Warning signs of brain and nerve damage: What not to ignore

As the world’s population continues to grow and life expectancy rises, more people are reaching their older years, when neurological disorders are most prevalent. Multiple neurological diseases (NDs) are more common in India due to both geographic and environmental causes. These conditions, which include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), epilepsy, stroke, Huntington’s disease (HD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and others, involve the progressive or total loss of neuronal structure and function. Medical professionals are still unsure of the precise cause for several disorders. However, oxidative stress, inflammation, environmental variables, mitochondrial deficits, genetics, protein degradation, and aberrant protein accumulation could all be contributing causes.

What are some symptoms of nerve damage?

Peripheral Neuropathy: According to Dr. Bhushan Joshi, Consultant – Neurology, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, “This is the “lost connection” phenomenon. Peripheral nerves, i.e., outside the brain and spinal cord, are destroyed and cause burning, numbness, and weakness in hands and feet.”
Difficulty with memory: Agnosia is one chronic neurological disorder that might be indicated by difficulty memorizing information due to a lack of attention strength. People who find it difficult to focus on what is being said can discover it difficult to assimilate information and thus can forget it. While short-term memory deteriorates, long-term memory might hold up.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): The defence system of the body becomes muddled, attacking by mistake the protective layer of the nerve fibres.
Parkinson’s Disease: This is a slow-moving slowness with tremor and stiffness due to the loss of brain cells producing dopamine, an important messenger.
Epilepsy: Picture sudden bursts of electricity in the brain, leading to seizures, which may be fleeting moments of not knowing what’s happening to a full-blown convulsion.
Stroke: When blood supply to the brain is cut off, either by a blockage or a haemorrhage, it’s an emergency, which can result in paralysis, speech problems, and mental impairments.

What causes these disruptions?

It’s in genes: Certain nerve disorders come with a genetic factor.
Autoimmune Attacks: The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own nervous tissue.
Infections: Viruses and bacteria can damage the nervous system.
Traumatic Injuries: Head and spinal cord injuries can cause lasting neurological damage.
Environmental Toxins: Exposure to certain chemicals and pollutants can harm the nervous system.
Vascular Problems: Blood flow problems can starve the brain and nerves of oxygen and nutrients.
Lack of Nutritional Support: Neurological issues may arise from a lack of certain nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. For instance, peripheral neuropathy can come from a vitamin B12 shortage.
Hormonal Imbalances: The neurological system can be impacted by hormonal imbalances, such as those caused by thyroid problems, which may end up in symptoms including muscle weakness and tremors.
Congenital Abnormalities: Some neurological conditions are caused by anomalies in the nervous system’s development and are present from birth. This group includes conditions such as neural tube abnormalities and neurological disorders.

How do we identify the signals?

Recurring Headaches: Particularly those that are severe, abrupt, or followed by other symptoms.
Numbness or Tingling: In hands, feet, or other regions of the body.
Weakness or Tremors: Abnormal changes in muscle strength or spontaneous movement.
Vision or Speech Changes: Blurred vision, double vision, slurred speech, or getting words mixed up.
Memory or Confusion Loss: Trouble recalling recent events, getting lost in one’s way, or losing concentration.
Seizures: Spontaneous electrical activity of the brain.
Balance and Coordination Issues: Dizziness, clumsiness, or trouble with fine motor control.

How do we support our nervous system?

Feed Your Body: A diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Get Moving: Regular exercise enhances circulation and maintains brain function.
Get Enough Sleep: Getting plenty of sleep helps maintain brain health and repair.
Reduce Stress: Ongoing stress can have a bad effect on the nervous system.
Keep Chronic Conditions Under Control: Control diabetes, high blood pressure, and other conditions that harm nerves.
Ultimately, it’s about listening to bodies. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to seek a doctor’s advice. Early awareness is key.