Neuroscience vs. Neurology — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 22, 2023
Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system, encompassing various disciplines like psychology and biology. Neurology is a medical specialty focusing on diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system.
Difference Between Neuroscience and Neurology
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Neuroscience and Neurology, while related, serve different functions and applications. Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary science that investigates the structure and function of the nervous system, incorporating fields like biology, psychology, and chemistry. Neurology is more specialized and is a branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating disorders related to the nervous system.
In the academic world, Neuroscience is studied to understand how the nervous system works at molecular, cellular, and systemic levels. Neurology is a practical application of this knowledge, where trained medical professionals diagnose and manage neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease.
Neuroscience can be basic or applied research, exploring topics like neural pathways, neurotransmitters, and even artificial intelligence. Neurology is usually applied and patient-centered, often requiring a medical degree to practice, as it involves prescribing medication or even performing surgical interventions.
Research methods also differentiate the two. Neuroscience utilizes a variety of techniques including animal models, brain imaging, and molecular biology to understand the nervous system. Neurology uses many of these techniques too but in a clinical setting, often employing diagnostic tests like MRI or CT scans.
Neuroscience may encompass a broad range of topics including cognitive neuroscience, behavioral neuroscience, and computational neuroscience. Neurology, on the other hand, can have subspecialties like pediatric neurology, neuroimmunology, and neuromuscular medicine but remains rooted in medical practice.
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Comparison Chart
Scope
Interdisciplinary science
Medical specialty
Objective
Understanding the nervous system
Diagnosing and treating disorders
Required Education
Varied, can be non-medical
Medical degree required
Methodology
Research-based
Clinical-based
Subfields
Cognitive, behavioral, computational
Pediatric, neuroimmunology, neuromuscular
Compare with Definitions
Neuroscience
Scientific study of the nervous system.
Neuroscience aims to understand how the brain processes information.
Neurology
Patient-centered.
Neurology involves both diagnosing and treating patients.
Neuroscience
Research-oriented.
Advancements in neuroscience often lead to new technologies.
Neurology
Utilizes diagnostic tests.
In neurology, MRIs are commonly used to assess brain health.
Neuroscience
Interdisciplinary field.
Neuroscience combines psychology, biology, and even computer science.
Neurology
Requires a medical degree.
He went to medical school to specialize in neurology.
Neuroscience
Explores neural mechanisms.
Neuroscience research includes studying neurotransmitters.
Neurology
Medical specialty focused on the nervous system.
Neurology deals with disorders like epilepsy and dementia.
Neuroscience
Not limited to human studies.
Neuroscience often employs animal models for research.
Neurology
Often involves pharmaceutical treatment.
Neurology uses medications to manage symptoms of neurological disorders.
Neuroscience
Neuroscience (or neurobiology) is the scientific study of the nervous system. It is a multidisciplinary science that combines physiology, anatomy, molecular biology, developmental biology, cytology, computer science and mathematical modeling to understand the fundamental and emergent properties of neurons and neural circuits.
Neurology
Neurology (from Greek: νεῦρον (neûron), "string, nerve" and the suffix -logia, "study of") is a branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the nervous system. Neurology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of all categories of conditions and disease involving the central and peripheral nervous systems (and their subdivisions, the autonomic and somatic nervous systems), including their coverings, blood vessels, and all effector tissue, such as muscle.
Neuroscience
Any of the sciences, such as neuroanatomy and neurobiology, that deal with the nervous system.
Neurology
The branch of medicine or biology that deals with the anatomy, functions, and organic disorders of nerves and the nervous system.
Neuroscience
The scientific study of the nervous system.
Neurology
The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the nervous system.
Neuroscience
The scientific study of the nervous system
Neurology
The branch of medicine that deals with the disorders of nervous system including the brain and spinal cord of the central nervous system and the nerves, muscles, and neuromuscular junction of the peripheral nervous system.
Neurology
Focal neurologic signs; focal neurologic deficits.
Patient had no neurology.
Neurology
The results of a neurological examination.
Neurology is normal.
Neurology
The branch of science which treats of the nervous system.
Neurology
The branch of medical science that deals with the nervous system and its disorders
Neurology
(neurology) the branch of medicine that deals with the nervous system and its disorders
Common Curiosities
Is neuroscience only about the brain?
No, neuroscience studies the entire nervous system.
Can a neuroscientist practice medicine?
Generally, no, unless they also have a medical degree.
Is neurology a type of neuroscience?
No, neurology is a medical specialty that applies knowledge from neuroscience.
Do neurologists conduct research?
Some do, often in collaboration with neuroscientists.
Which is broader, neuroscience or neurology?
Neuroscience is broader, encompassing various disciplines.
Do you need a Ph.D. to work in neuroscience?
Not necessarily; there are various roles in the field.
Can neuroscience include animal studies?
Yes, neuroscience often uses animal models for research.
Is a medical degree mandatory for neurology?
Yes, a medical degree is required to practice neurology.
What's a common goal in neuroscience?
Understanding how the nervous system functions at various levels.
What's a common diagnostic tool in neurology?
Diagnostic tools like MRI and CT scans are commonly used in neurology.
Do neurologists perform surgeries?
Typically, no; that would be a neurosurgeon's role.
Do neuroscientists use MRIs?
Yes, MRIs are commonly used in neuroscience research.
Do neurologists prescribe medication?
Yes, medication is often part of neurology treatment plans.
Can neurologists treat mental disorders?
They may treat disorders with neurological components, like dementia.
Is psychology a part of neuroscience?
Yes, psychology can be integrated into neuroscience research.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
