Specialty3 min read

Neurology

Organ or systemBrainOrgan

Detail level

Neurology covers the nervous system: the brain, spinal cord and nerves throughout the body.

MedlinePlus defines neurology as the branch of medicine concerned with the central (brain and spinal cord) and peripheral nervous system. Conditions include: stroke and cerebral aneurysms, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, tumours, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and movement disorders, meningitis, and diseases of the spine and peripheral nerves.

MedlinePlus lists tests: CT and MRI, electroencephalography (EEG), lumbar puncture to detect infection, electromyography and nerve conduction velocity, brain biopsies and angiography. The team includes neurologists, neurosurgeons, vascular surgeons, neuroradiologists, psychiatrists, and physical, occupational and speech therapists. ABMS regards epilepsy as a subspecialty certificate within neurology.

In one minute¹²³

What is it?: A medical branch for the brain, spinal cord and nerves.
Who is usually affected?: People with epilepsy, migraine, neuropathy or other neurological diseases.
Acute or chronic?: Often long-term follow-up.
Main symptoms: Seizures, headache, numbness and tingling, weakness (depending on the condition).
Red flags?: Yes: signs of stroke are an emergency.
Preventable?: Depends on the condition.

What is it?

Neurology: "the medical branch that focuses on the nervous system", which includes the central (the brain and spinal cord) and peripheral (the nerves in the body) systems (MedlinePlus).

Conditions it covers

The conditions linked to it on this site: epilepsy, migraine and diabetic neuropathy. The organ: the brain and the nervous system.

MedlinePlus lists other conditions within the field: stroke and cerebral aneurysm, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, tumours, multiple sclerosis, meningitis, and diseases of the spine and peripheral nerves.

Common tests and procedures

Tests mentioned: CT and MRI, electroencephalography, lumbar puncture to detect infection, electromyography and nerve conduction velocity, brain biopsy and angiography. This is a general list and not a diagnostic plan.

When to see one

Referral to the specialist is usually decided by the primary care provider according to the condition (MedlinePlus). ABMS regards epilepsy as a subspecialty certificate within neurology.

When do you need urgent help?

Call emergency services now 998

Signs of a sudden stroke (weakness, slurred speech, change in vision…): call an ambulance immediately. Details are on the stroke page.⁴

Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.

Common questions

Is migraine within the remit of the neurologist?

The pages of the site place migraine within this specialty, and MedlinePlus lists headache and nerve conditions within the general field; the doctor refers when needed.¹

Questions for your doctor

Do I need an EEG or MRI?
Do I have a neurological cause for my symptoms?
What are the emergency signs?

References

1
MedlinePlus. Neurosciences. medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007456.htm
Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-06
2
MedlinePlus. Types of health care providers. medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001933.htm
Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-06
3
American Board of Medical Specialties. Specialty and Subspecialty Certificates. www.abms.org/member-boards/specialty-subspecialty-certificates/
Educational & historical references · Accessed 2026-10-06
4
NHS. Stroke — Symptoms. www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/symptoms/
Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-03

Review status: Edited content · Last updated: 2026-10-06

Change log

2026-10-06 — Page created.