Many people searching for the words «neuropathologist» and «neurologist» ask the same question: are these different doctors, or two names for the same specialty? The short answer: they refer to the same field — the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of diseases of the nervous system. The difference is mainly in terminology.
Where does the word «neuropathologist» come from?
In the Soviet Union, the clinical field that studied nervous diseases was called «neuropathology», and a doctor in this field was called a «neuropathologist». That is why this word is still widely used in Azerbaijan today, especially among the older generation.
In international medicine, however, the same specialty is called «neurology» and the doctor a «neurologist». The title «Uzm. Dr.» (uzman doktor), seen in the names of specialists trained in Türkiye, means a doctor who has completed specialty training.
In other words, searches for «specialist neuropathologist», «neurologist doctor» and «neuropathologist» lead in practice to the same specialist.
Which conditions does a neurologist deal with?
A neurologist examines diseases of the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves and plans non-surgical treatment. Typical conditions seen by a neurologist include:
- headaches, including migraine;
- stroke and follow-up after it;
- epilepsy and seizures;
- movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease and tremor;
- memory disorders and dementia;
- numbness, tingling and weakness in the arms and legs — for example, nerve compression and facial nerve neuropathy;
- balance problems, dizziness.
To make a diagnosis, the neurologist first listens to the complaints and performs a detailed neurological examination. If necessary, EMG (electromyography), EEG (electroencephalography) or imaging tests are ordered.
Neurologist, neurosurgeon and psychiatrist: what is the difference?
Neurologist and neurosurgeon
Both work with the nervous system, but the main difference is this: a neurosurgeon operates, a neurologist does not. Usually the patient first sees a neurologist; if the examination reveals a structural problem that requires surgery (for example, a tumour), they are referred to a neurosurgeon. In many conditions these two specialists work together: for example, with a brain tumour, the neurosurgeon removes the tumour, while neurologists are involved in long-term follow-up and coordinating further treatment.
The boundary between these two specialties is sometimes blurred: some neurologists with special training also perform endovascular (catheter-based) procedures in conditions such as stroke. Nevertheless, the word «neurologist» primarily refers to a doctor who performs examinations, makes diagnoses and provides non-surgical treatment. A neurosurgeon is not a «higher» level than a neurologist — these are different specialties.
Neurologist and psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a doctor who deals with mental health problems — depression, anxiety disorders, addictions and so on. A neurologist, on the other hand, sees conditions related to damage to or disease of the nervous system. Sometimes complaints overlap: for example, depression can affect memory. So if you have a mental health diagnosis, tell your neurologist as well.
When should you see a neurologist?
Reasons doctors refer patients to a neurologist include:
- frequently recurring headaches or headaches that change in character;
- memory decline;
- tremor in the hands or head;
- difficulty with balance;
- numbness, tingling, pain without a clear cause.
As the World Health Organization notes, although headache disorders are common worldwide, only a small proportion of them are correctly diagnosed and treated. Rather than waiting a long time for a complaint to «pass», it is better to see a specialist.
How to prepare for a neurology appointment
In neurological diagnosis, the patient's own account is very important, because many signs — a headache attack, a seizure, dizziness — do not happen in front of the doctor. It is helpful to prepare the following before your appointment:
- when the complaint started, how it has changed, how long it lasts and what relieves it;
- a list of all the medicines you take;
- results of previous tests, scans and other examinations;
- whether similar conditions run in the family;
- if there are episodic signs such as seizures or tremor, a short video recorded by someone close to you.
With memory complaints, having a family member who knows the patient well attend the appointment also gives the doctor additional information.
Important: signs such as a drooping face, sudden loss of strength on one side, speech problems or the most severe sudden headache of your life are not for a routine appointment — call 103 immediately.
Frequently asked questions
What is a neuropathologist?
Neuropathologist is a name left over from the Soviet era and corresponds to today's neurologist — a doctor who deals with the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of diseases of the nervous system.
Do I need a referral to see a neurologist?
This depends on the rules of the medical facility you are going to. Check the appointment procedure with the hospital in advance.
Who should I see for lower back and neck pain?
If the pain is accompanied by numbness, tingling or weakness, a neurological examination is useful to assess whether a nerve root is affected. If surgery is found to be necessary, you will be referred to a neurosurgeon.
This article is for information only and does not replace a medical examination. A diagnosis can only be made by a doctor, based on listening to the complaints and an examination. If you have worrying symptoms, you can book an appointment with neurologist Dr. Elvin Niftaliyev at Ganja International Hospital via the contact page.