G.A. DeAndrea M.D.

G. A. DeAndrea, MD
Certified Neurologist, Sleep Specialist & Clinical Neurophysiologist

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What is a Neurologist?

A neurologist is a special type of physician who diagnoses and treats disorders of the nervous system. This includes diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. Some of the more common problems that a neurologist will diagnose and treat are strokes, epilepsy (seizures), headaches, dementias (Alzheimer's disease), multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and various forms of pain. Neurologists may serve as a consultant to other physicians as well as providing long-term care to patients with chronic neurological disorders.

The neurologist is trained to perform a detailed examination of all the important neurological structures in the body. This includes the nerves of the head and neck, the muscular strength and movement, sensation, balance testing, ambulation and reflex testing. In some patients, very detailed questions regarding memory, speech and language and other cognitive abilities will be part of the examination.

Neurologists rely on the clinical examination along with certain other commonly used tests to diagnose the problem a patient is having. These tests include CAT Scanning (computerized axial tomography) and MRI/MRA (magnetic resonance imaging). These tests can provide detailed anatomic pictures of the brain, spinal structures and the blood vessels. A neurologist can also perform a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to obtain the cerebrospinal fluid for analysis. Some neurologists interpret EEG (electroencephalography) used in the evaluation of seizure disorders. Other neurologists undergo specialty training to perform the EMG/NCV(electromyography/nerve conduction velocity testing ) which is used to diagnose nerve and muscle problems.

Neurologists use many forms of medication to treat problems involving the nervous system. They may send patients to other specialists for some forms of treatment. A neurologist may send a patient for a surgical evaluation, but does not perform surgery.

What is Board Certification?
The Board Certification process includes the following components:

Education

Four years of premedical education in a college or university
Four years of medical school resulting in an MD or DO degree (doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy degree)
At least three years of specialty training in an accredited neurology residency program.

Residency programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) provide supervised experience in hospital and ambulatory care settings as well as educational conferences and research trainings.

After completing residency training, neurologists may choose to enroll in a fellowship program. A fellowship offers a neurologist the opportunity to develop expertise in a subspecialty of neurology such as stroke, dementia or movement disorders. Fellowship programs range from one to two years.

Board Certification
After completing the educational requirements, neurologists may seek certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). To be eligible for certification, applicants must:

Have an unrestricted state license to practice medicine
Complete the required years of residency
Successfully pass both a written (Part I) and oral (Part II) exam administered by the ABPN.

The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and other specialty boards are members of the American Board of Medical Specialties(ABMS). The ABMS has established standards for specialties that the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology(ABPN) has adopted.

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