Neurology is a medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. The neurology department deals with diseases such as epilepsy, migraine, Parkinson's disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), headaches, sleep disorders, and neuromuscular diseases. Treatment for these conditions, diagnosed by expert neurologists, utilizes advanced imaging and electrophysiological tests such as MRI, EEG, and EMG. Treatment for neurological diseases includes medication, physical therapy, rehabilitation, or in some cases, surgical intervention.
What is Neurology?
Neurology is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of diseases related to the nervous system; it specializes in the physiology and pathologies of the nervous system. Neurologists evaluate a wide range of problems affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems, such as stroke, epilepsy, migraine, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, and dementia, and generally reach a definitive diagnosis through neurological examination (e.g., reflexes, coordination, sensory tests) and imaging methods (MRI, CT, EEG, EMG). Once the diagnosis is clear, holistic treatment plans are prepared, including medication, physical therapy referrals, surgical referrals if necessary, or lifestyle recommendations.
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What is a neurologist?
A neurologist is a medical doctor specializing in diseases of the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves). These specialists are responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of numerous neurological problems, primarily stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), headache series, dementia, neuropathies, and musculoskeletal disorders. During a neurological evaluation, neurologists perform neurological examinations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), electrophysiology (EEG, EMG), nerve conduction studies, and, if necessary, advanced tests such as lumbar puncture. In immune-based nervous system diseases like multiple sclerosis, neurologists and doctors reach a definitive diagnosis by evaluating the patient's history, physical examination, imaging, and laboratory results together.
What are the outpatient clinics affiliated with the Neurology Department?
Neurology is a branch of science that diagnoses, treats, and monitors diseases related to the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nervous system, and muscles. Within this scope, many specialized outpatient clinics provide services under the neurology department. The neurology departments affiliated with Medipol Hospital are as follows:
- Memory Disorder Clinic
- Headache Clinic
- Multiple Sclerosis / MS
- Neuromuscular Diseases Clinic
- Laboratories
Memory Loss Clinic
Memory Disorder Clinics are specialized healthcare units where individuals with memory problems and other cognitive disorders receive diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment. These clinics typically employ a multidisciplinary approach, with specialists from neurology, psychiatry, geriatrics, and psychology working together. Individuals with memory disorders often experience the following symptoms:
- Increased forgetfulness and absentmindedness recently.
- Difficulty carrying out daily tasks
- Concentration problems and attention deficit disorder
- Difficulty learning new information
- Difficulty finding words during speech
- Family history of Alzheimer's or dementia.
What is a Neurology Memory Test?
Neurologists first take a detailed medical history from patients presenting with complaints of forgetfulness; then, they perform a neurological examination to evaluate cognitive-body systems such as attention, memory, reflexes, sensory perception, motor function, and balance. Within this framework, there are question-and-answer assessments conducted under the name of a simple "forgetfulness test"; for example, the patient is observed with examples that affect daily life, such as forgetting what day it is or being unable to remember the names of close friends and family. In addition, if deemed necessary, imaging methods such as EEG, MRI, and CT scans, or blood tests, are used to investigate the underlying neurological or systemic causes of forgetfulness. In short, a neurological forgetfulness test not only assesses forgetfulness but also provides comprehensive indicators to clarify the possible relationship between forgetfulness and dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or other neurological diseases.
Headache Clinic
Headaches, even mild ones, are a common complaint that can significantly reduce the quality of daily life. The head region is a complex anatomical structure, housing not only the brain but also many other structures such as the eyes, ears, nose, sinuses, teeth, mouth, and tonsils. Therefore, the source of a headache can originate from many different areas. Detailed diagnosis and treatment procedures are performed at Medipol Hospitals Headache Clinics.
Multiple Sclerosis / MS
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and progressive neurological disease affecting the central nervous system, most commonly seen in young adults aged 20 to 40. It is the second leading cause of neurological disability in young individuals following trauma. Multiple sclerosis typically begins with relapses. These relapses may manifest with the following symptoms:
- Suddenly developing vision problems (especially blurred vision in one eye)
- Numbness in arms and legs
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty walking and imbalance
- Speech disorders
Attacks typically last at least 24 hours and can continue for several weeks. After attacks, symptoms often resolve significantly on their own or with medication such as cortisone. However, in some cases, neurological damage may not fully heal, leading to permanent disability.
Neuromuscular Diseases Clinic
Neuromuscular disorders are conditions resulting from disruptions in the connection between the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, and the muscles. These diseases arise from damage occurring in different regions along the nerve pathways that transmit movement and sensation. At Medipol Hospitals' Neuromuscular Diseases Clinics, our neurologists provide detailed diagnostic and treatment procedures.
Laboratories
The laboratories operating under the neurology unit conduct tests that allow for a detailed evaluation of the functions of the nervous system. They do not perform imaging, but they reveal functional disorders.
What Diseases Does Neurology Treat?
Neurology provides diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of diseases affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. The neurology department deals with the following diseases:
- Epilepsy (Seizure disorder)
- Migraine and other types of headaches
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson's disease and movement disorders
- Alzheimer's and other types of dementia
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Stroke (paralysis)
- Peripheral neuropathies
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome
- Brain and spinal cord tumors
- Sleep disorders (e.g., narcolepsy, insomnia)
- Nerve compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
- Vertigo (dizziness)
- Neuroimmune and neurovascular diseases
- Childhood neurological diseases
What are the symptoms of neurological diseases?
Neurological diseases manifest with a wide variety of symptoms depending on the damage to the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and surrounding nerves). The symptoms of neurological diseases are listed below:
- Numbness in the body
- Tingling
- Loss of sensation
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of balance
- Urinary incontinence
- Constipation
- Bowel disorders
- Double vision
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty swallowing
- Speech disorder
What are neurological diseases?
Neurological diseases are a broad group of disorders resulting from disruptions in the electrical conduction and structural integrity of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nervous system, or muscles. Neurological diseases are listed below:
- Stroke (blockage or bleeding in a blood vessel in the brain)
- Epilepsy
- Migraine and other headaches
- Parkinson's and movement disorders
- Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
- Neuropathies (nerve damage)
- Neuromuscular diseases
- Peripheral nervous system diseases
- Brain tumors
- Meningitis
- Encephalitis
How is a neurological examination performed?
A neurological examination begins with listening to the patient's detailed medical history. Information such as when the symptoms started, how long they lasted, any other accompanying symptoms, and medications used is evaluated. Then, the different functions of the brain and nervous system are examined step by step. First, the mental state is assessed, followed by the cranial nerves, muscle strength and movement system, reflexes, senses, balance, and gait. Eye movements, vision, and hearing are controlled via the relevant nerves. Muscle strength is tested by examining involuntary muscle movements, muscle stiffness, and the tendency of the arms to drop. Reflex examination assesses reflexes in the arm, knee, and ankle. Sensory evaluation tests sensations such as light touch, pain, temperature, vibration, and joint position. In assessing coordination, simple tests such as finger-to-nose testing are performed; for balance, the person is asked to stand with their eyes closed. Finally, the patient's gait is observed; step pattern, balance, and rhythm are checked. Based on the findings obtained during this examination, further investigations such as brain imaging may be requested.
Diagnostic and Testing Performed in the Neurology Department
In neurology clinics, a neurological examination begins with a comprehensive physical assessment that examines the level of consciousness, eye movements, vision, hearing, balance, muscle strength, and reflexes. Following this, EEG (electroencephalography), EMG (electromyography), brain MRI/CT, Doppler angiography, and blood tests are frequently used to support the diagnosis of brain and nervous system disorders. EEG records the brain's electrical activity in epilepsy and sleep disorders, while EMG provides information about muscle and nerve conduction, helping to differentiate peripheral neuropathy, ALS, and muscle diseases. MRI, offering detailed, radiation-free imaging, is indispensable in the evaluation of tumors, vascular diseases, demyelinating diseases, and degenerative diseases. If necessary, polysomnography in a sleep laboratory or home sleep tests reveal sleep apnea and neurological sleep disorders. Additionally, lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid analysis and biochemical/genetic tests contribute to diagnosis when MS, neuropathy, or paraneoplastic syndrome are suspected.
Treatment and Methods Applied in Neurological Patients
The primary step in managing neurological diseases relies on robust diagnostic methods; advanced imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), angiography, and color Doppler play a critical role after neurological examination. Treatment is shaped by multidisciplinary approaches such as drug therapy, physical and occupational rehabilitation, and speech therapy, depending on the type of disease. Surgical interventions are successfully applied within the scope of neurosurgery for surgeries focused on brain tumors, aneurysms, traumatic lesions, or epilepsy. Deep brain stimulation (DBS), as a non-drug option for Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and treatment-resistant epilepsy, provides significant improvement in symptoms by implanting electrodes in the brain. Additionally, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) regulates brain activity with magnetic fields, providing supportive treatment for both neurological and psychiatric disorders and, in some cases, offering a drug-free alternative.
Our Hospitals with Neurology Departments
Our Neurology Department provides services with its expert staff in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to the brain, spinal cord, nervous system, and muscles. The hospitals with a Neurology Department at Medipol Hospital are listed below:
- Bağcılar Medipol Mega University Hospital
- Bahçelievler Medipol Hospital
- Koşuyolu İstanbul Medipol Hospital
- Esenler Medipol University Hospital
- Sefaköy Medipol University Hospital
- Çamlıca Medipol University Hospital
- Pendik Medipol University Hospital
- Vatan Medipol University Hospital
- Unkapanı Medipol University Dental Hospital
- Medipol Acıbadem District Hospital
Frequently Asked Questions about Neurology
Below is a list of frequently asked questions and answers regarding the neurology department.
Is Burning Feet a Neurological Disease?
Burning in the feet is often a symptom of nerve damage (peripheral or polyneuropathic neuropathy) and is therefore considered a neurological problem.
What tests does a neurologist perform?
Neurologists may order imaging tests such as EEG, EMG, MRI, and CT scans, as well as blood tests or lumbar puncture if necessary, depending on the type of disease.
How long does it take to diagnose a neurological disease?
The diagnosis of neurological diseases begins primarily with history taking and physical examination; the diagnosis is usually confirmed within days, based on necessary imaging and laboratory tests.
Is a headache a neurological disease?
Headaches are usually related to bodily conditions such as stress, tension, or migraines, and are not considered a neurological disease in themselves; however, neurological examination may be necessary.
Does stress trigger neurological diseases?
Stress can weaken the immune system, triggering symptoms in neurological problems such as epilepsy and shingles.
What are the most common neurological diseases?
The most common neurological diseases include stroke, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson's disease.
Does Neurology Treat Tinnitus?
Although tinnitus is most often evaluated by ENT specialists, neurological intervention may be necessary if it is accompanied by vertigo.
Is Facial Blushing a Neurological Disorder?
Facial flushing is usually dermatological or circulatory in origin and is not considered a neurological disorder.
What does the Disability Rating Scale mean in Neurology?
The "neurological disability rating scale" is a formal assessment table that indicates the percentage degree of functional loss in a patient; this information is often used in social security processes.
Does neurology treat leg pain?
If there is numbness, weakness, or nerve-related pain in the legs, these conditions are evaluated by a neurologist with a suspected neurological disorder.
Are Floaters in the Eye Related to Neurology?
Eye floaters are usually caused by changes in the vitreous humor of the eye, are not of neurological origin, and are evaluated by ENT/ophthalmology specialists.
