“What is the difference between a neurologist and a physiatrist?”
I am a 35 year old female. I want to know what is the difference between a neurologist and a physiatrist?
4 Answers
Neurologists treat nervous system conditions like stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, etc. Psychiatrists usually treat mental health conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, mood disorders, etc. Many patients may need both types of doctors as nervous system and mental health problems frequently coexist.
They are both medical doctors. A neurologist specializes in neurological conditions like seizures, headaches, strokes, nerve pains, back pains...etc and a psychiatrist specializes in mental health and treats conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, OCD...etc. Both field overlap in certain areas because many mental health conditions worsens and could be the cause of neurological problems and vice versa.
Yes. Physiatrists not only specialize in nerve disorders, but also bone and muscle issues, sports medicine and orthopedic issues, chronic and acute pain management.
Yours sincerely,
Linda Li, MD
Yours sincerely,
Linda Li, MD
These two specialties do have some overlap, however are quite different. A neurologist normally focuses on pathology associated with the brain and nerves. A physiatrist will mostly focus on disorders of FUNCTION and RECOVERY.
