Neurological Problem Symptoms, Causes and Effects

According to the University of California, San Francisco, there are more than 600 neurological disorders. Neurological disorders are diseases that affect the brain and the central and autonomic nervous systems. In recognizing the signs and symptoms of neurological problems, it is first important to distinguish the various types of neurological disorders.

What Are the Types of Neurological Disorders?

There are many types of neurological disorders, including:

• Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
• Epilepsy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Migraines

The World Health Organization reports that various types of neurological disorders affect millions of people around the world, including 24 million that suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and 326 million who experience migraines.

What Causes a Neurological Disorder?

If you suspect that you or a loved one may be suffering from one of these issues, you may also be wondering about what causes a neurological disorder. The causes of such dysfunction can be quite diverse. Both the spinal cord and brain are insulated by numerous membranes that can be vulnerable to force and pressure. The peripheral nerves located deep under the skin can also be vulnerable to damage. Neurological disorders can affect an entire neurological pathway or a single neuron. Even a small disturbance to a neuron’s structural pathway can result in dysfunction. As a result, neurological disorders can result from a number of causes, including:

• Lifestyle-related causes
• Infections
• Genetics
• Nutrition-related causes
• Environmental influences
• Physical injuries

What Are the Signs of Neurological Disorders?

The signs of neurological disorders can vary significantly, depending upon the type of disorder as well as the specific area of the body that is affected. In some instances, you might experience emotional symptoms while in other cases physical symptoms may be the result.

Emotional Symptoms of Neurological Problems

While many people often first look for physical symptoms of a disorder, it is important to understand that there can also be emotional symptoms of neurological problems. For instance, you might experience mood swings or sudden outbursts. Individuals who suffer from neurological problems may also experience depression or delusions.

It should be understood that these symptoms could also be indicative of other disorders and conditions. If you have noticed these symptoms in yourself or someone close to you, it is important to seek help right away. Please contact us at to speak to someone about your situation.

Physical Symptoms of Neurological Problems

Physical symptoms of neurological problems may include the following:

• Partial or complete paralysis
• Muscle weakness
• Partial or complete loss of sensation
• Seizures
• Difficulty reading and writing
• Poor cognitive abilities
• Unexplained pain
• Decreased alertness

Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Neurological Instability

If left untreated, neurological disorders can result in a number of serious consequences. The short-term and long-term effects of neurological instability can vary greatly, depending upon the disorder and the severity of your condition. For instance, according to MSWatch, 50 percent of individuals who suffer from multiple sclerosis experience depression at least once. The University of Miami Health System reports that the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease become more severe over time, as this is a progressive disease. The most important step you can take if you believe that you or someone you care about may be suffering from a neurological disorder is to seek assistance without delay.

Is There a Test or Self-Assessment I Can Do?

If you are concerned about a possible neurological disorder, it is important to seek professional medical assistance. A number of medical examinations can be performed to diagnose the presence of a possible neurological condition. Such tests may include genetic screening, a neurological exam, brain scans and other tests. Even though all self-administered tests or self-assessments cannot positively identify the presence of a neurological disorder, if you have noticed any of the following complaints, you may wish to seek professional assistance:

• Headaches
• Blurry vision
• Fatigue
• Changes in behavior
• Numbness in the legs or arms
• Changes in coordination or balance
• Weakness
• Slurred speech
• Tremors

Medication: Drug Options for Neurological Issues

While it is understandable that the thought of being diagnosed with a neurological disorder may be frightening, it is important to understand that drug options for neurological issues are available. Such options can help you or your loved one to better manage your condition, reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Neurological Drugs: Possible Options

The type of medication that may be used for the treatment of your neurological disorder will depend on your condition. Possible options for neurological drugs may include corticosteroids, which are often indicated for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. This type of medication may assist with decreasing inflammation. Dopamine-affecting drugs, such as Levodopa, are commonly used in the treatment of Parkinson’s to help with rigidity and tremors.

Medication Side Effects

When taking medication for the treatment of any condition or disorder, it is important to understand that you may experience certain side effects. Medication side effects related to the treatment of neurological disorders can vary based on your own situation and the type of medication in question. In some instances, it may be possible to develop dependence to the medication you are taking. This can occur even if it is a prescription medication, and you are taking it for the treatment of a serious health problem, such as a neurological disorder.

Drug Addiction, Dependence and Withdrawal

If you have developed a drug addiction, dependence and withdrawal are two critical components you need to understand. Dependence can develop when you take medication over a period of time. Depending on the addictive nature of the medication and your own personal situation, dependence can sometimes develop quickly. If you do become dependent on your medication, you will experience withdrawal symptoms when you abruptly stop taking the medication. Symptoms can include headaches, nausea and tremors.

Addiction generally means you also have a psychological dependence on the medication in addition to a physical dependence.

Medication Overdose

The potential for medication overdose is quite real and should not be taken lightly. In instances where an individual has become dependent on a medication, they may begin taking increasingly larger doses of the medication in order to achieve the same effects. This can result in an overdose – a serious medical situation that can be fatal.

If you believe that you or someone you know may be taking too much medication and could be at risk for overdose, it is important to seek help right away. Please contact us at .

Depression and Neurological Problems

Depression and neurological problems are often interrelated. Due to the debilitating nature of depression, individuals who suffer from it as well as neurological problems may find recovery to be challenging without professional assistance. Many different treatment options are available that can assist you with the treatment of your depression, including therapy in combination with medication.

Dual Diagnosis: Addiction and Neurological Disorders

Seeking help from a facility that offers the ability to make a dual diagnosis, such as a diagnose of an addiction compounded by a neurological disorder, is critical for achieving an optimal recovery. If one issue is treated but the other is left untreated, the chances of achieving a full recovery can be diminished. In a treatment facility that focuses on addressing both addiction and neurological issues, you will be able to receive the critical help you need for your addiction while at the same time ensuring that your neurological disorder is also treated.

Getting Help for a Neurological Issue

Regardless of how long you have suffered, it is important to know that assistance is available. With professional medical treatment, it is possible to manage your neurological disorder while also treating any other comorbid condition, such as addiction. The key is to choose a treatment facility that specializes in the treatment of neurological problems. If you have noticed signs and symptoms of neurological problems in yourself or someone else, please do not delay in asking for help on treating neurological problems today. Call us now at .