What is the role of a neurologist?

Neurologists are principal care providers or consultants to other doctors. When a person has a neurological disorder that requires frequent care, a neurologist is often the principal care provider. People with disorders, such as Parkinson disease, Alzheimer’s disease, seizure disorders or multiple sclerosis may use a neurologist as their principal care doctor.
In a consulting role, a neurologist will diagnose and treat a neurological disorder and then advise the primary care doctor managing the person’s overall health. For example, a neurologist may act in a consulting role for conditions such as stroke, concussion, or headache.
Neurologists can recommend surgical treatment, but they do not perform surgery. When treatment includes surgery, neurologists may monitor the patients and supervise their continuing treatment. Neurosurgeons are medical doctors who specialize in performing surgical treatments of the brain or nervous system.