Neurophysiology is a medical field that examines the relationship between the brain and the peripheral nervous system, investigating the origins and treatments for neurological disorders. Neurophysiologists use tools such as electroencephalography and electromyography to study the ways in which affected nerves communicate with the brain. They work with other medical professionals to diagnose and manage neurological conditions, but do not typically treat patients directly. Successful practice in neurophysiology requires an understanding of many related medical disciplines.
Neurophysiology is a medical specialty that focuses on the relationship between the brain and the peripheral nervous system. As the name suggests, neurophysiology is in many ways a fusion of neurology, which is the study of the human brain and its functions, and physiology, which is the study of the sum of the body’s parts and how they interact. Neurophysiologists examine the many ways in which brain activity affects nervous system activity. Much of the fieldwork is investigative, with doctors trying to understand the origins and best treatments for a variety of neurological disorders.
There are two parts to the human nervous system: the central nervous system, which is the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, which is the network of nerves that extend throughout the body. Nerves are responsible for sensitivity and sensitivity, but also for the health and control of muscles. Neurophysiology examines the relationship between the two systems in causing degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, as well as neurological disorders such as epilepsy.
All parts of the body are ultimately controlled in the brain, but the brain, as part of the nervous system, plays a unique role in nerve management. Neurophysiology seeks to connect the brain’s role as a controller of the nervous system with its role as a member of the nervous system to better understand how nervous system problems occur and why. Doctors in the field will use tools and tests such as electroencephalography and electromyography to study the ways in which affected nerves communicate with the brain. They use this data to evaluate the general functioning of the nervous system as a whole and to identify the roots of failures and problems.
Neurophysiologists generally do not treat conditions directly. Most neurophysiologists are clinical neurophysiologists, which means they work primarily with diagnoses. Their role is exploratory and investigative. They work together with neurologists, neurobiologists and general practitioners to identify and manage a patient’s neurological condition.
Clinical neurophysiologists work as specialists and usually only take patients on the recommendation of other professionals. Most of the time, they report their findings to those practitioners, who administer the necessary treatments. Neurophysiologists may review patients to assess how well treatments are working, but they rarely act as primary caregivers.
Successful practice of neurophysiology requires a thorough understanding of not only the cognitive science of the brain and nervous system, but many other related medical disciplines as well. The investigations that neurophysiologists undertake cut across many specialties and require an understanding of how all of the body’s many elements come together and interact. Neurophysiology is generally considered an elite and exclusive medical specialty.
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