Dr. Shruti Satish Vadke

Consultant - Neurology

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Reviewed by

Dr. Shruti Satish Vadke

Consultant - Neurology

Manipal Hospitals, Baner

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Neurological Disorders: Types, Causes & Symptoms

Q: What are examples of neurological disorders?

Stroke, epilepsy, Alzheimer s, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson s are common examples.

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The nervous system is often described as the body’s communication hub. It controls movement, thought, memory, senses, and emotions. When this system is disrupted, it can lead to a neurological disorder. These conditions may appear as something mild, like migraines, or as serious as Alzheimer’s disease or stroke. Because the nervous system influences every part of our body, even small issues can cause significant health concerns.

In this guide, we’ll look at what neurological disorders are, their symptoms and causes, and the treatment options available (consult an expert neurologist).

What Exactly is a Neurological Disorder?

A neurological disorder is any condition that affects how the brain, spinal cord, or nerves function. Together, these form the body’s command system.

The brain controls memory, learning, emotions, and decision-making.
The spinal cord acts as a bridge between the brain and body.
The peripheral nerves connect muscles, skin, and organs to the central nervous system.

If one or more of these parts are damaged, patients may experience physical weakness, sensory changes, or cognitive difficulties.

Early Signs Not to Miss

Neurological disorders often present with warning signs. Recognising them early can prevent complications. Watch out for:

Persistent or severe headaches.
Dizziness or frequent loss of balance.
Tingling or numbness in the limbs.
Memory lapses or sudden confusion.
Difficulty speaking or understanding others.
Blurred or double vision.
Tremors, stiffness, or unusual movements.
Seizures or fainting spells.

While some of these symptoms might seem minor, recurring or unexplained episodes require medical evaluation.

Common Types of Neurological Disorders

Neurological conditions come in many forms, each affecting patients differently. The main categories include:

1. Degenerative Disorders

These worsen gradually over time:

Alzheimer’s disease – Causes memory loss and personality changes.
Parkinson’s disease – Leads to tremors, slow movement, and rigidity.
Huntington’s disease – Brings involuntary movements and behavioural changes.

2. Cerebrovascular Disorders

Linked to blood flow problems in the brain:

Stroke - Sudden damage from a clot or bleeding in the brain.
Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) – A mini-stroke with temporary symptoms.
Aneurysm – Weakness in a blood vessel wall that may rupture.

3. Seizure Disorders

Caused by irregular brain activity:

Epilepsy – Repeated seizures over time.
Febrile seizures – Seizures in children during high fevers.

4. Infections Affecting the Nervous System

Meningitis – Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes.
Encephalitis – Inflammation of brain tissue, often viral
Brain abscess – A pus-filled infection in the brain.

5. Trauma-Related Disorders

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – May lead to memory loss or mood changes.
Spinal cord injury – Can result in paralysis or mobility issues.

6. Functional Neurological Disorders

Symptoms occur without structural damage:

Non-epileptic seizures
Functional tremors or paralysis

7. Peripheral Nerve Disorders

Affect nerves outside the central nervous system:

Peripheral neuropathy – Numbness, pain, or weakness in extremities.
Guillain-Barré syndrome – Rapid weakness caused by an immune attack on nerves.

Why Neurological Disorders Develop

There is no single cause for these conditions. They may occur due to:

Inherited genes – Conditions passed from parents.
Infections—Viral or bacterial infections harming the brain or nerves.
Accidents or trauma – Injuries affecting the head or spine.
Vascular issues – Stroke or aneurysm due to blood supply problems.
Ageing – Progressive decline in nerve function.
Autoimmune disorders – Multiple sclerosis or similar conditions.
Lifestyle risks - Smoking, alcohol, and unhealthy diets increase risk.

Diagnosis of Neurological Conditions

Doctors use a combination of physical checks and advanced tests to identify disorders:

Neurological exam – Tests muscle strength, reflexes, and coordination.
MRI or CT scan—Provides detailed brain and spine images.
EEG – Measures the brain’s electrical signals.
EMG – Checks communication between nerves and muscles.
Blood or spinal fluid tests – Detect infections or immune problems.

A proper diagnosis helps tailor the right treatment plan for each patient.

Treatment Options Available

Neurological disorder treatment is personalised depending on the condition:

Medication – To control seizures, reduce pain, or slow disease progression.
Surgery – For aneurysms, tumours, or severe epilepsy.
Rehabilitation – Physiotherapy, speech therapy, or occupational therapy.
Lifestyle changes – Balanced diet, regular exercise, and quality sleep.
Advanced therapies – Deep brain stimulation or stem cell-based treatments in select cases.

At Manipal Hospitals Baner, we bring together neurologists, neurosurgeons, therapists, and rehabilitation specialists to provide integrated care for patients.

When Should You See a Neurologist?

You should seek medical attention if you notice:

Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body.
Severe, recurring headaches.
Repeated seizures or fainting spells.
Trouble walking, talking, or remembering things.
Unexplained loss of balance or coordination.

Conclusion

Delaying care can worsen the condition, so it’s always safer to consult early.

Neurological disorders are challenging but not impossible to manage. With better awareness, early recognition of symptoms, and timely treatment, patients can maintain a good quality of life.

The Centre of Excellence in Neurology at Manipal Hospital Baner provides state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, expert neurologists, and patient-focused treatment plans, ensuring the best care for individuals dealing with these complex conditions.