Neurological disorders are those affecting the nervous system i.e. the brain, spinal cord and the nerves. Any disturbance in the functioning of the brain and the central and autonomous nervous systems can result in problems such as difficulty in moving, breathing, swallowing, learning and memory senses. Some common symptoms include paralysis, muscle weakness, poor coordination, seizures, mood swings, depression, delusions etc.
Fortis Hospitals is a super specialty hospital for neurology care, thanks to its state-of-the-art infrastructure and an expert faculty who are capable of dealing with the most complex neurological disorders. The major types of neurological diseases are explained as follows:
Migraines: It is a chronic disorder where the person experiences frequent headaches. These may be moderate or severe in intensity and can last for around two days. Some symptoms associated with migraines are nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound and smells, spotty vision and speech problems. Although it is not a threat to the life of an individual, it can interfere with the day-to-day activities. The exact cause of migraines is yet unknown. A person suffering from migraines should immediately consult a doctor.
Parkinson’s disease: It is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system which affects the movement. It is caused when the neurons in the brain don’t produce sufficient amounts of a chemical known as Dopamine, which controls the movements of the body. The causes of this disease are unknown. In some cases, it has been found to be genetic, although there is not sufficient proof of the same. The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are:
§ Tremor affecting a person’s hands, arms, legs and head
§ Stiff muscles and slow movement
§ Poor balance and coordination
§ Blank expression
§ Deteriorating mental skills
It usually affects people over the age of fifty and is more common in men than in women. There is no diagnostic method to detect this disorder. There are no cures available, although medications to control the extent of this disease are available. In severe cases, a technique known as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), which involves transmitting electrical signals to the parts of the brain that control movement, may be used.
Brain Tumours: This is the result of a rapid, uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the brain. These can be either primary, which start in the brain, or metastatic, i.e. those which originate elsewhere in the body and spread to the brain. It may be cancerous or benign. Brain Tumours can cause many symptoms, for example,
§ Headaches, usually in the morning
§ Nausea and vomiting
§ Seizures
§ Weakness and drowsiness
§ Problems with balance, walking, thinking and memory
§ Mood and behavioural swings
Brain Tumours are diagnosed by techniques such as MRI, CT scan etc. Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy, surgery are some common ways of treatment.
Epilepsy: It is a neurological disorder that causes recurring epileptic seizures. They occur when the brain sends out the wrong signals to the body. These seizures can vary in their duration and intensity. People may have violent muscle spasms and may even lose consciousness. Some possible causes of epilepsy are brain injury, stoke, brain tumour, alcohol and drug abuse, although the precise causes are still unknown. In the event of the occurrence of seizures, the first priority is to prevent any self-injury to patients by keeping them away from sharp objects and rolling the person into position to avoid asphyxiation. If the seizures last for longer than 5 minutes, emergency services should be called. Epilepsy becomes more common as people age.
Epilepsy can be diagnosed by various tests such as Computed Tomography (CT) Scan, EEG (Electroencephalogram) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imagery) scan. Common treatment procedures include epilepsy surgery to remove the part of the brain responsible for the seizures and first aid measures as mentioned above.
Multiple Sclerosis: This is a debilitating disease in which the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord are damaged. The immune system attacks and damages the protective layer covering the nerves known as Myelin Sheath and disrupts the communication between the brain and the body. Some symptoms are muscle weakness, changes in sensation, difficulties in moving, speech and coordination, chronic pain and fatigue, visual problems, bladder difficulties etc. Some treatment options include IV steroids and injections. Currently, the preventive measures and causative factors are unknown.
Alzheimer’s disease: It is a degenerative brain disorder (dementia) that adversely affects a person’s ability to perform daily activities. It begins slowly and worsens over time. Short term memory loss is the most common symptom. As the disease progresses, disorientation, mood swings, behavioural issues etc. occur. The risk of Alzheimer’s’ increases with age. There is no cure available for this disease at present. One way to alleviate the suffering of the patient is to have an effective medical and family support system.
If any person is found to be suffering from any kind of mental illness or neurological disorder, it is highly recommended to visit a good hospital for an effective treatment. Fortis Hospitals is the best neuro surgery hospital in India, and is equipped with the resources, in terms of both infrastructure as well as skilled manpower, for treating such type of medical conditions. An accurate diagnosis and a prompt treatment often makes all the difference in the life of a patient.
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