What Are Neurological Conditions

Neurological conditions are disorders that have a neurological origin and affect the brain and spinal cord. If untreated, they may be a serious cause of disability.Classification of these conditions is categorized depending on the origin or primary type of cause. Therefore, neurological conditions can be broken down in the following: 

  • Brain –the center of the nervous system and, therefore, extremely complex. Basically, it controls all the other organs in the body. Brain damage is one of the most common causes of neurological conditions. Injuries in the brain can cause severe impairment and disability. 
  • Spinal Cord – a long thin tubular bundle of nerve tissues that is connected to the brain. The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system in the human body. Spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis. Aside from injuries, the spinal cord can also develop tumors and infections. 
  • Nerve Disorders – may affect one or more of the sections of the nervous system. This can generally impact a person’s speech, mobility and even breathing capabilities. Some neurological conditions are hereditary, while some are caused by impaired metabolic functioning. Nerve disorders may also be associated with injuries and trauma. 

Signs of Neurological Conditions 

Neurological symptoms often start in the peripheral nervous system and include numbness, muscle weakness and paralysis. Some of these symptoms are caused by injuries and illnesses that affect the entire body. Neurological symptoms due to malfunctions in the nervous system may interrupt involuntary actions, such as breathing and bladder control. Some signs maybe more serious, such as passing out, difficulty when swallowing, vertigo, breathing problems and seizures. It’s best to seek medical attention once these signs are felt. Some of the most common neurological conditions signs are the following:

  • Motor problems 
  • Sensory problems 
  • Visual problems 
  • Attention problems 
  • Reflexes 
  • Apraxia or disorders of learned movements 

Causes of Neurological Conditions 

Currently, research is being done on tracing where neurological conditions come from. Precise cause of other conditions is still unknown, even after years of extensive research by medical experts. The only known causes of the disorders are the following:

  • Genetics – illness caused by abnormalities in an individual’s genes 
  • Congenital abnormalities – birth defects 
  • Infections – complications of an illness that may affect the nervous systems 
  • Lifestyle – not taking care of the body gives out its own downside 
  • Injuries or trauma – extreme pressure on a sensitive area that is connected to the nervous system

Potential Complications of Neurological Conditions 

Because some neurological conditions are originated by the causes mentioned above, failure to seek treatment or medical help may lead to a life threatening situation. In turn, this may result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once a certain neurological condition is diagnosed, it’s always best to follow the instruction given by a medical professional on how to treat or reduce the risk of the following: 

  • Amputation caused by infections or non-function due to nervous system damage
  • Paralysis or inability to move certain parts of the body
  • Permanent nerve damage
  • Permanent or chronic pain
  • Poor quality of life due to complications of a condition
  • Spreading of cancer – this is due to the appearance of tumors in certain neurological conditions