C

aused either by a disease or injury, a neurological disorder is a condition that involves the nervous system.

"Neurological ailments varying from migraines to Alzheimer's disease, and affect almost 1 billion people across the world," reports the World Health Organization in its Neurological disorders: Public health challenges publication.

The report also states that 24 million people are affected by diseases such as Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, while 50 million are affected by epilepsy, which requires far-reaching care.

Other neurological illnesses include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, autistic spectrum disorders - including Asperger's Syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, major traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, stroke and Tourette syndrome.

These conditions affect the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, peripheral nerves, nerve roots, autonomic nervous system and muscles, which may result in behavioral problems, loss of memory and speech.

Indications often start with a mild and intermittent twitching or numbness in one extremity. Tremors, rigid muscles, slowed motion, difficulty swallowing, loss of automatic movements such as blinking, swinging the arms and unconscious acts, and eventually dementia.

Neurological ailments can be remarkably difficult to treat and are often debilitating.

Neurological ailments develop slowly - usually with mild signs, which progress over time. In the early stage, most neurological ailments start with little accidents (although some of these little accidents can be devastating).

Many health organizations and hospitals adopt a risk reduction campaign among high-risk patients through annual physical checkups, correcting modifiable risk factors and encouraging regular exercise as primary prevention.

Disease-related health education is now considered to play one of the major roles in minimizing the damage in non-traumatic neurological diseases. Medication such as dopamine agonists, Levodopa, carbidopa, selegiline, anticholinergics or amantadine may help during various stages of neurological ailments.

Surgery is an option for some patients who can withstand the surgical procedure and are able to progress through the physical therapy process. Surgical procedures include destroying very small amounts of brain tissue in the affected areas, or the stimulation of various parts of the brain.

It is not easy to tend to or self-care for patients with neurological ailments. Diet, exercise, awareness and walking with great care are all part of a wholesome treatment plan. A healthy diet can make a phenomenal difference in how well a neurological patient fares. Avoiding accidents will turn into a constant process. Speaking often can help keep the speech clearer and more discernible.

Creating a strong network of support for family members and caretakers can help keep the overall environment less stressful and upbeat. Patients need to be open and frank about their "disabilities" to family members and even colleagues in order to receive support from them.

Strong support systems and self-education are two of the best coping skills against neurological ailments. Support systems can allow a patient to keep their independence for nearly twice as long.

Support systems can ward off depression and a feeling of hopelessness. Good communication and honesty can make the entire process much easier. Minimizing stress can help keep symptoms minimized, or at least frustration over symptoms minimized.

Patients with neurological ailments should play an active role in making decisions regarding their own healthcare for as long as they possibly can.