Guide To Serious Nervous System Disorders

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurological disease that keeps an individual's motor neurons from functioning properly. The motor neurons contained within the spinal cord and brain deteriorate and die in ALS patients. Early symptoms include stiff and weak muscles that make fine movements difficult. Examples of the affected fine movements include turning a key and buttoning a piece of clothing. Symptoms progress into frequent tripping and falling, trouble swallowing, slurred speech, muscle cramping, muscle twitching, inappropriate yawning, weakness in the leg, cognitive changes, and behavioral changes.

Eventually, the muscle weakness progresses to the diaphragm and other muscles that allow an individual to breathe properly. Supportive care with a breathing machine is necessary at this point. An ALS diagnosis is made using an electromyogram, nerve conduction study, blood testing, urine testing, spinal tap, and muscle biopsy. Treatment involves medication, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, nutritional support, psychological support, and breathing support.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy causes abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Patients may have seizures and experience periods of abnormal behavior or sensations. Depending on the type of seizure a patient experiences, they could lose consciousness and display fast, jerking, and repetitive motions of the arms and legs. Some seizures involve an individual simply staring blankly into space for a few minutes.

To diagnose epilepsy, doctors perform a complete neurological exam. They will also do an electroencephalogram to investigate the patient's brain wave activity. Patients often have a brain scan to check for masses or structural abnormalities that may cause seizures. Prescription medications are necessary to treat epilepsy, and patients may have to take several different types to control their seizures. Levetiracetam, topiramate, and valproic acid are some of the medications doctors often consider prescribing. Patients with severe epilepsy that is not well-controlled with medication may need to have surgical intervention.