Welcome to Rocky Mountain Neurology

What is a Neurologist?
A neurologist is a medical doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system. A neurologist's educational background and medical training includes an undergraduate degree, four years of medical school, a one-year internship and three years of specialized training in neurology. Many neurologists also have additional training in one area of neurology such as stroke, epilepsy or movement disorders.

What is the role of the Neurologist?
Neurologists are generally consultants to other physicians. For example, a neurologist will diagnose and treat a neurological disorder and then advise the primary care physician managing the patient's overall health. Neurologists can recommend surgical treatment, but do not perform surgery. When treatment includes surgery, neurologists will monitor surgically treated patients and supervise their continuing treatment. Neurosurgeons are medical doctors who specialize in performing surgical treatments of the brain or nervous system.

What does a neurologist treat?
Neurologists treat disorders of the nervous system, brain, spinal cord, nerves, muscles and pain. Common neurological disorders include:

Alzheimer's disease
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Epilepsy
Migraine
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson's disease
Peripheral nerve disorders
Stroke
Tremor

How are neurological disorders treated?
Many disorders can be treated. Treatment or symptomatic relief is different for each condition. To find treatment options, neurologists will perform and interpret tests of the brain or nervous system. Treatment can help patients with neurological disorders maintain the best possible quality of life.

What is a neurological examination?
During a neurological examination, the neurologist reviews the patient's health history with special attention to the current condition. The doctor then performs a neurological examination. Typically, the exam tests vision, strength, coordination, reflexes and sensation. This information helps the neurologist determine if the problem is in the nervous system. Further tests such as MRI scans may be needed to confirm a diagnosis or to find a specific treatment.

Rocky Mountain Neurology, PC

Amelia Scott Barrett, MD