Neurological Diseases
Neurologic diseases are disorders of the brain, spinal cord and nerves throughout your body. Together they control all the workings of the body. When something goes wrong with a part of your nervous system, you can have trouble moving, speaking, swallowing, breathing or learning. You can also have problems with your memory, senses or mood. There are more than 600 neurologic diseases. Major types include
- Diseases caused by faulty genes, such as Huntington's disease and muscular dystrophy
- Problems with the way the nervous system develops, such as such as spina bifida
- Degenerative diseases, where nerve cells are damaged or die, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease
- Diseases of the blood vessels that supply the brain, such as stroke
- Injuries to the spinal cord and brain
- Seizure disorders, such as epilepsy
- Cancer, such as brain tumors
- infections, such as meningitis
Because your brain and central nervous system control so much of you, it is the most complex part of your body. Problems with the brain—called neurological disorders—can affect your movement, speech, memory, senses, swallowing, breathing, learning, and more. They also can contribute to emotional changes and depression. There are more than 600 known disorders, but the most common ones are:
- Stroke
- Sleep disorders
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Headache
- Multiple sclerosis
- Epilepsy
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
- Pain
- Parkinson’s disease
- Brain tumors
- Learning and attention problems
- Brain and spinal cord injuries
Each disorder has its own set of causes or triggers. It might be inherited, or due to a biochemical or physical change within the brain. Sometimes no cause is found. But scientists continue to learn more about the brain, because the more they understand how things go wrong, the better their chance to make things right.
Learn more about brain disorders
- Who can help me if something goes wrong?
- Are there treatments for neurological disorders?
- Will we ever find cures for these disorders?
- What role do caregivers play?
Who can help me if something goes wrong?
If it seems you might have a problem with your brain, you may need to see a neurologist. A neurologist is a medical doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating, and managing disorders of the brain and central nervous system. Neurologists use special tests like brain scans or sound waves to look at brain activity or blood flow. They might measure electrical activity in the brain, muscles, or nerves. These exams help the neurologist understand what might be wrong in your brain. Neurologists manage the care of people with neurological disorders and may consult with your doctor on your diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, a neurologist may also recommend surgery, which is performed by another specialist. If you suspect you or a loved one may have a brain disorder, you can find a neurologist here.
Are there treatments for neurological disorders?
Yes, there are treatments for many of these problems. The primary goal of a neurologist is to provide a treatment that will help the patient live his or her life as well as possible. In fact, some treatments may work so well that you’d be surprised to learn an acquaintance even has a disorder. If you or a loved one ever has a brain disorder, a neurologist will be your partner to try to provide the best quality of life possible. Prescription medicines may bring relief and control symptoms. Sometimes physical therapy is needed, like after a stroke. And changes in diet and lifestyle can help too.
Will we ever find cures for these disorders?
The brain is a complicated puzzle, but thanks to neurologists and neuroscientists the pieces are coming together. These researchers are committed to discovering new treatments and cures for these debilitating illnesses, which are among the most destructive and costly health problems in the United States. These disorders cost us as much as $400 billion a year. With our aging population, this expense is going to climb. That’s why every dollar spent on research can save money—and improve more lives—over the long run.
What role do caregivers play?
Caregivers are usually family and friends who help someone with a brain disorder manage the small or large challenges of daily life. These disorders are often ongoing, so it’s important to have people around who can help with treatment and activities, and give moral support. If you are a caregiver for someone with a neurological disorder, remember to take care of yourself, too. There are many good support organizations for patients and caregivers. There’s no shame in having a brain disorder, and there is no shame in asking for help.