The practice of neurology encompasses the diagnosis and management of diseases affecting the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems, as well as muscle.

Neurologists demonstrate an understanding of the nervous system and how it is affected by disease and ageing, as well as the processes for treatment and management of chronic, acute, and emergency conditions. With an aging population, rates of neurological disorders are high, and are projected to increase further. In the future these brain disorders will have a greater cost to the Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand economy than heart disease, cancer, and respiratory disease combined. There is a rapid expansion of treatment and therapies within the specialties that are changing the lives of those living with neurological disorders.

Neurologists develop high-level communication skills to support patients across a range of inpatient and outpatient settings throughout the course of their adult life.

Neurologists are skilled diagnosticians who reach accurate diagnoses by taking detailed histories, performing thorough neurological examinations, and investigating patients rationally by using tools such as imaging, lumbar puncture (LP), neurophysiology, and/or neuropsychology. Neurologists are expected to be skilled in the interpretation of nerve conduction studies (NCS), electromyography (EMG), and electroencephalography (EEG). They also:

  • Apply a multidisciplinary approach

    Neurologists are required to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team. They need to liaise with other medical and allied health professionals to optimise patient outcomes.

  • Work sensitively with a variety of patients

    Neurologists work with patients to address determinants of health that affect them and their access to needed health services or resources, providing culturally safe education and support in a professional, empathic, and non-judgemental manner. Some neurological conditions are untreatable so the neurologist must be able to provide a prognosis and support to these patients and their carers, as well as manage end-of-life issues.

  • Demonstrate strong communication skills

    Neurologists must develop an effective interviewing technique to support their investigations. They appreciate when referral to a more appropriate or more qualified practitioner in a particular subspecialty is necessary.

  • Apply a scholarly approach

    Neurologists conduct and apply research to make evidence-based decisions that improve the treatment and management of their patients. Furthermore, the rapid expansion in knowledge, particularly in areas of diagnosis and treatment, necessitates the ability to keep up to date with research, and the neurologist must identify appropriate resources to do this.

Last modified: Thursday, 27 November 2025, 12:26 PM