By definition, neurology refers to a medical specialty that is concerned with disorders in the human nervous system. This field mainly deals with disorders in the central nervous system as well as in the peripheral and autonomic systems. It also includes all blood vessels and muscle tissues that provide coverings to the nervous system. Basically, neurology can be defined as the medical application of the larger study of neuroscience in diagnosis and treatment of disorders in the nervous system.

In order to become a neurologist in the United States, one has to complete postgraduate training after graduating from medical school. The postgraduate training has to be specifically on neurology. The entire training takes between ten and twelve years as it involves four years of undergraduate degree, four years to earn a medical degree, and up to four years of residency in neurology. A year or two of fellowships are also necessary after completion of the neurology residence.

A neurologist treats patients suffering from a variety of nerve related disorders. Some of these conditions include stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and a host of other acute or chronic neurological disorders. Neurologists also treat migraines, cognitive and behavioral disorders, injuries to the brain, brain cancer, neuromuscular and spinal injuries, and diseases such as Huntington’s, multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Neurology is in most cases confused with psychiatry due to a significant overlap between the two disciplines. Some neurological disorders are also classified as psychiatric diseases. For example schizophrenia is caused by a neurochemical imbalance but is usually treated by psychiatrists while other diseases treated by neurosurgeons such as Parkinson’s and Huntington’s exhibit psychiatric symptoms. It is therefore important for anyone suffering from a nervous system disorder to seek for professional help before deciding on whether to see a psychiatrist or a neurologist.