, and involuntary movements.
Dizziness and Balance Disorders: Vertigo and balance problems related to the nervous system.
Sleep Disorders: Restless legs syndrome, abnormal movements during sleep, and other sleep disorders requiring neurological evaluation.

Migraine and Headache

Migraine is a neurological disease that manifests with recurring headache attacks. Symptoms such as nausea, light and sound sensitivity may occur. The neurology specialist evaluates the type of headache and plans the appropriate treatment.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a disease characterized by seizures associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures can present as convulsions, staring spells, changes in consciousness, or involuntary movements. EEG and other necessary examinations are utilized for diagnosis.

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a progressive nervous system disease that affects the control of movements. Slowness in movements, tremor, muscle stiffness, and balance problems are the main symptoms. Treatment is arranged according to the stage of the disease and the individual's needs.

Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disease that causes a gradual decline in memory and thinking skills. Forgetfulness, difficulty finding directions, and challenges in daily living activities may occur. Neurological evaluation is important for early diagnosis and follow-up.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic disease that develops when the immune system affects the myelin structure in the central nervous system. It can cause numbness, vision problems, muscle weakness, and loss of balance. Neurological examination and MRI play an important role in diagnosis.

Stroke (Paralysis)

Stroke (paralysis) develops as a result of the blockage of blood flow to the brain or bleeding in a cerebral vessel. Sudden loss of strength, facial drooping, speech disorders, and visual changes may occur. A stroke requires urgent intervention.

Neuropathy and Nerve Entrapments

Neuropathy is a condition that occurs due to the impairment of peripheral nerve functions. Numbness, burning, tingling, and weakness in the hands and feet may occur. EMG and nerve conduction studies can be used for diagnosis.

What Are the Symptoms of Neurological Diseases?

The most common symptoms of neurological diseases are headache, dizziness, numbness, muscle weakness, tremor, forgetfulness, and loss of balance. Symptoms may vary depending on the affected region of the nervous system and the type of disease.

Headache: Recurring, prolonged, or increasing in severity headaches.
Dizziness: A spinning sensation, imbalance, and difficulty walking.
Numbness and Tingling: Loss of sensation in the hands, feet, face, or other parts of the body.
Muscle Weakness: Decreased strength in the arms and legs.
Tremor: Involuntary movements in the hands or different parts of the body.
Forgetfulness: Changes in memory, attention, and thinking skills.
Vision Disorders: Double vision, blurred vision, or loss of vision.
Speech Disorders: Difficulty uttering words or understanding speech.
Seizures: Changes in consciousness, convulsions, or brief staring spells.
Sleep Problems: Abnormal movements during sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Sudden onset of facial drooping, loss of strength in an arm or leg, speech disorder, or sudden severe headache requires immediate evaluation. In such a case, the 112 Emergency Call Center should be called.

Which Tests Are Performed in the Neurology Department?

Neurological examination, MRI, CT, EEG, EMG, and various laboratory tests are utilized in the neurology department to support the diagnosis of diseases. Which tests will be performed is determined based on the individual's symptoms and the evaluation of the neurology specialist.

Neurological Examination: Reflexes, muscle strength, senses, balance, and coordination are evaluated.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Provides detailed imaging of brain and spinal cord tissues.
Computed Tomography (CT): Used particularly in the evaluation of cerebral hemorrhage, trauma, and certain structural changes.
Electroencephalography (EEG): Records the electrical activity of the brain. Used in epilepsy and suspected seizure cases.
Electromyography (EMG): Evaluates the functions of muscles and peripheral nerves. Aids in the diagnosis of nerve entrapments and neuropathies.
Lumbar Puncture (CSF analysis): Cerebrospinal fluid is examined to investigate certain infectious and inflammatory diseases.
Doppler Ultrasonography: Evaluates blood flow in blood vessels. It can be used particularly in investigating stenoses in neck vessels.
Neuropsychological Tests: Evaluates memory, attention, language, and other cognitive functions.
Genetic Tests: Supports the diagnosis of certain neurological diseases that may be hereditary.
Sleep Test (Polysomnography): Records brain waves, respiration, and body movements during sleep.

These tests are not applied to every patient. The availability of certain procedures within the institution should be verified separately.

How Are Neurological Diseases Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of neurological diseases is pursued by listening to the patient's complaints, reviewing their medical history, and conducting a detailed neurological examination. In necessary cases, MRI, EEG, EMG, and other tests are used to support the diagnosis.

The following stages are followed in the diagnostic process:

Patient History: The onset, duration, frequency of complaints, and family history of diseases are learned.
Neurological Examination: Muscle strength, reflexes, senses, balance, and coordination are examined.
Diagnostic Tests: MRI, EEG, EMG, blood tests, or other examinations are planned according to the disease.
Evaluation of Results: Examination and test findings are interpreted together.
Treatment Plan: A treatment and follow-up program suitable for the diagnosis and the individual's health status is prepared.

How Are Neurological Diseases Treated?

Treatment for neurological diseases may include medication applications, neuromodulation in appropriate patients, neurorehabilitation, and supportive treatments. The treatment method is determined based on the type, severity of the disease, and the general health status of the individual.

Medication Treatment: Applied to control symptoms or manage the disease process in migraines, epilepsy, Parkinson's, and other neurological diseases.
Neuromodulation: Methods aiming to regulate nervous system activity. At the NPİSTANBUL Neuromodulation Unit, relevant treatments are evaluated in accordance with patient suitability and scientific indications.
Neurorehabilitation: Aims to support movement, balance, and daily living skills in stroke, Parkinson's, MS, and other appropriate neurological diseases.
Inpatient Neurology Treatment: Can be planned for patients requiring close monitoring or evaluation in a hospital environment.
Multidisciplinary Follow-up: Involves the collaborative work of neurology, physical therapy, psychiatry, and other specialty areas when needed.

In Which Situations Should You See a Neurology Doctor?

Individuals experiencing recurring headaches, unexplained numbness, muscle weakness, tremor, forgetfulness, or balance problems should consult a neurology doctor. It is particularly important to evaluate complaints that are prolonged, progressive, or affect daily life.

Main situations in which a neurology specialist may be consulted:

Frequent Headaches: Investigation of migraines or other types of headaches.
Hand and Foot Numbness: Evaluation of nerve entrapment, neuropathy, or other nervous system diseases.
Forgetfulness: Investigation of Alzheimer's and other cognitive disorders.
Tremor: Evaluation of Parkinson's and other movement disorders.
Balance Problems: Investigation of dizziness, difficulty walking, or loss of coordination.
Muscle Weakness: Evaluation of muscle and nerve diseases.
Suspected Seizure: Investigation of epilepsy and other causes of altered consciousness.

In cases of sudden onset stroke symptoms, an outpatient clinic appointment should not be awaited, and emergency medical services should be sought.

NPİSTANBUL Hospital Neurology Department and Specialists

The NPİSTANBUL Hospital Neurology Department provides services in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system diseases. Neurological examinations, diagnostic examinations, and personalized treatment planning according to the patient's needs are performed in the department.

Main units supporting the hospital's neurology services:

Neurology Department: Evaluation of migraines, epilepsy, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, MS, and other neurological diseases.
Neuropsychology Unit: Evaluation of memory, attention, and cognitive functions.
Neuromodulation Unit: Evaluation of neuromodulation methods in appropriate patients in line with relevant indications.
Neurorehabilitation Unit: Rehabilitation for functional losses due to neurological diseases.
Sleep Laboratory: Evaluation of sleep disorders with polysomnography and other necessary examinations.

NPİSTANBUL Hospital medical units