Neurologists are highly qualified and trained specialty doctors who diagnose and treat diseases of the nervous system consisting of our brain and central nervous system. The most common nervous system diseases include stroke, multiple sclerosis, chronic headache, brain or peripheral nervous system infections, movement disorders, seizures, and speech and language disorders. They only treat diseases and do not perform surgeries. So, let us explore more aspects of neurologists, such as their qualifications, types, and more.

Qualifications and licenses required to become a neurologist
To become a neurologist in the country, a person should have the right medical education and training.

• Four years of pre-medical education from a recognized college or university
• Four years of education in a medical school with an M.D or D.O degree
• One-year internship in medicine, surgery, or internal medicine
• 3-year specialty training in an accredited neurology residency program
• Additional training in a specific area of neurology
• Certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN)

When to see a neurologist
A primary physician refers patients to a neurologist upon noticing certain symptoms.

• Chronic pain
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Memory problems or confusion
• Movement problems
• Numbness or tingling
• Seizures
• Sleep problems
• Vision problems
• Weakness

Understand the type of specialist neurologist you need
Neurologists can be trained in specific areas of neurology. They have very distinct and defined roles, so you must identify the correct type of neurologist you require.

• Clinical neurophysiologists
• Vascular Neurologists
• Pain management and palliative care
• Neurodevelopmental and neuromuscular neurology
• Pediatric neurologists

Talk to your primary physician
Your primary physician will guide you on who you should contact based on your symptoms and their initial diagnosis. They may sometimes ask you to meet a neurologist to either rule out a neurologic disorder or for further treatment. A neurologist can further assess your symptoms, conduct required tests, diagnose your condition, and oversee your treatment.
Your primary care physician may likely share a list of local neurologists or neurologists near you. Their referral is also crucial for insurance for specialty coverage.

Things to look for in a neurologist
Finding a trustworthy neurologist equals the treatment itself. So when you look for a local neurologist or a neurologist near you, it is important to consider a few things.

Certification
An ABPN certification is the fundamental criterion to look for in a neurologist, indicating they have the qualifications, experience, and expertise to be one.

Experience
Look for specific information regarding their qualification, certification, and work history on their hospital or other health aggregator websites. The websites may also share information on any disciplinary history or record of malpractice. Also, verify if they have experience treating the disorders that you or your loved one may be diagnosed with.

Success rates
Understand how many neurological-specific procedures they have done and their success rates.

Accessibility
Understand if they are accessible in emergencies or if they are willing to address your queries between appointments.

Distance
Since neurological disorders can often be emergent, your neurologist or hospital should be near in the quickest time.

Communication
One of the critical duties of a neurologist is to communicate to the patient and the caregivers – the patient’s condition, treatment procedure, prognosis, and the risk of any side effects or potential complications. Their communication skills are as important as medical skills. Evaluate if they spend adequate time with patients and their caregivers to assure them about their current health condition.

Insurance coverage
Once you have the required information about a neurologist’s credentials and experience, it is equally important to know if your insurance plan accepts them. If not, you may not be able to receive optimum insurance benefits.

Get referrals
Getting a first-hand referral from a person who a neurologist has treated can be more assuring than getting a generalized referral.

Facilities in the hospital
Neurologists use complex and advanced equipment and tools to diagnose, treat, and monitor neurological disorders. A good neurologist may be unable to do their best if their hospital lacks state-of-the-art diagnosis or treatment tools.

• CT scans
• Electroencephalographs (EEGs)
• Electromyographs
• MRI scans
• Nerve monitors
• Nerve stimulators
• Neurology software
• Neuronavigation
• Polysomnographs
• Ultrasound

You should also verify if the hospital has a well-equipped emergency room to treat neurologic patients and see if the support staff are specifically trained to treat them. In addition, spend time researching if the hospital is well-prepared to handle complications.

Look for reviews and ratings online
The internet is a great place to find reviews about neurologists near you. A patient’s or a caregiver’s experience may give precise insights about a neurologist’s credentials, attitude towards patients, and treatment ethics. These reviews also give you an idea if they are willing to work with a patient or if they thrust their opinions on them.