Neurology

Our neurology teams diagnose and manage conditions of the nervous system, whether a problem comes on suddenly like a stroke or needs care over many years. Assessment, testing and ongoing treatment sit together across our UAE hospitals, so your care doesn't have to move from place to place.

What is neurology?

Neurology is the medical speciality for the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. A neurologist diagnoses and treats conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, and migraine. Much of the work is managing conditions that last for years, like Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis, so you and your neurologist may work together for a long time. This care mostly uses medicines, therapy, and monitoring rather than surgery. When an operation is needed, a neurosurgeon carries it out.

Areas within neurology

• Paediatric neurology: Care for children and young people with conditions of the developing nervous system, including cerebral palsy and childhood headaches.
• Neuroradiology: Detailed imaging of the brain and nervous system, such as MRI and CT scans, used to diagnose neurological conditions and guide treatment.
• Neurophysiology: Tests that record the electrical activity of the nerves, muscles, and brain to help diagnose epilepsy and similar problems.

When should you see a neurologist?

Book an appointment if you notice:

• Frequent or severe headaches, or migraines that disrupt daily life
• Numbness, tingling or weakness in an arm or leg
• Dizziness, poor balance or repeated falls
• Shaking, tremor or slowed movement
• Seizures, blackouts or fainting
• Memory problems or ongoing forgetfulness

A stroke is a medical emergency. If a person's face has dropped on one side, they cannot lift both arms, or their speech is slurred, it is time to call for emergency help straight away (998 for an ambulance in the UAE).

You don't need to wait for an emergency to see a neurologist. Book a review if you're living with a long-term condition that needs regular monitoring, or if your family doctor wants a specialist opinion on symptoms that are hard to pin down.

What to expect

At your first appointment, the neurologist asks about your symptoms and examines how your nerves, muscles, and balance are working. This hands-on check often points to what is going on and whether any tests are needed. If the picture needs confirming, they may arrange a brain scan, usually an MRI or CT. Nerve and muscle tests can add more detail.

Treatment depends on the diagnosis. Many conditions are managed with medicines, whether to control seizures, ease migraine or steady a movement disorder. Others respond to rehabilitation and physiotherapy, which help you regain strength and independence after a stroke or injury. Some people benefit from a more specific treatment, for example botulinum toxin injections for migraines. Your neurologist explains the options and plans the next step with you.

Neurology at Mediclinic

We provide neurology care in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain, so most people can be seen close to home. Our neurologists work closely with neuroradiology and neurophysiology. They bring in physiotherapists and psychologists when a fuller plan helps. In Dubai, a neuroscience centre brings these services together with neurorehabilitation.

People who arrive with the signs of a stroke are seen quickly in stroke units. We run much of the diagnostic testing on site, including EEG, nerve conduction studies, and EMG. Where treatment can prevent or ease symptoms, we offer options beyond medicines. These include botulinum toxin injections for migraine and deep brain stimulation for some movement disorders.