Neurological disorders affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves, which make up the nervous system. Body functions are managed by the nervous system, so damage to a part of the nervous system may cause difficulties with movement, thinking, perception or pain. There are different types of neurological disorders distinguished by the affected part of the body, the cause of the disorder or the form of impairment.
Categories
The World Health Organization has several categories of neurological disorders. Infections of the brain or spinal cord, such as meningitis, comprise one category. Another group is characterized by deterioration of the brain or spinal cord, such as in Huntington's disease. A third type is disorders that affect movement, as in Parkinson's disease.
Multiple sclerosis is in a category of disorders that involves damage to the protective covering of nerve cells, or demyelination, which impairs neural conduction and leads to difficulties with movement, thinking, and sensation. A migraine headache is an example of a neurological disorder that is characterized by episodic occurrences. Another group involves the nerves, such as in Bell's palsy, or a facial movement disorder that is caused by dysfunction of a nerve that is directly from the brain, or cranial nerve.
Neurological disorders that also affect muscles is another type, such as muscular dystrophy, which is marked by progressive muscle weakness. Another category consists of cerebral palsy, which is a group of disorders caused by brain damage that affects body movement and muscle tone.
Prevalence
Some neurological disorders are more common than others. Of the conditions mentioned above, some of the more common neurological disorders include migraine headaches, Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis, according to a review of research in the January 30, 2007 issue of "Neurology."
Etiology
The causes of the different neurological disorders vary. An infection from bacteria or a virus may impact parts of the nervous system, such as in meningitis. A person may be born with a genetic condition, as in muscular dystrophy. Damage to the nervous system may occur, such as in cerebral palsy. Researchers are investigating the causes of many neurological disorders. For instance, the specific mechanism of a migraine headache is still being researched, although scientists believe that migraines occur from a combination of genetics and environmental factors.
Onset
The age of onset varies with different neurological disorders. Some disorders, such as cerebral palsy, develop during pregnancy or in early childhood. Other disorders usually arise in early adulthood, such as multiple sclerosis, or in later life, such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. Migraines can occur at any age, although the condition usually affects people between the ages of 15 and 55.
Treatment
Neurological disorder treatment varies depending upon the severity and type of condition. A medical team approach is usually indicated to include medical providers, physical therapists, psychologists and speech therapists. To assist the individual with specific deficits, devices such as braces, wheelchairs and eyeglasses may be required. Medications and surgeries are sometimes useful as well.
References
- "International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision" The World Health Organization; 2006.
- "Neurological Disorders: Course and Treatment"; Thomas Brandt, Louis Caplan, Johannes Dichgans, Hans-Christoph Diener, and Christopher Kennard; 2003.
- "Neurology"; How Common are the "Common" Neurological Disorders; Deborah Hirtz, David Thurman, Katrina Gwinn-Hardy, Maha Mohamed, Asish Chaudhuri, and R. Zalutsky; January 30, 2007.
