When a condition, disease or disorder specifically affects the brain, it’s termed neurological in nature. There are dozens upon dozens of different types of neurological problems that can affect all ages and genders and run from mild and nearly unnoticeable to severe and life altering. And as unique as each disease, disorder and condition is, so too is each patient.
For instance, two patients suffering from hydrocephalus may present with different symptoms, making a diagnosis for one or both complicated. Likewise, an adolescent who has suffered with multiple sclerosis from birth may have different treatment needs than someone who developed the disease later in life. And whereas one elderly person who suffers a stroke may suddenly be impaired and immobile for the rest of their life, another may recover and return to their daily normal activities within only days or weeks.
In terms of the uniqueness of neurological conditions and disorders, each can appear with wildly different or incredibly similar signs and symptoms. Dizziness could be a sign of an intraventricular tumor or a subarachnoid hemorrhage; a headache may be a symptom of occipital neuralgia, normal pressure hydrocephalus or trigeminal schwannoma; and nausea and vomiting may indicate the presence of an oligodendroglioma or a problem with the pituitary gland tumor.
Thankfully, today specialists in the field of neurology and neurological science—as well as surgeons specializing in treatments for disorders of the spine and brain—have at their disposal more cutting edge tools to help them quickly and accurately diagnosis these conditions and treat them efficiently. From new and constantly-improving imaging technology to a host of surgical advancements that concentrate on the specific needs of each patient as well as the location and severity of each condition, physicians can now tailor diagnostic advancements and treatments to provide the best possible outcome for each and every patient.
Within this section you’ll find information on some of the most common neurological diseases, disorders and conditions: their causes; their signs and symptoms and; most importantly, the myriad treatment options available.