What are the top 3 common nervous system disorders?

Understanding the human body’s anatomy is way more complicated, especially when it comes to learning the intricacies of the nervous system. We need to know that our nervous system controls all the voluntary and involuntary functions, sensations, and manage thinking abilities. If we dig a little deeper, it explains that our nervous system comprises two parts — the Central Nervous System (Brain & Spinal Cord) and the Peripheral Nervous System (connecting the CNS to the rest of the body).

Any Neurological disease or injury causes a problem in the nervous system functioning, which might occur between degenerative and life-threatening situations. While in early stages, symptoms of any neurological disorder are mild, but in severe cases, it might lead to spinal injury, seizure disorder, brain tumors, and others. Generally, nervous system disorders can be controlled at an early stage, mostly if it happens to newborns or occurs eventually with growing age.

Here in this blog, we’ve shed light on the three common nervous system disorders, explaining its symptoms, causes, and facts for better apprehension of the conditions.

1. Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is the most common type of Dementia (loss of memory) that affects mental health and ability to do routine tasks. In today’s world, 7 in every 10 people are found to be suffering from the disorder, even though its exact cause is still unknown. The factors that increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s range from age, family history, old head injuries, and lifestyle choices that adversely affect heart and brain health. 

Earlier people believed Alzheimer’s is a progressively growing disease that only occurs to adults, but it is not a normal part of aging. Symptoms related to diseases can be frequent forgetfulness, personality and mood changes, speech problems, and difficulty in understanding or performing daily activities. The disease has no treatment but behavioural symptoms can be reduced with medication.

2. Epilepsy

Epilepsy is the world’s fourth common nervous system disorder affecting both males and females of any age. A person diagnosed with epilepsy can have more than one seizure and may develop various types of seizures. It is quite challenging to recognize mild seizures as it lasts for a few seconds, indicating the loss of awareness or consciousness. In contrast, stronger episodes of seizures last for minutes, along with spasms, temporary confusion, and uncontrollable muscle twitches. Once diagnosed, seizures can be controlled through prescribed drugs but can’t be fully cured. 

3. Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy refers to a group of congenital neurological disorders affecting movement, posture, and a baby’s muscle tone. Most doctors can detect the symptoms during infancy or early period of childhood when it becomes difficult for a baby to maintain balance while walking or sitting. The condition of cerebral palsy permanently damages the muscle coordination of the affected region. Still, it doesn’t progress with time, as abnormality or disruption in brain development is the actual cause rather than a defect in muscles or nerves. The early signs of cerebral palsy usually appear when a child reaches 3 to 4 years of age. Every child has different symptoms associated with movement and coordination problems, including spasticity, rigidity, ataxia, floppy muscle tone, seizures, difficulty in eating or swallowing, or difficulty walking.