What are the Most Common Neurological Disorders?

Alzheimer's Disease 

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible disease of the brain that affects a person's memory, thinking, and other abilities. It is progressive, meaning symptoms get worse and more functions are lost the longer an individual has Alzheimer's. Despite what some people think, getting Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging. However, it is true that people are more likely to develop AD as they age. In most cases, individuals are aged 65 and over at the time of diagnosis.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which there are seizures that happen repeatedly. Depending on what type of seizure the person is experiencing, symptoms can vary. Some seizures involve violent shaking while others involve loss of alertness. Treatment for epilepsy includes medication, surgery, and lifestyle changes. Common drug classes used to treat epilepsy are anti-epileptics, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, potassium channel openers, and adrenocorticotropic hormones.

Bell's Palsy

Bell's palsy, a type of facial paralysis, is a disease that causes one side of the face to droop. It's typically a temporary condition that will resolve on its own, although this can take a considerable amount of time generally measured in a time frame of several weeks to months. The condition affects the seventh cranial nerve, which in turn causes weakness in the facial muscles it controls. Individuals with Bell's palsy may look as though they have had a stroke, but a stroke is an entirely different condition. Bell's palsy can be treated, but it cannot be cured. 

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a complex disease of the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves). It is thought to be an immune-mediated disease, meaning that errors in the function of the immune system cause damage in the central nervous system. Patients may suffer relapses (neurologic symptoms which appear rapidly but often improve over weeks or months), remissions and often increased disability over time. 

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that develops as a result of the death of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain. Dopamine is a vital chemical messenger that helps regulate muscle activity. When dopamine is depleted, classic Parkinson's symptoms like shaking, stiffness, and walking difficulties can occur.

Migraines

Migraine is the most common cause of disabling headaches, affecting 35 million Americans. Migraine is most often hereditary. Migraine attacks are characterized by recurrent episodes of pain, often on one side of the head, that may be throbbing or pounding. The headache is accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound, as well as sensitivity to head movement. Migraines can occur at any time of day or night.

If you have noticed signs and symptoms of neurological problems in yourself or someone else, look for a brain doctor near me, please do not delay in asking for help on treating neurological problems today.