Neurological symptoms can manifest in numerous ways and affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. These symptoms can indicate underlying neurological problems that require medical attention. Common neurological disorders include epilepsy, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and migraine. Each disorder presents with unique symptoms, hence, it is important to recognise and address these neurological symptoms early as delay in treatments can lead to complications. Let's understand 6 such symptoms that may indicate neurological problems.

1. Headaches

Headaches are common and can often be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. However, you should be able to differentiate between normal headaches and neurological-related headaches. Signs that may indicate a neurological disorder include:

• Severe intensity and sudden onset
• Weakness & Numbness
• Difficulty speaking
• Changes in vision

Some common types of headaches include the following:

• Migraines: Characterised by severe throbbing pain and sensitivity to light and sound.
• Cluster headaches: Occur in cycles and cause intense pain around one eye.
• Tension headaches: Typically causing a dull ache or pressure on both sides of the head

When you are unsure or concerned about your headache symptoms, it is always advisable to consult a doctor for appropriate guidance or treatment.

2. Vision Problems

Some common vision problems that can indicate neurological problems include:

• Blurred or double vision: Blurry or double vision may be caused by conditions such as multiple sclerosis or brain tumours.
• Partial or complete loss of vision: Conditions like optic neuritis, which involves inflammation of the optic nerve, can cause this.
• Eye movement abnormalities: Abnormal eye movements, such as involuntary jerking or rapid eye movements, are often seen in conditions like stroke or brainstem lesions.

There are a range of medical conditions that can affect your vision. Some of them include the following:

• Optic neuritis: This condition involves inflammation of the optic nerve and can cause blurred vision, eye pain, and colour vision disturbances.
• Glaucoma: Glaucoma results in increased pressure within the eye, affecting the optic nerve and leading to vision loss.
• Stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA): Both stroke and TIA can affect various parts of the brain responsible for vision processing.

Regular eye exams have an important role in detecting potential neurological problems early on. If you experience any changes in your vision, it is essential to consult a doctor for evaluation and diagnosis.

3. Balance and Coordination

Balance and coordination are controlled by the brain, and any disruption in this system can affect your quality of life. Some of the symptoms indicating balance and coordination problems include:

• Dizziness or light-headedness: Feeling dizzy or lightheaded may indicate an issue with the vestibular system, which affects balance.
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance: Frequent stumbling, unsteady gait, or difficulty coordinating movements can be signs of a neurological problem.
• Tremors or involuntary movements: Involuntary shaking or trembling, especially in the hands, arms, legs, or face, may suggest an underlying neurological condition.

Extreme and sudden loss of balance can occur due to the following neurological problems:

• Parkinson's disease: Characterised by tremors, stiffness, and problems with balance
• Cerebellar ataxia: It affects the part of the brain responsible for coordination and balance

If you experience persistent balance problems or notice any of the aforementioned neurological symptoms, seek medical evaluation.

4. Cognitive Decline

Cognitive decline refers to a deterioration in brain function that affects memory, thinking, and reasoning abilities. Some of the signs include:

• Memory problems and forgetfulness: One of the first signs of cognitive decline is having trouble remembering recent events or essential information. Forgetfulness may interfere with daily activities.
• Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks: People with cognitive decline often struggle to focus on tasks or find it challenging to complete them. They may have trouble following conversations, managing finances, or organising their thoughts.
• Changes in mood or personality: Individuals may become irritable, anxious, or apathetic. They may also exhibit sudden mood swings or uncharacteristic behaviours.

While one of the primary causes of cognitive impairment is age, other diseases that may result in cognitive decline include:

• Alzheimer's disease: It gradually impairs memory and cognitive skills.
• Vascular dementia: Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, vascular dementia leads to cognitive problems due to damage from strokes or small vessel disease.
• Frontotemporal dementia: This condition primarily affects the temporal and frontal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in behaviour, language difficulties, and memory loss.

If you experience any of these neurological symptoms, it is essential to consult a doctor for a proper evaluation and diagnosis. Early detection can help in managing the condition effectively.

5. Numbness and Tingling

Numbness refers to a loss of sensation, while tingling is described as a pins-and-needles feeling. The following conditions can lead to numbness and tingling.

• Peripheral neuropathy: It occurs when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord are damaged.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS): Affecting the central nervous system, MS is an autoimmune disease that can cause nerve damage.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome: This is a neurological disorder caused by compression of the median nerve passing through the wrist.

If you experience persistent numbness and tingling, it is important to seek medical attention.

6. Unexplained Seizures

Living with unexplained seizures can be a challenging and worrisome experience. It is important to recognise the following symptoms to identify whether it is epilepsy or a neurological problem:

• Convulsions or uncontrollable shaking: Seizures may manifest as violent shaking of the body or specific body parts.
• Temporary loss of awareness or consciousness: The person may appear startled or have no memory of the episode.
• Strange sensory experiences or emotions: Individuals may experience tingling sensations, visual hallucinations, or intense feelings of fear or joy.

Seizures can happen due to various reasons and can cause different behavioural and physical changes. Some common types of seizures include:

• Generalised seizures: Affecting both sides of the brain, generalised seizures can cause loss of consciousness, muscle stiffness, and jerking movements.
• Focal seizures: These start in one area of the brain and can result in abnormal movements or sensations in a specific part of the body.
• Epilepsy and other underlying conditions: Epilepsy can lead to recurrent seizures. However, there can be other potential causes such as brain tumours, infections, head injuries, or genetic factors.

If you experience unexplained seizures, seek medical evaluation. Your doctor will conduct a detailed examination and recommend neurological tests and imaging studies like an EEG or MRI to identify the cause and determine appropriate treatment options for the neurological problem.

Takeaway

Neurological conditions, if left untreated, can lead to progressive degeneration and irreversible damage to the nervous system. By recognising and addressing neurological symptoms early on, individuals can enhance their quality of life and prevent further complications. If you or someone you know is experiencing any concerning neurological symptoms, it is crucial to seek professional help without delay.