What do Neurology Consultants do?

As highly trained medical doctors, neurology consultants specialize in administering examinations to detect abnormalities in the brain or the central nervous system. Companies dedicated to this practice are comprised of a group of doctors specializing in neurology. While many work as a team, some may choose to provide services through an individual practice or by other means, such as publishing information or providing neurology education to other doctors. Depending on the needs of an individual patient, neurology consultants also administer treatment for neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis.

Doctors with a degree in neurology often work together within a practice to perform neurological consultations. These individuals provide intensive testing to patients with neurological symptoms. Results from such testing help in determining individual treatment plans. Neurology consultants also participate in sleep studies and, by carefully analyzing study results, neurology education and research is improved, as is neurology training.

Neurology consultants also act as associates in neurosurgery as consulting phases are crucial to the overall treatment approach offered to an individual patient. Information gathered through examinations and careful studies is the foundation upon which courses of treatment are built. As a team, surgeons, neurology consultants and patients are able to make informed decisions about treatment and after-care procedures.

Some neurology consultants specialize in a specific area of practice, such as Alzheimer’s disease or seizures. Others participate in a broad practice, which may include these specialties, but also address conditions such as tremors, chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. Specialized training allows neurological consultants the option of selecting a narrow specialty or opting to provide a broader scope of services.

Neurology consultants often work as part of a practice that employs multiple doctors. Individual doctors, however, may also open a private practice while being the sole service provider. Some may also choose to primarily focus on publishing journal articles and books or provide lectures to other doctors participating in neurology training.

Patients do not usually select neurology consultants alone, as most are referred by primary care physicians or other specialists whenever neurological problems are detected. When symptoms indicate issues originating from the central nervous system or the brain, doctors refer patients to a consultant to determine if symptoms are, in fact, neurologically related and to determine a treatment plan. In this sense, consultants do not merely provide a service to patients, but also serve as consultants for other doctors, as well.