With growing mental health awareness, families have access to more information and treatment for brain disorders than ever before. This increased knowledge is crucial for early detection and intervention in potential neurological conditions.
Here, we review common brain disorders that everyone should know to help provide early detection strategies for potential neurological conditions.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, impacting the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. Symptoms include:
- Memory loss such as getting lost in a familiar place
- Repeating questions or sentences
- Trouble handling money and finances
- Difficulty completing daily tasks
- Decreased or poor judgment
- Misplacing things
- Changes in mood, personality, or behavior
Treatments include Alzheimer’s medicines to help with memory symptoms and other cognitive changes.
Parkinson’s Disease (PD)
PD is a neurodegenerative disorder that impacts the substantia nigra area of the brain and dopamine-producing neurons. Symptoms develop very slowly over years, which can vary from person to person, including:
- Tremors usually in the hands
- Slowness of movement
- Limb stiffness
- Gait and balance issues
- Motor symptoms
- Constipation
- Loss of sense of smell
However, PD can have a profound effect on mental health leading to the following:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Apathy
- Hallucinations
- Sleep disorders
There is no known cure for PD, but a combination of using dopaminergic medications and lifestyle adjustments can help manage symptoms. In some cases, surgery might be recommended.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
MS affects the central nervous system, creating communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. Signs and symptoms depend on the location and severity of nerve fiber damage and can include the following:
- Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs on one side of the body
- Tingling
- Electric-shock sensations in the neck
- Lack of coordination
- Unsteady gait
- Difficulty walking
- Partial or complete loss of vision in one eye
- Painful eye movement
- Prolonged double vision
- Blurry vision
- Vertigo
- Problems with sexual function
- Problems with bladder and bowel function
- Fatigue
- Slurred speech
- Cognitive problems
- Mood disturbances
Symptoms develop over time and can disappear, followed by relapses that can worsen or lead to new symptoms. Treatments won’t cure MS but can help patients recover from MS attacks and manage symptoms.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a seizure disorder of the brain related to a shortchange in normal brain activity.
For some, the seizures are very physical, involving falling and shaking, while others might have a “staring spell.” Seizures can last for seconds or minutes, depending on the seizure type. Although seizures are the main symptom of epilepsy, having seizures does not necessarily indicate a person has epilepsy.
Treatments include anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), surgery, devices to help control seizures and dietary changes. Understanding possible triggers can also help avoid and reduce seizures.
Stroke
A stroke occurs when a blockage stops blood supply to part of the brain (Ischemic stroke) or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts (Hemorrhagic stroke).
Stroke can lead to lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death. When a blockage occurs, brain cells start to die immediately. As a result, when symptoms of a stroke occur, it is imperative to call 9-1-1 right away, including:
- Confusion
- Trouble speaking
- Trouble understanding speech
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
- Severe headache
- Vision issues
- Trouble walking
- Dizziness
- Loss of balance or coordination
Treatment following a stroke varies widely based on the condition of the patient and the cause.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBI affects how the brain works following an injury typically caused by the following:
- Falls
- Firearms
- Motor vehicle crashes
- Assaults
Injuries can lead to mild issues for a few days or be life-changing, causing permanent cognitive impairment.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that impacts a person’s ability to interpret reality. As a result, it leads to symptoms including:
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Disorganized thinking and speech
- Extremely disorganized or abnormal motor behavior
- Negative symptoms that impact normal function such as personal hygiene, poor social skills, different speaking tone, etc.
People with schizophrenia tend to suffer from impaired behavior that impacts their ability to function, requiring lifelong treatment to keep symptoms under control. Treatment includes psychosocial interventions in hand with various medications.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
ASD is a developmental disability that impacts social communication and interaction. People with ASD learn and communicate in different ways, leading to symptoms that might include:
- Little or no eye contact
- Distinct reactions to lights, tastes, smells, sounds, colors, textures
- Very specific interests
- Repeating words or phrases
- Repetitive behaviours, such as spinning
- Nonverbal communication
- Delayed language development
- Intense reactions to minor changes
However, some patients display different types of symptoms that can be harder to spot than the behaviors listed here. As a result, the treatments for ASD can vary greatly and often consist of a combination of solutions, including:
- Behavioral
- Developmental
- Educational
- Social-Relational
- Pharmacological
- Psychological
- Complementary and Alternative
If you or a loved one displays symptoms for any of these brain disorders, reach out to your doctor to discuss a possible diagnosis and suitable treatment to improve outcomes.
The Chicago Mind Solutions Difference
Chicago Mind Solutions works with individuals, offering neuropsychological testing and non-invasive treatment for many mental health conditions. For more information about our treatments and teletherapy options, please contact us at (224) 723-5050 or email info@chicagomindsolutions.com.
