Neurology

Neurological Diseases & Conditions

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterised by abnormal brain activity that results in seizures or episodes of abnormal movements of both or one sided limbs, strange behaviour, abnormal sensations, and occasionally loss of consciousness.

During an epileptic seizure, some patients tend to have a blank stare for a short period or give out a loud voice, while others may continuously twitch their limbs or legs and or lose consciousness.

One attack of seizure may not necessarily indicate epilepsy. A diagnosis of epilepsy typically requires at least two unprovoked seizures that occur at least 24 hours apart from one another.

Most epilepsy patients are treated with drugs. Occasionally, surgery may be needed. While others may need lifelong medication to manage their seizures.

One should immediately seek medical attention if:

• The seizure exceeded one minute.
• The seizure was over, but neither consciousness nor respiration came back.
• Patients have diabetes or systemic disease like SLE/ cardiac illness.
• A second seizure immediately follows.
• High temperature.
• Seizures still occur despite using an anti-seizure medication,
• Patient is pregnant.
• During the seizure, the patient is hurt/injured.

Alzheimer’s Disease

The disease causes degeneration of brain cells and is progressive.

Early signs and symptoms include forgetting recent events or conversations. The person has severe memory loss as the disease worsens and is unable to take up daily tasks.

Alzheimer’s patients may

• Repeat sentences and enquire repeatedly
• Don’t recollect discussions, appointments, activities
• They regularly lose belongings and frequently place them in odd places
• Get lost in their surroundings
• Forget the names of loved ones
• Might have difficulty putting their thoughts or actions into words or holding a conversation

Dementia

It’s an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders that impact memory, thinking, and behaviour. Although dementia mainly affects older adults, it is not a normal part of ageing. There are many different types of dementia  including vascular dementia, lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and mixed dementia.

Dementia is a global problem, with an estimated 47.5 million people living with the condition worldwide. This is set to rise to 75.6 million by 2030. Although dementia is a global problem, it is estimated that over 4 million people in India are living with the condition. This number is expected to rise to over 8 million by 2030.

There are a number of treatable causes of dementia. Hence, the first step is to diagnose the treatable cause. Also, several treatments are available that can help to manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the condition if the disease is incurable.

The symptoms of dementia vary depending on the type of dementia and the area of the brain that is affected. However, the most common symptoms include:

• Memory loss
• Difficulty communicating
• Difficulty with reasoning and problem solving
• Difficulty with day-to-day tasks
• Changes in mood and behaviour

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be showing signs of dementia, it is important to see your neurologist for a diagnosis.

Brain Tumour:

There are many types of brain tumours, most of which are benign (non-cancerous). However, some brain tumours can be cancerous and are therefore more serious. Brain tumours can occur in people of any age, but they are most common in children and older adults.

In India, brain tumours are the second most common type of cancer in children (after leukaemia) and the fifth most common type of cancer in adults. The incidence of brain tumours is increasing, but the exact reasons are not clear. Most brain tumours are not hereditary, and the exact cause is unknown. However, exposure to certain chemicals and radiation may increase the risk of developing a brain tumour.

Some common symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Seizures
• Vomiting
• Weakness of one side
• Changes in vision or hearing
• Changes in personality or behaviour.
• Sudden loss of consiousness

If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms, it is important to see your neurologist for a proper diagnosis.

Brain tumours are usually diagnosed with a combination of medical history, physical and neurological examination, CT scan or MRI.

Treatment for a brain tumour depends on the type, location, and stage. Surgery is considered to be the most common treatment for brain tumours.

Cerebral Palsy

It’s a group of permanent neurological disorders that appear in early childhood. Symptoms vary widely, from mild to severe.

In India, the prevalence of CP is estimated to be between 1.5 – 4 per 1,000 births.

CP can be caused by problems that occur during pregnancy, during delivery, or after birth. These problems can damage or kill brain cells, or prevent the brain from developing properly.

In India, most cases of CP are caused by problems during delivery, such as long labour, or the use of forceps or vacuum extractors. Other causes include preterm birth, low birth weight, and infection during pregnancy.

CP is a lifelong condition. There is no cure, but early diagnosis and treatment can improve the child’s quality of life. Treatment may include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and surgery.

Migraine

Migraine is a common condition that is affecting around 10% of people in India. It is a chronic condition characterised by recurrent headaches that are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Migraine attacks can last for hours or even days and can be extremely debilitating. There are many different types of migraine, and the exact causes are still not fully understood. However, it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Migraine is more common in women than men and often begins in adolescence. There is no cure for migraine, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms. These include medication, lifestyle changes, and complementary therapies.

If you are affected by migraine, it is important to talk to your neurologist about the best way to manage your condition. There is no need to suffer in silence – help is available.

Parkinson’s Disease

India has the second highest number of people with Parkinson’s disease in the world, after China. An estimated 1.2 million people in India are living with the condition. The prevalence of Parkinson’s disease is thought to be increasing in India, due to the country’s rapidly ageing population.

However, the condition is still largely underdiagnosed and under-treated. There is a lack of awareness about Parkinson’s disease in India, which can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. There is also a lack of specialist services and support for people with the condition.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement. It is caused by the death of nerve cells in the brain that produce a chemical called dopamine.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can include:

• Tremor
• Rigidity
• Slowness of movement and problems with balance.

The condition can also cause problems with thinking, memory and mood. Parkinson’s disease is typically diagnosed in middle-aged or older adults. There is no cure for the condition, but treatments can help to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have Parkinson’s disease, it is important to see your neurologist for a diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in the course of the condition.

Stroke

According to the World Health Organisation, stroke is the second leading cause of death globally. In India, stroke is the third leading cause of death. Every year, more than 1.6 million people die from stroke, and more than 5.5 million people are living with the disability it causes.

Stroke is a largely preventable disease, and yet it continues to be a major public health problem in India. There are many risk factors for stroke, including high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and obesity.

High blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor for stroke and is responsible for more than 50% of all strokes. Diabetes is another major risk factor for stroke. People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have a stroke than people without diabetes. Smoking is a major risk factor for stroke and it doubles the risk. People who are obese are at increased risk for stroke.

The good news is that stroke is largely preventable. There are many things you can do to reduce your risk of stroke, including:

• Keeping your blood pressure under control
• Managing your diabetes
• Not smoking
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Limiting alcohol consumption.

If you think you may be at risk for stroke, talk to your doctor. There are many treatments available for stroke, and the sooner you get treatment, the better your chances of recovery.

Vertigo

Vertigo is a type of dizziness, where one feels as if they or the objects around them are moving when they are not. It is a common problem that can affect anyone at any age.

There are many different causes of vertigo, but the most common one is inner ear problems. Other causes include strokes, head injuries, migraines, and certain medications.

Vertigo can be a debilitating condition, as it can cause nausea and vomiting, and makes one difficult to move or even stand up.

In severe cases, it can even lead to accidents. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for vertigo, but there are many different options that can help. These include vestibular rehabilitation, which is a type of physical therapy, and medications such as  vestibular sedatives.

Vertigo is a common condition in India. If you or someone you know is suffering from vertigo, it is important to see a neuro physician so that the underlying cause can be treated.