top of page

FAMILIARIZING NEUROLOGY:

AN INTRODUCTION

by Emjay Rosales

     Human brain is said to be the most complex biological structure in the universe. Its complexity is enough to make human beings become critical and investigative on the secrets of human biological structure. Back to prehistoric times, intellectuals conducted rigorous studies on this certain branch of medicine that is still vastly developing as advancement of technology heightened. This field concerns our nervous system and its diseases and disorders—the neurology.

​

     How does the brain works exactly that some humans are experiencing disorders and diseases? Neurology can hold the key to satisfy your query.

​

​

WHAT IS NEUROLOGY?

     Neurology deals with diagnosing and treating neurological conditions of our central and peripheral nervous system. It came from a Greek term νεῦρον, neuron, which means “nerve cell,” and -λογία -logia which means “study of.”  People behind this branch are called neurologists. They are medical doctors who treat patients having problems with their nervous system. These physicians have completed medical school, undergone internship and residency program.

​

     To narrow the complexity and broadness of nervous system, some neurologists are bound to study a certain field called subspecialty. This is the area where the doctor only focuses on his expertise for an in-depth course. One can simply choose epilepsy, neuro-oncology, or dementia subspecialty.

DISSECTING BRAINS IN THE 17TH CENTURY

     Going back to the early days of the progressive study of neurology, there were early works of men under medical study who had focused on the dissection of the above surface of the brain, thus the persistence of limited knowledge to the mysterious functions of the brain.

 

     There was once an English doctor back in the 17th century who thought of a “crazy” idea of removing the whole brain from a human body and reveal more findings that would be relevant for future studies. He was Thomas Willis, the man who firstly used the term “neurology.”

 

     Aside from Willis, another one emerged in the medical world who has been acknowledged as the founder of modern neurology—Jean-Martin Charcot, a French neurologist and professor in the 19th century. Credits to his rigorous research that more disorders had been provided with comprehensive clinical descriptions such as Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease.

 

     Without these breakthrough contributions back in the times, it would be much difficult to examine the ever-growing problems of our brain activity. 

Thomas Willis 

NEUROLOGY AND OTHER BRANCHES OF MEDICINE

     People should also be aware of the difference of this branch of medicine to others. Drawing a fine line between neurology and some other overlapping areas is necessary to avoid misconceptions.

 

     Take neurology and psychiatry for example. There is an apparent reason why the two has been separated. Mental illnesses are under the extent of neurological studies but it embodies psychiatric approach. Another one is that the overlapping areas distinguish its relation to the certain branch as well. For instance, the stroke which has been under the management of hospitalists also demands for the knowledge of neurologists.

​

     The importance of neurology is seen through the new discoveries of scientists who believe that there are more insights to unravel as the generation adapts to extensive change of the environment. The role of neurologists has a critical aspect for the future of existing therapies and the future of medical trainings. And to further spread scientific articles for the knowledge of everybody, this blog is determined to provide.

​

THE BLOG'S OBJECTIVE

​

The Gray Matter: Exploring Neurology’s objective is to publish articles related to neurology such as disorders and its findings, and help medical and non-medical students to trace information out of medical references through the knowledge and understanding of the author—transforming complex explanations into simplest descriptions without dismissing the essence of medical terminologies for the sake of inventive writing.

Get ready to learn more about:

​

  • Intraoperative brain mapping or the removal of brain tumor while the patient is awake;

  • Sjogren’s syndrome which stops the tears and saliva production;

  • The medical explanation on Déjà Vu or the strange feeling that the present situation has already happened in the past;

  • Hyperthymesia, a syndrome of having extremely vast and detailed autobiographical memory;

  • Hyperpathia or the exaggerated sensitivity to painful stimuli;

  • The newly discovered enzyme to target Parkinson’s disease;

  • Gerstmann’s syndrome which is the inability to write, comprehend arithmetic calculations, and inability to identify fingers;

  • The causes behind the death of our brain cells

bottom of page