There are many medical conditions that can affect the neurological system. Some of these problems are related to genetic defects and tumors while others may be caused by environmental factors or traumatic injuries.
According to the website brainspinemd.com, there are hundreds of Neurologic Conditions that arise from the brain and the spinal cord, with painful symptoms that affect the way we move, speak, swallow, breath, think, memory, mood and senses. While there are various non-invasive procedures that can be tried, some situations will call for either minimally invasive or traditional open surgery.
These different types of neurological conditions and tumors are among the most common disorders that affect patients who require treatment from neurologists.
EpilepsyÂ
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that is often associated with the onset of seizures. This abnormality of the central nervous system can affect men and women of all ages and lifestyles. Seizures can range from mild to severe and occur several times a day. Some people with epilepsy also experience temporary confusion and lose consciousness periodically. Factors that cause epilepsy range from genetic influences and developmental disorders to head trauma. Epilepsy can sometimes be controlled with medications, but there are also surgical procedures that can be performed on the brain to treat the condition. Some patients have also experienced positive results by undergoing vagus nerve stimulation with an implanted device or adopting a ketogenic diet.
Parkinson’s Disease
This condition is more common among older men and causes abnormalities in the neurons that produce dopamine in an area of the brain known as the substania nigra. Sufferers of Parkinson’s disease often experience uncontrollable tremors in the hands and other parts of the body. People with the condition often report hand tremors that are similar to the action of rolling a pill with the fingers. Rigidness in the limbs and gait problems can also occur. Medications that produce dopamine in the brain are often prescribed to reduce symptoms. Deep brain stimulation surgery is sometimes recommended for more severe cases.
Acoustic Neuroma
Usually found on the protective sheath of the nerve that connects the ear to the brain, this benign tumor can also grow on other nerves of the cranium or spine. Symptoms often include difficulties with hearing, balance and coordination. Dizziness and ringing in the ears are other symptoms. If symptoms are nonexistent or mild, doctors may recommend a watchful waiting approach to see if the tumor grows larger and causes additional problems. If the tumor grows too large and causes more severe problems, surgery and radiation therapy are often needed.
EpendymomaÂ
This type of tumor can either be benign or malignant and is usually found in the cranial cavity in children and along the spinal cord in adults. Severe headaches and vomiting are among the most common symptoms, but vision and gait problems can also occur. Doctors sometimes have difficulties removing these tumors because of the delicate structures that surround them, but surgery is usually successful. If the tumor can’t be removed with surgery or is particularly aggressive, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used.
ConcussionÂ
Any type of blunt force trauma to the head can result in a concussion, but concussions can also happen when the head or another part of the upper body is shaken violently. Athletes are particularly susceptible to these brain injuries. Headaches, memory difficulties and problems with balance and coordination are often associated with the condition. These symptoms may last for only a few days but can linger for several weeks or months. Not everyone initially notices that they have a concussion, but long-term effects could have negative consequences if the brain isn’t given enough time to recover. Doctors usually tell patients to rest both physically and mentally for several days to treat the condition and return to normal activities gradually.
People who are affected by the different types of neurological conditions and tumors are advised to seek professional advice from an accredited neurologist. This doctor can suggest the treatments that may help alleviate symptoms and possibly cure the problem.
