Neurological disorders are disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Such disorders can occur as a result of structural, chemical, or electrical abnormalities within the nervous system.
There are many types of neurological disorders. While some are relatively benign and temporary, others are more serious and may require ongoing or emergency treatment.
This article explores five common neurological disorders, including their associated causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Headaches
- migraine
- sinus headaches
- cluster headaches
Epilepsy and seizures
- stroke
- brain tumor
- brain infection
- severe head injury
- drug misuse or alcohol misuse
- a lack of oxygen during birth
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
- memory loss
- losing or misplacing items
- wandering and getting lost
- repeating questions
- poor judgment
- difficulty handling money and paying bills
- taking longer to complete everyday tasks
- loss of spontaneity and sense of initiative
- increased anxiety, aggression, or both
- mood and personality changes
Parkinson’s disease
- muscle tremors that typically begin in the hand or arm
- muscle rigidity, which can affect movement and facial expressions
- slowed movement, which may present as a slow and shuffling walk
Stroke
- confusion
- difficulty understanding speech
- difficulty speaking
- difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
- severe headache with no known cause
- numbness or weakness of the face, leg, or arm, especially on one side of the body
- difficulty walking
- dizziness
- loss of balance
- lack of coordination