Posted By: Dr. (Prof.) Kunal Bahrani on 10 Nov 2026
Finding a neurologist is not like finding a general physician. Problems of the brain, spine and nerves can be hard to describe, easy to misread and sometimes urgent. In a large city like Faridabad there are many doctors, hospital pages and listing websites, and it is hard to know whose advice to trust.
This guide gives you a practical checklist for choosing the right neurologist for your situation: which qualifications matter, what experience to look for, how to judge a consultation, which red flags to watch for and which questions to ask before you book.
What does a neurologist treat?
A neurologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles. Common conditions include:
- Migraine and other headaches
- Epilepsy and seizures
- Stroke and stroke prevention
- Parkinson’s disease and tremors
- Dementia and memory problems
- Neuropathy, numbness and tingling
- Vertigo and balance problems
- Sleep disorders such as restless legs syndrome
- Nerve and muscle diseases
Neurologist, neurosurgeon, psychiatrist or physician: who should you see?
|
Doctor |
What they do |
Typical reasons to see them |
|---|---|---|
|
Neurologist |
Diagnoses and treats nervous system disease, mostly with medicines, injections and tests |
Headache, seizures, stroke, tremor, memory loss, numbness |
|
Neurosurgeon |
Operates on the brain, spine and nerves |
Brain tumour, spinal cord compression, head injury needing surgery |
|
Psychiatrist |
Treats mental health conditions |
Depression, anxiety, psychosis |
|
General physician |
First-line care and referral |
Fever, infections, general check-ups, early referral |
Many conditions need more than one specialist. A neurologist will tell you honestly when you need a neurosurgeon or another doctor.
Step 1: Check the qualifications
Neurology is a super-speciality. A fully trained neurologist has completed MBBS, then a postgraduate degree in medicine (MD), and then a super-speciality degree such as DM Neurology or DNB Neurology. Look for:
- DM or DNB in Neurology from a recognised institute. Ask whether it is a super-speciality degree and not only a general medicine degree.
- Registration with a medical council, with a number you can verify on the National Medical Commission’s Indian Medical Register.
- Extra training in the area you need, such as epilepsy, headache or movement disorders.
- International memberships and fellowships such as MRCP or FRCP, which show further examination and peer review.
For example, Dr. (Prof.) Kunal Bahrani completed his DM in Neurology at AIIMS and holds MRCP, FRCP (London and Glasgow) and FEBN qualifications, with additional training in interventional headache medicine. [ADD: confirm wording of credentials with Dr. Bahrani.] You can read more on the home page.
Step 2: Look at experience with your condition
A neurologist who treats a wide range of problems is useful, but you also want someone who sees your condition often. Ask:
- How many patients with my condition do you treat?
- Which treatments do you use, and why?
- Do you offer advanced options if the first medicine does not work?
If you have chronic headaches, for example, it helps to see a doctor with training in migraine treatment. If you have seizures, look for someone who regularly manages epilepsy. If a family member has had a stroke or a warning episode, you need a doctor experienced in stroke care and prevention.
Step 3: Check for tests and hospital backup
Neurological diagnosis often needs MRI, CT, EEG (brain waves), nerve conduction studies and blood tests. A neurologist who works within a hospital that has these facilities, plus an intensive care unit and emergency services, can move quickly if your condition turns serious. Ask where tests are done and how soon results come back.
Step 4: Judge the quality of the consultation
A good neurology consultation is slow and thorough. The doctor should:
- Listen to your full story without hurrying you
- Ask about timing, triggers, family history, medicines, sleep and stress
- Do a proper neurological examination: strength, reflexes, sensation, balance, walking, eye movements and speech
- Explain what they think is going on, in language you understand
- Order tests that are needed, not a long list “just in case”
- Explain treatment options, side effects and what to expect
- Tell you when to come back and what to do in an emergency
If you leave knowing what you have, what to do next and when to worry, the consultation was a good one.
Step 5: Read reviews carefully
Reviews are helpful, but read them with care:
- Look at how many reviews there are, not only the average star rating.
- Read the detailed ones. Comments about listening, clear explanations and follow-up matter more than comments about the waiting area.
- Check that reviews are recent.
- Be wary of a burst of near-identical reviews.
- Compare more than one source, such as Google, doctor-listing sites and the hospital’s own profile.
Red flags to watch for
- A promise of a quick cure for a long-term condition
- Pressure to buy expensive treatment packages or supplements
- Tests ordered before the doctor has examined you
- No explanation of the diagnosis
- Reluctance to share qualifications
- Dismissing your symptoms without examination
- Advice to stop long-term medicines suddenly
Questions to ask at the first visit
- What do you think is causing my symptoms?
- Which tests do I need and why?
- What are my treatment options, including side effects?
- How long before I should feel better?
- What signs mean I should come back sooner or go to the emergency room?
- Will I need any lifestyle changes?
- How should I contact you with questions between visits?
It is also reasonable to ask for a second opinion before a major decision.
Do not wait if you have these signs
Some symptoms need emergency care, not an appointment: sudden weakness or numbness on one side, difficulty speaking, a sudden severe headache unlike any before, a seizure lasting more than five minutes, or loss of consciousness. Call emergency services or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Read our guide to warning signs you should never ignore.
Consulting Dr. (Prof.) Kunal Bahrani
Dr. Bahrani is a Professor and neurologist who treats headache, epilepsy, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, neuropathy and other disorders of the brain, spine and nerves. If you are looking for a neurologist in Faridabad, you can book an appointment and bring your previous reports, scans and a list of your medicines.
Frequently asked questions
What qualification should a neurologist have? Look for MBBS followed by MD and then DM or DNB in Neurology, with medical council registration.
Is a neurologist the same as a neurosurgeon? No. A neurologist mainly treats with medicines and procedures such as injections, while a neurosurgeon operates.
Do I need a referral to see a neurologist? Usually not, but it helps to bring your records and any earlier test reports.
How do I know if my headache needs a neurologist? See one if headaches are frequent, getting worse, wake you from sleep, or come with weakness, vision changes or confusion. See Blog 3 on migraine.
What should I bring to my first visit? Previous reports, scans (on disc or phone), a list of current medicines and a short timeline of your symptoms.
How many visits will I need? It depends on the condition. Some problems are settled in one or two visits, while others need regular follow-up.
Can a neurologist treat children? Many treat teenagers and some children, such as with epilepsy. Ask the clinic whether they see the age group you need.
Related reading:
- When to see a neurologist: 12 warning signs
- Migraine treatment: causes, triggers and options
- Stroke warning signs and the first hour
- Epilepsy: first aid, treatment and myths
This article is general information and does not replace a consultation.