neurologist

American  

[noo-rol-uh-jist, nyoo-] / nʊˈrɒl ə dʒɪst, nyʊ- /

noun

1. a physician specializing in neurology.

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Etymology

Origin of neurologist

First recorded in 1825–35; neurolog(y) + -ist

Explanation

A doctor who specializes in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves is a neurologist. A neurologist treats patients with epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and other disorders that involve the nervous system. You can think of a neurologist as a "brain doctor," although everything in your body that makes up your nervous system, from your brain to your nerves and ganglia, falls under their area of expertise. Neurologists are specially trained to diagnose and treat disorders ranging from concussion and migraines to stroke. The word neurologist comes from neurology and its Greek roots: neuro-, "nerves," and -logia, "study."

Example Sentences

Her neurologist told the outlet that Lee’s symptoms are pretty much gone.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

After visiting an optician who identified a problem with his optic nerve and referred him to a neurologist, George received an MRI and lumbar puncture which confirmed his MS diagnosis in March 2022.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

In the late 1990s, neurologist Philip Kennedy developed the first BCI to allow a severely paralyzed patient to move a computer cursor using their brain.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026

According to co-author Gary Westbrook, M.D., a neurologist and senior scientist at the Vollum Institute, the discovery could help pharmaceutical companies design drugs that specifically block the damaging antibody interactions.

From Science Daily • Feb. 25, 2026

‘Not even Ted’s neurologist can explain it. But come through to the kitchen, everyone. Dinner’s ready.’

From "The London Eye Mystery" by Siobhan Dowd