Guide To Serious Nervous System Disorders

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disease where an individual's immune system inappropriately attacks the myelin covering around the nerves. This causes communication problems between different parts of the brain. Issues communicating between the brain and the rest of the body also occur. Symptoms range from one patient to the next. They include weakness or numbness in the limbs on one side of the body, an unsteady gait, poor coordination, and a persistent tremor. Other symptoms include bladder function issues, bowel function issues, dizziness, fatigue, slurred speech, blurry vision, pain with eye movement, and double vision.

Doctors make a multiple sclerosis diagnosis by eliminating other diseases with a physical examination, blood tests, spinal tap, MRI scans, and evoked potential tests. Multiple sclerosis treatments focus on slowing the disease's progression and managing symptoms. Treating multiple sclerosis attacks includes plasma exchange and corticosteroids. Treatments to slow progression include glatiramer acetate, beta interferons, muscle relaxers, and physical therapy.

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Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease causes an individual to have difficulty with movement. It results in stiffness, shaking, difficulty walking, balance issues, and poor coordination. Parkinson's disease occurs due to decreasing dopamine levels in the brain over time due to the death of the cells responsible for producing dopamine. The most common symptoms include trembling in the hands and legs, limb stiffness, trembling in the arms and jaw, stiffness of the trunk, slowed movements, and impaired coordination. Parkinson's disease patients also encounter poor balance, frequent falls, depression, urinary problems, skin problems, sleep disruptions, constipation, poor handwriting, and speech problems.

Doctors diagnose Parkinson's disease through a physical exam, medical history, genetic testing, agility evaluation, muscle tone evaluation, gait and balance evaluation, and a DaTscan. Treatment for Parkinson's disease includes medication, deep brain stimulation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

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