Neurological conditions or disorders are medically defined as disorders that affect the brain as well as the nerves found throughout the human body and the spinal cord. Structural, biochemical, or electrical abnormalities in the brain, spinal cord, or other nerves can result in a range of symptoms. Neurological conditions can be of two types- acute and chronic. Acute conditions are severe and sudden in onset. A chronic condition, by contrast, is a long-developing syndrome, such as osteoporosis or asthma.
How does it affect individuals or what are its effects?
Structural, biochemical, or electrical abnormalities in the brain, spinal cord, or other nerves can result in a range of symptoms. Examples of symptoms include paralysis, muscle weakness, poor coordination, loss of sensation, seizures, confusion, pain and altered levels of consciousness.
What are classified as Chronic Neurological Conditions?
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke recognizes 400 types of neurological disorders. 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 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 tumor
infections, such as meningitis
Symptoms:
Structural, biochemical, or electrical abnormalities in the brain, spinal cord, or other nerves can result in a range of symptoms. Examples of symptoms include paralysis, muscle weakness, poor coordination, loss of sensation, seizures, confusion, pain and altered levels of consciousness.
Causes:
The specific causes of neurological problems vary, but can include genetic disorders, congenital abnormalities or disorders, infections, lifestyle or environmental health problems including malnutrition, and brain injury, spinal cord injury, or nerve injury.
How to help someone dealing with chronic neurological conditions?
Get familiar with the disability. Keep a good knowledge about what it is, how it is affecting the individual and what kind of treatments are being administered and available.
Give the individual some space. Being patient allows them some room to get accustomed to any issues that they are facing without feeling burdened or inferior.
Help the individual follow the cycles of medicine, treatment and exercise diligently.
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