(By Dr. Rajiv Anand, Principal Director, Neurology, BLK- Max Super Speciality Hospital)
Neurological disorders are those that affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves and can occur as a result of structural, chemical, or electrical abnormalities within the nervous system. There are many types of neurological disorders. While some are relatively benign and temporary, others are more serious and may require ongoing or emergency treatment.
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5 TYPES OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT:
1. DIZZINESS
Dizziness is a term used to describe a range of sensations, such as feeling faint, woozy, weak or unsteady. Dizziness that creates the false sense that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving is called vertigo. It rarely signals a life-threatening condition.
Treatment of dizziness depends on the cause and your symptoms. It's usually effective, but the problem may recur.
People experiencing dizziness may describe it as any of several sensations, such as:
- A false sense of motion or spinning (vertigo)
- Lightheadedness or feeling faint
- Unsteadiness or a loss of balance
- A feeling of floating, wooziness or heavy-headedness
These feelings may be triggered or worsened by walking, standing up or moving your head.
In severe dizziness or vertigo with any of the following, immediate medical attention is required.
- Sudden, severe headache
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Numbness or paralysis of arms or legs
- Fainting
- Double vision
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Confusion or slurred speech
- Stumbling or difficulty walking
- Ongoing vomiting
- Seizures
- A sudden change in hearing
- Facial numbness or weakness
2. EPILEPSY
Epilepsy is a chronic noncommunicable disease of the brain that affects people of all ages. Around 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological diseases globally. Nearly 80% of people with epilepsy live in low- and middle-income countries.
It is estimated that up to 70% of people living with epilepsy could live seizure-free if properly diagnosed and treated. The risk of premature death in people with epilepsy is up to three times higher than in the general population.
Three-quarters of people with epilepsy living in low-income countries do not get the treatment they need. In many parts of the world, people with epilepsy and their families suffer from stigma and discrimination.
3. HEADACHE
Headache is pain or discomfort in the head or face. Headaches vary greatly in terms of the location and intensity of the pain, and how often the headaches occur.
Different types of headaches include:
Migraine- In this type of headache, symptoms other than pain occur as part of the headache. Nausea and vomiting, lightheadedness, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and other visual symptoms typically occur with migraines.
Tension headaches- Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. Stress and tight muscles are often factors in tension-type headaches. These are common symptoms of a tension-type headache:
- Slow onset of the headache
- The head usually hurts on both sides
- Pain is dull or feels like a band or vice around the head
- Pain may involve the back part of the head or neck
- Pain is mild to moderate, but not severe
- Tension-type headaches typically do not cause nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Cluster headaches- Cluster headaches usually occur in a series that may last weeks or months. These are the most common symptoms of a cluster headache:
- Severe pain on one side of the head, usually behind one eye
- The eye that is affected may be red and watery with a droopy lid and small pupil
- Swelling of the eyelid, runny nose or congestion, swelling of the forehead
4. NEURODEGENERATIVE DISORDERS
Neurodegenerative disorders encompass a wide range of conditions that result from progressive damage to cells and nervous system connections that are essential for mobility, coordination, strength, sensation, and cognition. It affects millions of people worldwide.
Neurodegenerative disorders include:
- Alzheimer’s disease and other memory disorders
- Ataxia
- Huntington’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Motor neuron disease
- Multiple system atrophy
- Progressive supranuclear palsy
Symptoms of Neurodegenerative Disorders:
With their progression, these disorders can affect every aspect of a person’s life, such as:
- Mobility and balance
- Abnormal movements
- Swallowing
- Bladder and bowel function
- Blood pressure fluctuation
- Sleep
- Breathing
- Heart function
- Memory and cognitive abilities
- Mood
- Speech
5. STROKE
A stroke is a medical emergency. It's crucial to get medical treatment right away. Getting emergency medical help quickly can reduce brain damage and other stroke complications. An ischemic stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or reduced. This prevents brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes. Another type of stroke is a hemorrhagic stroke. It occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or bursts and causes bleeding in the brain. The blood increases pressure on brain cells and damages them.
Symptoms of stroke include:
- Trouble speaking and understanding what others are saying. A person having a stroke may be confused, slur words or may not be able to understand speech.
- Numbness, weakness or paralysis in the face, arm or leg. This often affects just one side of the body. The person can try to raise both arms over the head. If one arm begins to fall, it may be a sign of a stroke. Also, one side of the mouth may droop when trying to smile.
- Problems seeing in one or both eyes. The person may suddenly have blurred or blackened vision in one or both eyes. Or the person may see double.
- Headache. A sudden, severe headache may be a symptom of a stroke. Vomiting, dizziness and a change in consciousness may occur with the headache.
- Trouble walking. Someone having a stroke may stumble or lose balance or coordination.
[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]