Neurological Conditions

A clinical examination is essential to the diagnosis of neuropathy. This will include a thorough medical history (social habits, alcohol/tobacco use, risk of infections, family history etc.), physical exam, and a neurological exam to test the reflexes of the motor and sensory nerves. If suspected of any specific diseases, a blood test may be ordered for diabetes, vitamin deficiency, liver and kidney function etc. In addition, scans such as CT or MRI may be done to investigate the cause of…

Lifestyle changes can prevent risk factors that are likely to induce neuropathy; these include smoking and alcohol cessation, avoiding exposure to toxins, losing weight, eating healthy and correct vitamin deficiencies. If you have a known chronic kidney, systemic or autoimmune disease, make sure to keep it under check. For diabetics, tight control of blood sugar level and daily foot care can be very advantageous. Early recognition and treatment of neuropathy can slow down progression and even…

Types and Complications of Neuropathy There are numerous types of neuropathies identified, based on the types of nerves damaged. There are 3 types of nerve fibers that can be affected and most doctors will use these terms to describe the diagnosis: Motor: these are nerves that control muscle movement e.g. walking, talking, holding etc. Sensory: these are nerves that transmit sensations e.g. pain, touch, temperature etc. Autonomic: these are nerves responsible for regulating unconscious…

The types of nerves affected reflect the symptoms and signs experienced by the patient. Motor Sensory Autonomic Weakness Tingling Sweat excessively or not at all Cramps Numbness Difficulty swallowing Spasms Pain (shooting or stabbing) Nausea and vomiting Difficulty walking or moving Sensitivity to touch (burning sensation) Dizziness or fainting Loss of balance and coordination Difficulty sleeping due to pain Diarrhea or constipation Loss of reflexes Sensation of wearing…

Injury is the most common cause of nerve trauma from accidents, falls, medical procedures, recurring pressureon a nerve etc. Other causes for nerve injury include slipped discs, broken bones, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, ligament/tendon problems etc. Diabetes is the foremost cause of polyneuropathy seen in 60-70% of diabetic patients. Studies show that high blood sugar levels slowly damage the nerves and the blood vessels that supply the nerves with oxygen. Poor glycemic control is the…

Neuropathy (also known as Peripheral neuropathy) is a condition wherein the nerves of the body are damaged (from injury or disease) and thus fail to function normally. This affects the communication between the nerves and the brain. It is a fairly common condition and can affect people of all ages. It is however, more common in men and the elderly, and those with a family history of inherited neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is not a single condition but an umbrella term for several disorders…

Stroke or Cardiovascular accident or CVA is a real medical emergency. Quick and timely intervention helps. Dr. Shital Raval tells what you should do to help someone having a stroke.  Stroke, also called Cardiovascular accident or CVA, is a Medical emergency! It occurs when blood flow to the brain or part of the brain become restricted or blocked. This may lead to damage or death of the brain cells from lack of oxygen causing temporary or permanent impairment of the functioning of the brain…

When A Chitra, 38 from Bengaluru started having seizures, she was initially treated for epilepsy but was eventually diagnosed with Malignant Glioma, a type of brain tumour. She shares how she handled the gamut of treatment and the emotional distress with the support of her team of doctors, family and friends and employer.  Chitra, please tell us a bit about your condition  I was diagnosed with brain tumour called Anaplastic Astrocytoma Grade III. It is a rare, malignant tumour…

Iftikhar Zia, together with the rest of the family, has been Zoyeb’s main support system. Zoyeb suffers from a rare neurological condition called Ataxia. Iftikhar on the journey and the accomodations required in schools, colleges to support Zoyeb’s drive for professional success. Please tell us about your son’s condition My son was diagnosed with Ataxia at 16. It is a neurological disorder affecting the balance causes poor coordination of the limbs poor gait movement slurs the speech and…

Zoyeb Zia, now an assistant professor of Zoology, has a rare condition called Ataxia. Zoyeb talks here about how he coped with the condition after he was diagnosed with Ataxia at the age of 16. Ataxia is a neurological disorder, which means ‘without order’ in Greek, affects a person’s balance, and it causes poor coordination of the limbs, poor gait movement, slurs the speech and affects the eye movement etc. Ataxia is classified as a rare disease.There are many variants of this disorder,…