Nerve disorder
A neurologist specializes in anatomy, function and organic disorders of the nerves and the nervous system. For those who have done their homework on fibromyalgia, they are going to find that most medical professionals find that fibromyalgia is a nerve disorder that forms. Thus, working with a neurologist makes sense for many patients.
Tests
Neurologists need to be able to get a good look at all aspects of your central and peripheral nervous system. This means that your neurologist will likely perform a number of different diagnostic tests. These tests often help to produce visual images of the way your brain, muscles, and nerves are functioning. Some common tests performed by neurologists include:
• CAT scan (computed axial tomography)
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
• EEG (electroencephalography)
• EMG (electromyography)
These diagnostic procedures often involve the use of high-tech, and sometimes frightening-looking equipment. However, most of these tests are completely pain free.
How Can a Neurologist Help Fibromyalgia Sufferers?
Neurologists often form an integral part of the diagnosis and management of fibromyalgia. This is because many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia may actually be related to a disorder of the central nervous system. Researchers have theorized that fibromyalgia is actually the result of a pain processing disorder within the brain. Based on this information, a neurologist is one of the best medical practitioners a fibromyalgia patient could see. A neurologist can help to narrow down the cause of your pain and treat it specifically, this is important to support your overal treatment.
My expereince of treating individual symptoms or disorders can go a long way to making your life more bearable.
You will need to ask you GP for a referral to a neurologist to assess your nerve pain, if these tests have not previously been carried out.
For example here is a separate link to a survey on neuropathic pain.