Neurological Problems: Early Signs and Treatment Options
Neurological problems include various brain and nerve disorders like epilepsy, stroke, traumatic brain injury, migraines, headache, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. Read on to know their symptoms and treatment.
Neurological disorders affect how the central nervous system: brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system: nerves) function. Notably, the nervous system regulates everything in the body; from breathing, swallowing and sleeping to heartbeat, digestion and the coordination of senses.
While neurological problems can cause physical, emotional, cognitive and behavioural symptoms, such as pain, confusion, mood changes and/or coordination difficulties, treatment options like therapy, surgery and medicines can help manage them. If you are facing anything similar, then consult the best neurologist in Delhi, Dr Rakesh Agarwal at Apollo Hospital.
Types of Neurological Disorders
The nervous system can be affected by an injury, infection, degeneration, structural defect, tumour, blood flow disruption and autoimmune disorder. And, neurological disorders are divided into the following categories:
- Neurodegenerative conditions: Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis
- Neuromuscular conditions: Muscular dystrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Brain conditions: Epilepsy, stroke, traumatic brain injury, migraines and headache disorders
- Spine conditions: Spina bifida, spinal muscular atrophy and spinal cord injury
- Peripheral nerve conditions: Peripheral neuropathy, Bell’s palsy and carpal tunnel syndrome
Signs and Symptoms of Neurological Disorders
As the nervous system coordinates nearly every bodily function, there is a wide range of neurological symptoms that vary based on the type and severity of the problem. Here are the common symptoms of neurological disorders:
- Consciousness changes: Fainting, seizures and coma
- Cognitive impairment: Confusion, trouble with concentration, memory loss, learning or processing information, and mood changes
- Changes to senses: Vision loss, hallucinations, ringing in ears, double vision, hearing loss, vertigo, loss of smell and taste, and loss of balance
- Muscle movement: Weakness, tremors, stiffness, paralysis, spasms, coordination challenges and falls
- Pain: Headache, neck pain and backache
- Sensitivity changes: Numbness, hypersensitivity to touch and temperature, tingling, and loss of feeling
- Sleep problems: Difficulty falling asleep, uncontrollable movements during sleep, daytime sleepiness and loud snoring
- Speech and language difficulty: Slow speech, difficulty swallowing and slurred speech
- Trouble breathing with minimal exertion
Neurological Disorder Causes
The cause varies depending on the type of neurological disorder. However, some brain and nerve disorders have unknown causes. Let’s dive deeper to learn about the common causes leading to neurological disorders:
- An infection
- A tumour
- A stroke
- Abnormal development of the nervous system (congenital conditions)
- An injury or damage to the parts of the nervous system
- Genetic changes
Diagnosis of a Neurological Disorder
For accurate diagnosis, a doctor may order one or more of the following tests:
- Blood tests
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Imaging tests like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan
- Nerve conduction study
- Spinal tap (lumbar puncture)
- Sleep study
Treatment of Neurological Disorders
A multidisciplinary team involving neurologists, neurosurgeons, psychologists, psychiatrists, physiatrists, physical and occupational therapists, speech/language pathologists, neuroradiologists and interventional radiologists, may be required to treat neurological disorders.
Treatment for neurological disorders varies widely as there is no one-size-fits-all approach. A healthcare provider focuses on managing specific symptoms. They can recommend the following for effective treatment:
- Assistive devices
- Medications to reduce the severity/progression of symptoms
- Physical or occupational therapy to improve mobility and other motor functions
- Participation in clinical trials
- Speech therapy
Also, it is to be noted that there is no way to prevent neurological disorders, but the risk of injury or damage to the nervous system can be reduced by promoting general health and protecting oneself during activities that pose a risk.
READ MORE : Karoline Leavitt Husband Age and Net Worth
Conclusion
In a nutshell, neurological disorders target the functions of the nervous system, which consists of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. Their symptoms, causes and treatment options vary widely based on the type of neurological disorder.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms or neurological disorders discussed above, then reach out to the best neurologist in Delhi, Dr Rakesh Agarwal at Apollo Hospital. For those residing in the southern region, consulting a top neurologist in Chennai could be a convenient and effective choice for timely diagnosis and treatment.
References:
