Neuro Doctors: Understanding What They Do and Finding the Right One in Singapore
Our nervous system consists of billions of neurons all tangled in a complex system that is responsible for governing the entire’s body’s operation. From our inner thoughts to a physical reflex, the nervous system keeps our bodily functions under control. Any complication that hinders this elaborate system from performing properly can result in a variety of debilitating conditions. When this happens, you will need to consult with a neuro doctor or surgeon in Singapore.
What is a Neuro Doctor?
A neuro doctor generally refers to neurologists and neurosurgeons. They are medical experts in diagnosing and treating the different conditions and disorders affecting the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Neuro doctors go through extensive training to earn their medical degree. They complete medical school, followed by a residency in neurology, and fellowships in subspecialties. The knowledge and specialisation of a neuro doctor covers the complicated functions of the nervous system and how the occurrence of certain disorders can lead to neurological conditions.
When it comes to treatments, neuro doctors provide surgical and non-surgical interventions.
Neurologists in particular focus on non-surgical treatments, such as medication, lifestyle changes, and rehabilitation therapies. They are also skilled in assessing and explaining diagnostic tests like electroencephalograms (EEGs), electromyograms (EMGs), as well as imaging studies such as Computed Tomography (CT) scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
Neurosurgeons are highly trained and skilled in using advanced methods and technology when performing different surgical procedures on the nervous system. This includes aneurysm repairs, peripheral nerve surgery, removal of brain tumours, and spinal cord decompression. They also provide pre- and post-operative care, including assessment, surgical intervention, and post-operative management.
What are the conditions treated by neuro doctors?
Neurologists treat different kinds of common and rare conditions affecting the nervous system. Below are a few of the well-known diseases and disorders that neuro doctors manage:
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
- Brain Tumours
- Epilepsy
- Headaches and Migraines
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Neuropathy
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Nervous System Infections
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Sleep Disorders
- Stroke
Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: Neuro doctors diagnose and manage the decline of the brain’s cognitive functions relative to these conditions.
Brain Tumours: Neurologists provide diagnosis, pre- and post-surgery care, and handle neurological complications.
Epilepsy: Repeated seizures are an indicator of epilepsy, which is a neurological disorder. Diagnosis and management of this condition through medications are provided by a neuro doctor. They also assess the severity of the disorder and may recommend surgery when needed.
Headaches and Migraines: There are a wide range of headaches and migraines types that neuro doctors can differentiate and provide treatment for pain relief.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): This is an autoimmune disease that brings damage to the cover of the nerves, which serves as protection. When the protective covering is unable to function correctly, the result can lead to diverse neurological symptoms.
Neuropathy: This is a condition that occurs when the peripheral nerves are damaged. Symptoms include numbness, pain, and weakness.
Neuromuscular disorders: These are medical conditions that specifically affect the muscles and nerves. Muscular dystrophy and myasthenia gravis are the common examples of neuromuscular disorders.
Nervous System Infections: Encephalitis and meningitis are examples of infections affecting the nervous system. These infections usually come from bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections.
Parkinson’s Disease: This disease affects the body’s balance, coordination, and movement. It is considered a progressive degenerative disease, which is characterised by the continuous decline and eventual death of specific cells in the brain.
Sleep Disorders: Neuro doctors also diagnose and treat disorders and conditions that affect our body’s ability to sleep. This includes insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and sleep apnea.
Stroke: This condition happens when the flow of blood to the brain becomes disrupted, resulting in neurological dysfunctions. Neurologists play a critical role in managing acute stroke as well as providing guidance for long-term rehabilitation.
Neurosurgeons specialise in providing surgical treatments for a wide range of nervous system conditions. The most popular diseases and disorders that they manage and treat are:
- Brain conditions – Aneurysm, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), benign and malignant tumours, chiari malformations, epilepsy, hydrocephalus, intracranial hemorrhage, Parkinson’s disease and other motion disorders, traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Peripheral nerve conditions – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, peripheral nerve injuries, peripheral nerve tumours, Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Spinal conditions – Herniated discs, scoliosis, spina bifida, spinal cord tumours, spinal cord injuries, spinal stenosis
What should you consider when finding the right neuro doctor in Singapore?
Finding the right neuro doctor in Singapore can be overwhelming, but it is extremely important if you want your symptoms to be diagnosed correctly and treated effectively. Here are some things to consider when looking for a neuro doctor in Singapore:
- Accessibility and availability – Important things to consider are availability for appointments, the location of the clinic, the hospitals where the neurologist is affiliated with, emergency contact procedures, and waiting times.
- Costs and insurance coverage: Gather information about consultation fees, diagnostic tests, treatment costs, and health insurance coverage. Neuro doctors under public healthcare may have lower costs, but longer wait times compared to those in private practice.
- Communication and patient-focused care – A good neuro doctor should establish a collaborative relationship with their patients. This includes being attentive when listening to the concerns and questions of their patients, providing clear and correct medical information, and ensuring that their patients’ concerns and needs are addressed. You must feel comfortable and be able to trust your doctor as this is also a factor that can influence the success of your condition’s management and treatment.
- Diagnostic skills and technology: The medical technology in Singapore is up to date and advanced. Be sure to choose a neurologist that has access to the latest CT, EEG, EMG, and MRI equipment.
- Expertise and specialisation – The field of neurology is vast and many neuro doctors have different subspecialties. It is important that you consult with a doctor that is an expert in managing a particular neurological condition. For example, if you think your symptoms fall under epilepsy, then consult with a neurologist that specialises in that disorder. You can find a doctor’s specialisation and other information about training and certifications in their credentials.
Are neuro doctors and neurosurgeons the same?
While both medical professions both deal with the nervous system, neuro doctors and neurosurgeons are not the same. Neuro doctors, or neurologists, focus on the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of conditions and disorders affecting the nervous system. On the other hand, neurosurgeons specialise in providing surgical interventions when treating diseases and disorders of the nervous system. They do operations on the brain, peripheral nerves, and spinal cord.
In essence, neurologists are considered as the “medical doctors” of the nervous system, while neurosurgeons are called the “surgical doctors.” Their roles and approaches to the management and treatment of the nervous system are different, but both doctors are experts and have a deep understanding of the ins and outs of the nervous system. They also work together closely when it comes to treating various types of neurological conditions.
Chou Neuroscience Clinic For Brain and Spine – Dr. Chou Ning
1 Farrer Park Station Road
#08-06 Connexion
Singapore 217562
6 Napier Road #08-08
Gleneagles Medical Center
Singapore 258499
+65 6694 7942
