Neurological disorders are conditions that affect the nervous system, which comprises the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Neurological issues can cause a wide variety of symptoms, which can vary depending on the specific disorder.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating neurological disorders, as each individual case is unique. However, there are some treatments that are more commonly used than others.
Let’s talk about what’s involved in a neurological problem, the most frequently prescribed or utilized treatments, and where you can go in North Texas and southern Oklahoma for world-class neurology.
What Is a Neurological Disorder?
A neurological disorder can affect the central nervous system, which is composed of the brain and spinal cord, or the peripheral nervous system, which encompasses the nerves elsewhere throughout the body – collectively known as the nervous system. Neurological disorders can have symptoms that affect the sensory organs, such as the eyes, ears, sense of taste, and sense of touch.
Because the nervous system has so many different components and communicates with the various organ systems, neurological disorders are commonly divided into the following types:
Structural Disorders
A structural neurological disorder is where one or more parts of the nervous system is damaged or does not develop properly during fetal/childhood development. These include genetic disorders, like Down’s syndrome, as well as disorders of development, like spina bifida, in which the spine does not form properly in the baby.
Functional Disorders
Functional disorders include any neurological condition that affects a person’s ability to function normally in daily life. Functional disorders include headaches, neuralgia (nerve pain), epilepsy/seizures, and dizziness.
Vascular Disorders
Vascular disorders include conditions where the blood flow to the brain or nerves is disrupted, thereby damaging neurological tissue and causing functional impairment. Vascular conditions include stroke and any other kind of hemorrhage, or bleeding, in the brain.
Acute Illnesses
Neurological disorders can also arise during or after an acute illness, especially an infection with a virus or bacterium. One of the most common neurological disorders caused by a pathogen is meningitis, which leads to inflammation of the protective meninges on the outer portion of the brain and spinal cord. In mild cases, meningitis can be treated with antibiotics, but in more severe cases it can lead to permanent brain damage and even death – which is why prompt treatment is imperative.
Chronic Illnesses
Chronic neurodegenerative disorders involve the slow and continued breakdown of the brain, spinal cord, and/or nerves. Some of the most common types include Alzheimer’s disease and peripheral neuropathy.
How Are Neurological Disorders Treated?
Treatments for neurological disorders may be used alone or in combination with other treatments, depending on the patient and the disorder:
Medication
Medication can be used to manage the symptoms of a neurological disorder, such as a steroid like prednisone or prednisolone. Also, some medications are geared toward interfering with the progression of the underlying disease, and many treatments today are able to stop the progression.
Some treatments are temporary, such as antibiotics for meningitis. Other treatments are ongoing, such as anti-epileptic medication for epilepsy.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat a neurological disorder. This is typically only done in severe cases or when other treatments have failed.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help to improve movement and function in those with functional neurological disorders. For instance, patients who have chronic dizziness will work on their balance in physical therapy, so they can learn how to prevent falls.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy can help those with a neurological disorder to regain their ability to perform everyday activities. For example, stroke survivors who have paralysis on one side of the body often need to re-train their muscles to regain some function.
Neurological Disorder Treatment in Texoma and Sherman, Texas
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a neurological disorder, or if you are experiencing unusual symptoms that warrant a medical evaluation, it is important to work with a healthcare professional to find the best treatment option.
At Carrus Specialty Hospital, we have a full staff of skilled neurologists who have years of experience diagnosing and treating all kinds of neurological disorders. These include stroke, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), neurological trauma, spinal cord injury, and brain injury. We provide the highest quality of care to all our patients, and we specialize in the long-term care and management of these conditions.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call us today at (903) 870-2600 or send us a message here. We look forward to providing you or your loved one with the care they need!
