What does neurologist mean?
A neurologist is a physician who specializes in the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and the muscles that work with them. The role combines clinical assessment with detailed knowledge of neurology, the medical study of the nervous system. Neurologists investigate problems such as headaches, seizures, movement disorders, neuropathy, and many complex conditions that can affect both the nervous system and other parts of the body. A patient may be referred to a neurologist by a primary-care physician after symptoms require more specialized investigation. The word is formal and is sometimes informally shortened to “brain doctor,” though that expression is less precise and less suitable in professional writing. It is also distinct from neurosurgeon, a specialist who operates on the brain, spine, and nerves.
nounA neurologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles.
- A medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders involving the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles.
"Her neurologist explained the results of the scan and recommended a new treatment plan."
"The neurologist ordered an MRI to investigate the patient's recurring headaches."
"A neurologist advised the athlete that her symptoms were caused by a nerve disorder rather than a muscle injury."
The regular plural is used when referring to more than one neurologist.
"The hospital has several neurologists specializing in different neurological disorders."
Neurologists listen to the brain through a stethoscope, using specialized knowledge of both neurology and the many ways the nervous system can misfire.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does neurologist come from?
The word combines the combining form neuro-, from Greek neuron, meaning “nerve,” with -logist, from Greek logos, meaning “study” or “science,” plus the agent-forming suffix -ist. Its development follows the vocabulary of modern medicine, in which specialist names are commonly formed from a field of study and -ist. Related terms include neurology, neurological, neuron, and neurobiology.
Related word forms
How neurologist is actually used
The term is formal and generally used for a physician who specializes in neurology; in informal contexts, a neurologist may be called a brain doctor. It should not be confused with a neurosurgeon, who performs operations on the nervous system.
Easily confused with neurologist
A neurologist diagnoses and treats nervous-system disorders, while a neurosurgeon performs operations on the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves.