Neurological disorders are diseases that affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves throughout the body. They can cause problems with movement, speech, breathing, or learning.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe. People with neurological disorders must see their doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.
Causes
A neurological disorder is a condition that affects the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. These parts work together to control all the functions of the body.
Neurological problems can produce various symptoms, including headaches, visual abnormalities, exhaustion, numb arms or legs, and tremors, according to specialists at Colorado Integrated Neurology.. These can be mild, moderate or severe, depending on the specific condition.
They can also cause emotional symptoms such as mood swings, depression, or delusions. These are often the first signs of neurological disease and should be treated promptly.
Several risk factors can increase the chances of developing one of these conditions, including genetics, age, tobacco or drug use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity. In some cases, brain injury or head trauma can trigger them.
Symptoms
The nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord and the nerves that connect the body’s organs, tissues and cells. These nerves and their connections control body functions, such as breathing, heart rate, digestion, blood pressure and vision.
Pain and other symptoms are often the first signs of a problem in the nervous system. Neurological disorders can affect many body parts, including the muscles, bones, tendons, organs and other tissues.
If you experience unexplained pain, tingling sensations or sudden weakness that you can’t explain, your doctor may refer you to a neurologist for further evaluation and treatment. Symptoms of a severe neurological problem can include numbness, seizures, loss of coordination and difficulty walking or balancing.
Memory loss and other cognitive problems are common in people with neurological disorders. They can lead to confusion, difficulty concentrating and other issues.
Diagnosis
Neurological disorders affect people of all ages, ranging from life-threatening conditions such as stroke, hydrocephalus and meningitis to less severe but almost always debilitating conditions like migraines, epilepsy and sleep disorders.
To make a diagnosis, your doctor will examine you and ask detailed questions about your health. They will also look at your symptoms and consider other medical conditions that could cause them.
Your neurologist will use various tests to determine what is causing your symptoms and what is affecting your brain, spinal cord or nerves. These include reflexes, a neurological exam and other tests that involve feeling your eyes, nose, ears, tongue, and upper and lower body parts.
Some of these tests may be done by a neurologist or other doctor, while you may do others at home. These include electroencephalography (EEG), computerized tomography (CT scan or CAT scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan), electromyography, arteriogram and positron emission tomography (PET scan or PET imagery).
Treatment
Neurological disorders affect one in six of the world’s population and cause significant harm to patients, their families and caregivers. This is why learning about them and understanding the treatments available are so important.
There are many types of neurological disorders, some of which can be fatal or life-threatening, while others may only be debilitating. However, early diagnosis is critical as it can offer treatment opportunities before symptoms become more severe.
A few of the most common neurological disorders include headache, epilepsy, stroke and Alzheimer’s. Each affects a different part of the nervous system and has associated causes, symptoms, and treatments.
There is no cure for most of these conditions. Instead, treatment aims to improve symptoms, relieve pain and increase mobility while maintaining the quality of life. These treatments include medication, behavioral therapy, nerve blocks, and botulinum injections. Some patients also undergo dietary modifications that help reduce seizures or prevent migraines.
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