
Sub Topics: Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Cognitive Neuroscience,...
Sub Tracks Clinical Neurology, Neurodegenerative...
Neurological Disorders; Types of
Neurological Disorders, Symptoms of Neurological Disorders, Treatment and
Management
Neurological
Disorders
Neurological disorders refer to a broad range of diseases or conditions
that affect the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and
peripheral nerves. These disorders can cause a wide variety of symptoms ranging
from pain, sensory problems, motor deficits, cognitive impairments, and
emotional disturbances. Some neurological disorders are hereditary, while
others may be caused by infections, injury, or environmental factors.
Types of
Neurological Disorders Alzheimer's Disease: A type of dementia
characterized by memory loss, confusion, and changes in behavior due to the
buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles.Parkinson's Disease:
A movement disorder involving the progressive loss of dopamine-producing
neurons, causing tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement) Amyotrophic
Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, this affects motor
neurons, leading to muscle weakness, atrophy, and eventual paralysis.
Symptoms of Neurological Disorders
Neurological disorders can cause a wide range of symptoms, which vary
depending on the specific disorder and the part of the nervous system affected.
Some common symptoms include:
Pain (headache, nerve pain)
Seizures
Cognitive decline (memory problems, confusion)
Motor difficulties (weakness, tremors, paralysis)
Sensory disturbances (numbness, tingling, vision problems)
Changes in behavior or mood (anxiety, depression, agitation)
Speech or language difficulties
Diagnosis of Neurological Disorders
Diagnosing neurological disorders often involves a combination of
clinical evaluation, imaging tests, and laboratory studies:
Clinical History: Patient symptoms and family history are
vital for diagnosis.
Neurological Examination: Includes tests of motor function,
sensory responses, coordination, and cognition.
Imaging: Techniques like MRI, CT scans, and PET scans help visualize structural and functional brain changes.