Patients with disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease or multiple sclerosis may use a neurologist as their principal care physician. In a consulting role, a neurologist will diagnose and treat a neurological disorder and then advise the primary care physician managing the patient's overall health. For example, a neurologist would act in a consulting role for conditions such as stroke, concussion or headache. Neurologists can also choose an academic career in research and education. Neurology research focuses on investigating the intricacies of the healthy and diseased brain and nervous system.
Researchers also strive to translate scientific breakthroughs into treatments for patients.
As educators, neurologists are involved in training medical students in the art and science of neurology. Neurologists also educate young colleagues through supervised training programs focused on working with patients or in-depth study of a specific disorder. To become a neurologist in the United States, extensive education and training is required. As undergraduates, many future neurologists study psychology, biology, chemistry or biophysical science, though the field includes students with an entire range of academic majors. After graduating from an undergraduate college or university, a student must graduate from an accredited medical school with either a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy degree.