Neurological diseases: symptoms, causes and treatment

Definition of neurological disease

What is neurological disease?

Nerve disease is a disorder, disorder, or damage that occurs in the human nervous system, thereby affecting its function.

The nervous system is a very complex connecting system that can send and receive large amounts of information simultaneously. This system has two parts, namely the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), and the peripheral or peripheral nervous system (all the nervous elements that connect the central nervous system to the various organs of the body).

The brain, spinal cord, and nerves work together in regulating and coordinating all body activities. If any part of the three is damaged or damaged, it can make it difficult to move, speak, swallow, breathe, or learn something. Not only that, you can also experience problems with your memory, your five senses, and your mood.

Diseases of the nervous system can occur slowly and cause gradual (degenerative) loss of function. However, this condition can also occur suddenly and cause life-threatening (acute) problems.

How common is this condition?

The World Health Organization said, hundreds of millions of people around the world are affected by nervous system disorders. This number consists of various types of neurological diseases from common to rare.

Disorders of the nervous system, both central and peripheral, can happen to anyone. This disease can affect women and men of all ages, including neurological diseases in children.

You can prevent this disease by reducing the risk factors that may cause it. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Types of neurological diseases

There are more than 600 diseases of the nervous system that can occur. Of these, some common diseases include:

• Stroke

Stroke is a condition that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, so that the brain tissue does not get enough oxygen and nutrients. This condition causes brain cells to start dying within minutes.

• Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder that causes brain cells to degenerate or die. This disease is a common cause of dementia, which can affect memory, thinking and behavior of sufferers.

• Parkinson's

Parkinson's disease is a disorder that occurs when nerve cells do not produce enough dopamine, a chemical that plays an important role in controlling muscle and movement.

• Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that affects the central nerves. This condition is characterized by damage to the myelin membrane, which is the protective sheath that surrounds nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord.

• Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a condition characterized by recurring or recurring seizures. This condition can occur due to disruption of electrical activity in the brain.

• Meningitis

Meningitis is an infectious disease that affects the membranes around the brain and spinal cord (meninges). This disease is usually caused by a virus or bacteria.

• Encephalitis

Encephalitis is an infectious disease characterized by inflammation of the brain tissue. This disease can be caused by many things, but the most common is a viral infection.

• Bell's palsy

Bell's palsy is a sudden onset of weakness or paralysis on one side of the face. This condition is caused by inflammation or damage to the nerves in the face. Usually, this condition is temporary and can heal within a certain period of time.

• Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a disease that occurs due to damage to nerves outside the brain and spinal cord (peripheral / peripheral nerves). This condition causes weakness, numbness, and pain, which usually occurs in the hands and feet, but can also affect other areas of the body.

• Brain tumor

A brain tumor is a lump of abnormal cells that grows in the brain. These lumps can be benign, but can also be malignant or is called brain cancer. This condition can damage your brain, so it can affect its normal function.

Signs and symptoms of neurological disease

The signs, features, or symptoms of nervous system disease can vary from person to person. This depends on which area of ​​the nervous system is damaged and what is causing the problem.

Symptoms can be mild or severe, depending on the severity of the disease.

Common symptoms of neurological disease

In general, here are the most common signs and symptoms of nervous system disorders.

• Headaches that appear suddenly and continuously.
• Headaches that change or feel different from other types of headaches.
• Numbness or tingling sensation.
• Dizziness or unsteadiness, unable to stand or walk.
• Weakness or loss of muscle strength.
• Loss of vision or double vision.
• Memory loss or memory loss.
• Mental ability disorders.
• Lack of body coordination.
• Stiff muscles.
• Tremors and seizures.
• Back pain that radiates to the soles or toes or other parts of the body.
• Muscle atrophy and lisp.
• Difficulty speaking or difficulty understanding speech.
• Severe nausea or vomiting.

The symptoms of a nervous system disorder can mimic other medical conditions or problems. Always consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

When to see a doctor?

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent neurological disorders from worsening and reduce the risk of complications. So, consult your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the signs or symptoms mentioned above.

Everyone's body reacts differently. Always discuss with your doctor for the best solution according to your condition.

Causes of neurological disease

What causes neurological diseases?

Nerve disease can be caused by several things. The following are some of the conditions that can cause nervous system disorders:

• Hereditary or genetic factors.
• Blood supply problems (vascular disorders).
• Injury or trauma, especially to the head (brain injury) and spinal cord (spinal cord injury).
• Problems that arise at birth (congenital).
• Mental health problems, such as anxiety disorders, depression, or psychosis.
• Exposure to toxic substances, such as carbon monoxide, arsenic, or lead.
• Damage or death of nerve cells that causes gradual (degenerative) loss of function, such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and peripheral neuropathy.
• Infections, such as encephalitis, brain abscess, or meningitis.
• Excessive use or withdrawal of prescription and non-free drugs, illegal drugs, or alcohol.
• Abnormal cell tissue (tumor or cancer).

Organ failure conditions that can lead to neurological disease

Not only that, some conditions or failures that occur in other organs can also cause nervous system disorders. For example, heart failure, liver failure, or kidney failure. In addition, other conditions that can cause nervous system disorders, namely:

• Thyroid dysfunction, whether the thyroid is overactive or underactive.
• High blood sugar (diabetes) or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
• Electrolyte problems.
• Lack of nutrients, such as vitamin B1 (thiamine) or vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Guillain-Barre syndrome '.

Risk factors for neurological disease

Each type of neurological disease may have different risk factors. However, in general, several factors can increase a person's risk of developing disorders of the nervous system, namely:

• Old age, due to the effects of aging on the nervous system, especially in degenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and others.
• Family history of nervous system diseases.
• Weak immune system, including people with HIV / AIDS.
• A poor diet that is at risk of causing a deficiency in nutrients, such as vitamins B1 and B12.
• Drink alcohol.
• Smoking habit.
• Being overweight or obese. (You can check this BMI calculator to see if you are overweight and at risk).
• Lack of physical activity, including sports.
• Consumption of certain drugs, including illegal drugs, because of the bad effects of drugs on the brain.

Also, keep in mind that having the above risk factors does not mean you will develop neurological diseases. Conversely, someone who has a disorder of the nervous system may have unknown risk factors. For more information, always consult your doctor.

Diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor for more information.

How are nervous system disorders diagnosed?

To diagnose nerve pain, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, any medical history you and your family have, and various other factors that may be causing it. Then, the doctor will perform a physical examination and neurological examination to evaluate the symptoms.

After that, the doctor will usually ask you to do some examination tests. Here are some of the most common tests you will need to undergo:

• CT scan, to see images of parts of your body, such as bones, muscles, or certain organs.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to see the structure of your body or organs in more detail.
• Electroencephalography (EEG), to measure electrical activity in the brain.
• Electrodiagnostic tests, such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies, to diagnose disorders of the muscles and motor neurons.
• Angiogram, to detect blockages or narrowing of blood vessels.
• Positron emission tomography (PET), to measure the metabolic activity of cells.
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap), by taking a sample of cerebrospinal fluid from the spine to detect infection or other nerve problems.
• Evoked potentials,to record the brain's electrical responses to visual, auditory, and sensory stimuli.
• Neurosonography, to analyze blood flow in the event of a stroke.

Several other tests may also be needed, including urine tests or blood tests, to identify other medical conditions that may be affecting the nervous system. Always consult your doctor for the right type of examination for your condition.

What are the treatments for neurological diseases?

Treatment for nervous system disorders depends on the type of disease and condition that causes it. For example, in neurological disorders that occur due to the use of certain drugs, your doctor may change drugs or adjust the dosage of drugs you are taking.

If it occurs because of a tumor or cancer, the doctor will provide a series of treatments for cancer, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or even surgical removal of the tumor.

In addition, drugs may also be given to treat various other symptoms that arise, such as pain relievers, anticonvulsants, or antidepressants. These medications are generally given to treat pain associated with nerves (neuropathy). However, anticonvulsant drugs are also the main epilepsy treatment for controlling seizures that occur.

In certain conditions, surgery or surgery may be performed. In addition, various kinds of therapy or rehabilitation, such as physical, occupational, or speech therapy, are also often recommended to help you carry out your daily activities. Always consult your doctor for the right type of treatment.

Prevention of neurological diseases

You can follow these precautionary guidelines to maintain a healthy nervous system, and avoid neurological diseases:

• Regular exercise, such as walking or other types of exercise for brain health.
• Quit smoking.
• Enough rest.
• Treat health conditions that can reduce nervous system function, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
• Apply a healthy and balanced diet, by reducing fat and increasing your intake of vitamins B6, B12, and folate.
• Drink plenty of water to help prevent dehydration, which can lead to confusion and memory problems.
• Avoid consuming alcohol and drugs.
• Take medicines according to the dosage and the conditions recommended by the doctor.
• Take personal protection to prevent injury.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor to understand the best solution for you.