How to Spot Early Signs of Neurological Disorders: Key Symptoms to Watch

When the person is suffering from issues that are related to the brain or nervous system, then this is called a neurological disorder. Neurological disorders include headaches, strokes, loss of memory, and many more. Also, the treatment frequency and duration depend upon the type of neurological disorder and the treatment. Alcohol, smoking, and stress are the reasons to increase the chances of neurological disorders.

Headaches are a common disease people suffer from. This is mostly because of stress.

Suffering from two or more seizures refers to epilepsy.

When the brain stops functioning due to the flow of blood in the brain, then this is called a stroke.

This is a nervous system disease that weakens muscles and impacts physical functions.

A disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement.

Neurological issues vary on different conditions, but most of them are seen in the nervous system. Some early signs of neurological issues are memory problems, lack of concentration issues, and confusion. It also includes muscle weakness, stiffness, rigidity in limbs, dysarthria, and difficulty with balance. You can also find some sensory changes like numbness and visual and hearing problems. Headaches, mood swings, and improper sleep cycles are also common in neurological issues.

Every health issue is important to be detected early. Early detection of neurological disorders will be helpful to the patient as the problem can be treated and managed effectively. If the patient has severe problems like brain tumors or stroke, then it can be treated as soon as possible before the situation gets worse. It also eliminates the chances of future neurological problems and is also beneficial to prevent further damage. The neurological disorder and problem will be cured before getting into a critical situation, and it also decreases the complications in maintaining well-being. Hence, early detection matters for a healthy life.

There are misconceptions and facts about early signs of neurological issues. So, each person should learn about the facts to eliminate the chances of misconceptions. Sometimes memory loss can be caused by aging, stress, or work stress, but the fact is that significant memory loss is a sign of neurological issues. People also have misconceptions, like only older people have neurological problems. Similarly, headaches are common and are just tension, and migraines are not fact. Hence, people should understand that misconceptions are a risk of causing neurological problems and learning facts is important.

• Pain or inflammation around the body that isn’t the result of an injury or physical strain: Any sense of discomfort or swelling occurs without any clear physical cause. 
• Weakness in muscles: The muscles feel quite weak, which makes performing day-to-day activities very difficult. 
• Muscle spasms: Unconscious contraction of muscles would at times happen in an unexpected manner. 
• Muscle stiffness: Muscles tend to be stiff or tight, hence limiting movement. 
• Sensation issues, e.g., numbness or tingling across the body: Any abnormal sensations, such as ‘pins and needles’ or a loss of sensation in some parts.
• Difficulty walking: An inability to walk normally or even to perform a steady gait may occur.
• Seizures: Average unexplained episodes of jerking, loss of consciousness, or involuntary rolling over.
• Balance problems: standing up straight postures and shifting of body weight involve inner ear difficulties.
• Poor posture: is finding it hard, struggles to keep head off’ while looking upright.
• Coordination issues: He has difficulty making fine movement patterns, for example, holding a pen or object.
• Speech problems: struggles regarding clarity of speech or enunciation of particular words. 

• Mood changes: Unexpected emotional outbursts, usually of irritation or sadness, that defy any reasonable explanation.
• Delusions/hallucinations: Sensing something illusive in existence, e.g., hearing sounds or seeing things.
• Depression: A habit of feeling unhappy, helpless, or devoid of energy for a protracted/interminable period.
• Anxiety: Overpowering emotions of fright and apprehension that disrupt the normal flow of life.
• Cognitive decline: The progressive loss of the ability to recall, think, or make decisions.

Testing of your pupils, vision, hearing, sense of smell, and movement of your face, eyes, and tongue are some basic self-checks that can be performed for neurological symptoms.

If you find it difficult to balance and coordinate while doing a self-check examination at home, then this is a symbol of getting a neurological disorder.

This is a test where the grip with your hand is tested to find whether you have weakness and lack of muscle strength or not.

To check the eye function, pupil function, and other aspects of eye health, an eye movement and vision test is conducted.

Test memory recall of recent events and details, like what you had for breakfast. Are you having problems retaining memories, or do you tend to forget things often? Such problems might indicate a cognitive concern.

Capture whether you have trouble finding a word to express yourself or begin to slur in articulation. Any alteration in clarity of speech or fluency of languages can signify neurological issues.

Introspection: Have you seen that you frequently undergo tingling or numbness in your hands, feet, or elsewhere without apparent reasons most of the time? Consistent sensations could mean something common with nerves.

Try simple tasks testing your coordination such as buttoning a shirt, picking up tiny items, etc. Difficulties in such activities may reflect motor skill impairments.

How well do you hear and process spoken communication? Especially in a crowded or noisy environment, is there any distinction required between sounds? Those could lead to concerns around either auditory or neurological issues.

Reflect on levels of mood change, quickness of irritability, or bizarre emotional reactions. Sudden shifts in behavior or personality could signal something in neurological health.

1. Finger Tap Test: Tap each finger to the thumb quickly with both hands. 
2. Handwriting Check: Write a sentence and observe for size or shakiness changes. 
3. Fine Motor Tasks: Try buttoning a shirt or picking up small objects. 
4. Balance Test: Stand on one leg for 10 seconds.

1. Pronunciation Check: Read aloud to notice any slurring or mispronunciation.
2. Word-Finding: Describe an object without pauses or word loss.
3. Pace of Speech: Monitor if speech becomes unusually fast or slow.

1. Mood Tracking: Watch for unexplained mood swings or irritability.
2. Memory Check: Note any unusual forgetfulness in daily tasks.
3. Interest Levels: Observe changes in interest for hobbies or social activities. 

Whenever a person is suffering from any issue, including headaches, memory loss, and other neurological disorders, they should see a neurologist specialist. Instead of neglecting such issues, you should consult the doctor and get the check-up done.

There are several processes, like physical exams and ordering tests, through which neurologists can help with early detection. Similarly, after finding any neurological disorder, they will guide us on how to protect the nervous system and preventions to eliminate the chances of getting neurological disorders.

Dr. Suzan Noori Medical Center is dedicated to offering exceptional care for diagnosing and treating neurological disorders. Our team of highly qualified neurologists understands the concern of all the patients and aims to provide effective solutions to their neurological problems. The latest diagnostic equipments help identify the accurate root of the neurological problems. From the most advanced neurological exams to individually-tailored treatment programs, we do everything to ensure the patient's complete recovery. We focus on supporting and guiding you at every step of your journey, giving expert advice and support in the process of recovery. Trust us, Dr. Suzan Noori Medical Center, in terms of care and treatment for life-changing neurology.

You should stay healthy and enhance physical activities like swimming, jogging, and yoga in your daily routine.

Take a brain-healthy diet plan from your doctor and follow that plan to stay fit and healthy. You should not compromise your diet to cure neurological disorders.

To eliminate the chances of neurological disorders or any other disease, you should get good quality of sleep. Avoid sleeping late at night and get good sleep.

Stress is the way to invite a number of problems and diseases. You should manage your stress to protect your neurological health.

You should explore the world and stay mentally engaged. Reading books and newspapers is the best way to stay mentally engaged.

You should avoid alcohol and avoid smoking to prevent yourself from getting neurological disorders.

Try to take care of your head to get injuries. Don’t let your head get injuries to protect your neurological disorders.

Maintain your blood pressure and blood sugar and monitor it regularly. It is important to not let your blood pressure and blood sugar increase to protect your neurological disorder.

Stay socially active and get all the information regarding neurological disorders and how to protect it.

Get regular check-ups done to protect your neurological disorders.

To stay proactive with neurological health, you have to follow some guidance, like involving yourself in exercise, eating good and diet food, reducing stress levels, sleeping well, and other activities. Our team is ready to guide and help you to maintain your neurological health.

If you notice any symptoms, schedule an appointment at our neurology clinic today for expert evaluation and care.