A local neurologist is a medical doctor who is specially educated and trained in treating patients with disorders affecting the brain as well as the spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles. If your local family physician believes you need further testing and diagnosis of a condition such as stroke, severe headaches or migraines, sleep problems, multiple sclerosis epilepsy or dementia, they may refer you to a local neurologist. Depending on the diagnosis and treatment plan, your local neurologist may recommend surgery, medication, further screening or lifestyle changes.