About Neurology

Neurology  is the branch of medicine that studies diseases of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. The nervous system is a complex system that controls the body's movements, senses, and cognitive functions. Neurological diseases can seriously impact quality of life, and early diagnosis is crucial.

What is Neurology? What Diseases Does It Treat?

The branch of medical science that deals with disorders of the nervous system, brain and muscular system is called neurology.

Neurology is the branch of medicine that seeks to understand the brain, spinal cord, cerebellum, and medulla oblongata, as well as the neural networks that enable these organs to communicate with other organs and their coordinated functioning with muscles. In this field, neurologists diagnose and treat the following diseases.

Since neurological diseases are closely related to the psychology department, neurology is a branch that is intertwined with psychology.

Headaches and Migraines : Severe headaches, migraine and tension-type headaches, cluster headaches.

Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases : Brain hemorrhages, cerebral vascular occlusions, transient ischemic attacks.

Epilepsy : Seizures with loss of consciousness and convulsions, generalized and focal types of epilepsy.

Parkinson's and Movement Disorders : Parkinson's disease , tremor , dystonia, involuntary muscle movements.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Autoimmune Diseases : Immune diseases affecting the central nervous system, muscle weakness , vision loss and balance disorders.

Alzheimer's and Other Types of Dementia : Memory loss, forgetfulness , personality and behavioral changes.

Peripheral Nerve Diseases and Nerve Compressions : Tingling, numbness and weakness, carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetic neuropathy.

Muscle Diseases (Neuromuscular Diseases) : Muscle weakness and muscle wasting , Myasthenia Gravis, a childhood genetic muscle disease (DMD).

Sleep Disorders : Sleep apnea, insomnia, restless legs syndrome .

Dizziness and Balance Disorders : Vertigo and inner ear problems, brain-related balance disorders.

Symptoms of Neurological Diseases

Early diagnosis of neurological diseases can slow disease progression and improve quality of life. A neurologist specializing in the following symptoms will evaluate the patient and develop a treatment plan.

Headache and Migraine Symptoms: Severe and throbbing headache, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and vomiting, visual disturbances (blurred vision, flashes of light), weakness and fatigue.

Stroke Symptoms: Sudden onset of numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg (usually one-sided), slurred speech or nonsensical speech, sudden loss of vision or double vision, severe dizziness and loss of balance, loss of consciousness or confusion.

Epilepsy Symptoms: Sudden loss of consciousness, convulsions and involuntary movements, temporary confusion or freezing of consciousness, recurrent fainting spells, sudden fear, déjà vu or hallucinations.

Parkinson's Disease Symptoms: Tremors in the hands, jaw or body , slowness of movements, muscle stiffness and loss of flexibility, dullness of facial expression (mask face), slowness of speech and hoarseness.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptoms: Numbness and weakness in arms or legs, loss of balance and dizziness, double or blurred vision, speech disturbances, memory problems and mental fatigue.

Alzheimer's and Dementia Symptoms: Forgetfulness and memory loss , difficulty in performing daily tasks, personality and behavioral changes, impaired perception of time and space, difficulty speaking and understanding.

Peripheral Nerve Disease Symptoms: Tingling and numbness in the hands and feet, muscle weakness, burning sensation or pain, decreased reflexes, loss of balance and difficulty walking.

Sleep Disorders Symptoms: Insomnia, frequent waking up at night and inability to rest, excessive sleepiness throughout the day, sleep apnea (breathing pauses during sleep), restless legs syndrome (involuntary movements in the legs).

How is a Neurological Examination and Diagnosis Made?

A neurological examination is a comprehensive examination performed to evaluate diseases of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. Based on the patient's symptoms, a variety of tests, from reflexes to muscle strength, are performed.

Patient History and Complaint Evaluation: Symptoms such as headache, dizziness , muscle weakness, and forgetfulness are examined in detail. The patient's medical history and family history of neurological diseases are also examined.

Physical and Neurological Examination

• Mental Status Assessment: Consciousness, memory, attention and speech ability are tested.
• Cranial Nerve Examination: Eye movements, facial muscles, tongue movements and reflexes are checked.
• Motor and Muscle Examination: Muscle strength, coordination and voluntary movements are tested.
• Sensory Tests: Touch, temperature, pain and vibration sensations are evaluated.
• Reflex Examination: The status of the nervous system is examined by testing deep tendon reflexes.
• Walking and Balance Tests: The patient's standing, walking and balance status are evaluated.

What are the Diagnostic and Testing Methods for Neurological Diseases?

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Used to examine the brain and spinal cord in detail.
• Computed Tomography (CT): Identifies bleeding, tumors, and vascular occlusions in the brain.
• Electroencephalography (EEG): Used in the diagnosis of epilepsy and sleep disorders.
• Electromyography (EMG): Used to evaluate muscle and nerve diseases.
• Lumbar Puncture (Cerebrospinal fluid analysis): A sample of cerebrospinal fluid is taken to detect infection or neurological diseases.

Treatment of Neurological Diseases

Diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases require a multidisciplinary approach.

• Drug Treatment: It is used in diseases such as epilepsy, Parkinson's and migraine.
• Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation: It is applied to increase muscle strength and preserve movement functions in diseases such as stroke and MS.
• Surgical Intervention: Surgery may be necessary in cases such as brain tumors and spinal cord compression.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Nutrition, exercise, and stress management are important factors that support treatment.
• Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: It is performed to preserve muscle strength and increase mobility in stroke, MS and muscle diseases.
• Psychotherapy and Supportive Treatments: Applied in diseases such as Alzheimer's, dementia and depression.

What Causes Neurological Diseases?

Neurological diseases can arise from a variety of factors affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. Many factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental factors, trauma, infections, and lifestyle, play a role in the development of these diseases.

Genetic and Hereditary Factors : Family history of neurological disease, hereditary diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Epilepsy and Huntington's disease, congenital nervous system diseases.

Circulatory Disorders of the Brain and Nervous System : Cerebral vascular occlusions (stroke, paralysis), cerebral hemorrhages and aneurysms, nerve damage due to disorders in blood circulation.

Trauma and Head Injuries : Concussions and blows, spinal cord injuries, nervous system damage due to chronic trauma.

Infections and Immune System Diseases : Brain infections such as meningitis and encephalitis, autoimmune diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), viral and bacterial infections that affect the nervous system.

Metabolic and Hormonal Disorders : Diabetes and diabetic neuropathy leading to nerve damage, thyroid diseases (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism), vitamin deficiencies (B12 deficiency can lead to nerve damage).

Toxins and Environmental Factors : Heavy metal poisoning (lead, mercury), long-term exposure to chemicals, air pollution and damage to nerve cells by toxic substances.

Aging and Degenerative Processes : Age-related neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia, the wear and tear of nerve cells over time and loss of function.

Psychological and Stress Factors : Chronic stress and depression alter brain chemistry, sleep disturbances and negative effects on the nervous system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which doctor should you see for a headache?

For chronic or frequently recurring headaches, a neurologist should be consulted. Neurologists diagnose and treat conditions such as migraines, tension-type headaches, and cluster headaches.

Is forgetfulness normal? When should you see a doctor?

Mild age-related forgetfulness can be normal. However, if symptoms that interfere with daily life, such as repeatedly losing items, frequently asking the same questions, or difficulty learning new information, are present, it's important to consult a neurologist. These could be early signs of diseases like dementia or Alzheimer's.

What are the symptoms of stroke?

A person experiencing a stroke may experience sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, slurred speech or nonsensical speech, sudden loss of vision or double vision, severe headache, loss of balance and dizziness.

How is epilepsy treated?
Epilepsy is a disorder characterized by seizures caused by electrical abnormalities in the brain. Treatment may include controlling seizures with medications and, in some cases, surgery.

Can people with epilepsy continue their normal lives?

Yes, people with epilepsy can live normal lives with regular medication and doctor checkups. However, it's important to maintain a healthy sleep schedule, avoid alcohol and stimulants, and manage stress.

What are the early symptoms of Parkinson's disease?

If there is tremor in the hands or body, slowness of movements, muscle stiffness, balance and posture disorders, small and irregular handwriting, a neurologist should be consulted.

What are the symptoms of MS (Multiple Sclerosis)?

MS occurs when the immune system damages nerve cells, and symptoms such as weakness in the arms and legs, vision problems (blurred vision, double vision), balance and coordination disorders, tingling, numbness, and memory and concentration problems can be observed.

Are sleep problems a symptom of a neurological disease?

Yes, some sleep problems are associated with neurological diseases. Conditions such as insomnia, hypersomnia, restless legs syndrome, and sleep apnea should be evaluated by a neurologist.

Is dizziness a neurological disease?

Dizziness can be related to inner ear disorders, but it can also be a brain-related condition. If dizziness develops suddenly and is accompanied by symptoms such as slurred speech, double vision, or loss of balance, a neurologist should be consulted.

Is there a definitive treatment for migraine?

Migraine cannot be eliminated completely, but the frequency and severity of attacks can be reduced with medication, lifestyle changes and some special treatment methods.

What causes dizziness?
Dizziness can be caused by inner ear problems, nerve disorders, low blood pressure, or brain problems. Dizziness can often be a symptom of a neurological condition.

 Are neurological diseases genetic?
Some neurological diseases can be genetic. In particular, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Huntington's disease, and some neuropathies may have a genetic predisposition.

How is a pinched nerve treated?
Treatment for a pinched nerve may require physical therapy, medication, and, in some cases, surgery. Early intervention can reduce the effects of a pinched nerve.

What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
MS is a disease in which the immune system damages nerve cells. Symptoms include vision problems, weakness, loss of balance, numbness, and tingling.

Neurology Department Appointment and Examination

Ankara Magnet Hospital Neurology Department When Should You Consult a Neurologist ?

It is important to consult a neurologist if one or more of the following symptoms are present .

• Sudden onset of severe headaches and persistent dizziness
• Speech and vision disorders
• Numbness or weakness in the body
• Persistent forgetfulness and cognitive decline
• Fainting and loss of consciousness
• Prolonged dizziness
• Numbness or weakness in the arms and legs
• Memory problems and speech disorders
• Sleep disorders
• Diseases such as epilepsy and epilepsy
• Body twitches and psychological disorders
• Body contractions
• Spinal cord injuries

Early diagnosis of neurological diseases is of great importance in stopping the progression of the disease and facilitating the treatment process.

Neurological diseases can occur due to damage to the nervous system for various reasons. Because early diagnosis and treatment are lifesaving, if you have any concerns, you should immediately seek the help of a neurologist and have the necessary interventions performed.

You can easily schedule an appointment with Magnet Hospital's Neurology Department . Our expert neurologists provide high-quality services in the diagnosis and treatment of various neurological conditions. We offer comprehensive treatment for neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, migraine, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS).

Private hospital neurology consultation fees are subject to agreements with Magnet Hospital, the Social Security Institution (SGK), and many health insurance companies. Examination fees may vary depending on the examination and treatment process. Please contact our hospital for fee information.

Examination and treatment expenses of our patients with Private Health Insurance and Supplementary Health Insurance are considered within the scope of insurance.

There are several ways you can make an appointment for  a Neurology Examination .

• Appointment by Phone: You can make an appointment by calling Magnet Hospital's call center at 0 312 212 80 80.
• Online Appointment: You can easily make an online appointment at magnethastanesi.com.tr.
• Direct Application: You can apply directly to the neurology department by coming to our hospital.

March 2025