Neurologists

Core Tasks

1. Interview patients to obtain information, such as complaints, symptoms, medical histories, and family histories.
2. Examine patients to obtain information about functional status of areas, such as vision, physical strength, coordination, reflexes, sensations, language skills, cognitive abilities, and mental status.
3. Perform or interpret the outcomes of procedures or diagnostic tests, such as lumbar punctures, electroencephalography, electromyography, and nerve conduction velocity tests.
4. Order or interpret results of laboratory analyses of patients' blood or cerebrospinal fluid.
5. Diagnose neurological conditions based on interpretation of examination findings, histories, or test results.
6. Prescribe or administer medications, such as anti-epileptic drugs, and monitor patients for behavioral and cognitive side effects.
7. Identify and treat major neurological system diseases and disorders, such as central nervous system infection, cranio spinal trauma, dementia, and stroke.
8. Develop treatment plans based on diagnoses and on evaluation of factors, such as age and general health, or procedural risks and costs.
9. Inform patients or families of neurological diagnoses and prognoses, or benefits, risks and costs of various treatment plans.
10. Prepare, maintain, or review records that include patients' histories, neurological examination findings, treatment plans, or outcomes.
11. Communicate with other health care professionals regarding patients' conditions and care.
12. Counsel patients or others on the background of neurological disorders including risk factors, or genetic or environmental concerns.
13. Interpret the results of neuroimaging studies, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans.
14. Determine brain death using accepted tests and procedures.
15. Coordinate neurological services with other health care team activities.
16. Refer patients to other health care practitioners as necessary.
17. Advise other physicians on the treatment of neurological problems.
18. Participate in continuing education activities to maintain and expand competence.
19. Order supportive care services, such as physical therapy, specialized nursing care, and social services.
20. Provide training to medical students or staff members.
21. Supervise medical technicians in the performance of neurological diagnostic or therapeutic activities.
22. Participate in neuroscience research activities.

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