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What is a Neurological Disorder

and how are they categorised?

neuro

What is a Neurological Disorder?

Neurological disorders are diseases which affect the central and/or peripheral nervous system. The structures negatively impacted can include the following: brain, spinal cord, various nerves [cranial, peripheral, roots] along with the organs and tissues that are innervated by the nervous system such as muscles, heart and lungs. 

Neurological Disorders have the ability to affect the following: 

  • Mood and Personality 
  • Speech and Language 
  • Cognition 
  • Motor Function 
  • Memory
  • Function of organs and/or body systems 
  • Senses [sight, touch, smell, taste, hear]
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neuro senior old

There is no one answer for “what causes a neurological disorder”

There is no one answer for “what causes a neurological disorder”, as many conditions [600+] have the ability to affect the nervous system with varying presentations, severities, diagnoses and treatment procedures. A neurological disease  may arise from the following, depending on the condition: a head trauma [concussion, acquired brain injury], genetic abnormality [Huntington’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease], illness or infection [Encephalitis, Meningitis]. 

At the present point in time, it is estimated there is over 600 diseases with the potential to affect the nervous system [The Brain Foundation, 2023]. These diseases can be categorised into 12 different subcategories.  The following information identifies 5 different subcategories with their associated definition and example disorder. 
Note-being, a neurological disorder can fit within multiple subcategories. 

Neurodegenerative Disease:  a broad category defining any condition where neurons progressively lose function and die off over time. Clinical presentation of these diseases will depend on the neurons affected: i.e  motor neurones are effected in Motor Neurone Disease. 

Dementias:  A neurodegenerative disease which affects the cortical function leading to cognitive loss ultimately impacting daily life by impeding problem solving, memory, language and other cognitive skills. Examples of Dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease, Lewy Body Disease and Frontotemporal Dementia 

Movement Disorders:  A nervous system disorder affecting the way one moves. It can cause involuntary movements or impair the ability to perform voluntary movements. Parkinson’s Disease and Huntington’s Disease.

Neuromuscular Disorders: A disorder affecting the nerves and muscles by impacting the ability of the nerves to communicate and control the associated muscles innervated. Muscular Dystrophy and Peripheral Neuropathy. 
 
Cerebrovascular Disorder:  Disorders affecting blood flow or blood vessels within the brain which can lead to blood clots, haemorrhaging and/or ruptured blood vessels. Example disorders are stroke and aneurysm. 
 
It is imperative to understand the primary aspects of neurology within both the typical and atypical [clinical] scenarios to efficiently and safely treat patients no matter which field of health you are treating within. 

Maddi Law – Exercise Physiologist

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