Millions of people suffer from neurological disorders that affect the brain, spine, and nerves. The worst part is that many people don’t even know that they have a neurological disease. It’s crucial to understand the symptoms of neurological conditions. They signal that it’s time to seek medical attention, resulting in proper diagnosis and efficient care. Let’s address the most common neurological disorders and the major indicators of each one.

1. Headaches

Headaches, including migraines, cluster headaches, and stress headaches, are among the most common neurological disorders. When headaches occur frequently, it’s a sign that you should see a doctor, as they may be symptoms of an underlying condition. The conditions that most often cause chronic headaches are:
  • High blood pressure
  • Infections
  • Temporal arteritis, or inflammation of the blood vessels in and around your scalp
  • Tumors
To determine what’s causing your headache, a neurologist will begin by discussing your symptoms. If the doctor decides you are only suffering from a migraine, they may prescribe drugs to relieve your pain. If you have a severe condition like temporal arteritis, they can also prescribe a steroid to reduce inflammation. The medicine will help prevent issues like loss of vision.

2. Stroke

Strokes affect more than 795,000 Americans every year. They occur when arteries leading to and inside the brain become damaged, causing impairment of brain function. It’s hard to predict a stroke, but sudden signs that you may have had one include:
  • Blurred vision
  • Confusion, difficulty speaking, or slow mental processing
  • Dizziness or loss of balance
  • Face, arm, or leg numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
  • Severe headache
The Neurological Physicians of Arizona can help prevent a second stroke by thoroughly examining patients who have already suffered a stroke. They’ll prescribe medications like blood thinners or narcotics that will alleviate any underlying heart conditions, but the treatment course depends on the individual. Exercising 30 minutes a day, five times a week, eating a balanced diet that prioritizes fruits and vegetables, and reducing the intake of processed foods may lower the risk of a stroke.

3. Seizures

Seizures are variations in the electrical activity of the brain. They affect approximately one in 100 Americans. Doctors can measure the blood flow to the brain  using a transcranial doppler. Depending on the severity of your seizure, the signs and symptoms will vary, but the most common ones include:
  • Changes in cognition or emotion, such as fear, anxiety, or deja vu
  • Loss of comprehension or consciousness
  • Temporary confusion
  • Uncontrollable jerking movements in the arms and legs
You’ll need to see your doctor after you have a seizure. These episodes can be managed if you get early care and medication, and long-term problems such as memory loss and brain damage can be prevented. While a seizure is often caused due to epilepsy, it can also occur because of:
  • Alcohol abuse or withdrawal
  • Head trauma that induces bleeding in the brain
  • A high fever
  • Inadequate sleep
  • Low sodium in the blood
  • Medications, such as pain relievers or antidepressants

4. Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition that degenerates the nervous system, which controls movement. Usually, symptoms show up around the age of 60 and get progressively worse over time. Symptoms typically include:
  1. Constipation: Constipation is a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease. People may even suffer from constipation problems long before they develop motor symptoms, so it can be seen as an indicator that Parkinson’s will develop in the future.
  2. Muscle stiffness: This can occur all over your body; moving your arms while you walk can be challenging in some cases.
  3. Loss of smell: Most people with Parkinson’s disease lose their sense of smell.
  4. Stiff face: Your face can lose its ability to express emotion, especially in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease.
  5. Changes in voice: Your voice can become soft or slurred.
  6. Tremor: Shaking usually starts in the fingers or hands.
Your doctor will discuss your symptoms and give you a physical examination before diagnosing Parkinson’s disease. There are treatments that can relieve symptoms in some instances.

5. Dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term that refers to a group of disorders that may cause the brain to malfunction. They include Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia, which becomes more and more likely to develop as you get older, leads to the loss of brain tissue, affecting:
  • Behavior
  • Emotions
  • Memory
  • Perceptions
  • Thinking
See your doctor if you notice any signs of dementia. They can help you control symptoms with certain drugs and therapies.

6. Cerebral Palsy

This disorder can influence movement, hearing, speech, sight, and learning in various parts of the brain. The signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy vary greatly and can include:
  • Spasticity of the muscles
  • Fatigue
  • Rapid breathing
  • Loss of coordination, affecting one or more limbs and one or both sides of the body
Learning disorders are common, often delayed by a developmental milestone. Eating and digestive problems (vomiting, constipation, and sucking problems) are common, as well. A neurological evaluation, MRI, EEG, blood, hearing, and vision tests are used to diagnose this disease. The treatment for this condition may involve anticonvulsants, reflux surgery, and radiofrequency ablation to relieve pain.

Conclusion

These are some of the most common neurological disorders. If you or a loved one experiences such disorders’ signs and symptoms, find a neurologist and make an appointment as soon as possible. Arizona Neurology and Sleep Center provides effective care and treatment for various neurological disorders. If you’re looking for a neurologist in Arizona, contact AZNS today.