Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative neurological disorder that impairs the central nervous system. People with Parkinson’s disease suffer from decreased motor skills, speech and other functionality. Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include trembling in limbs, hands and face, joint stiffness, slow movement, impaired balance and coordination, difficulty walking, talking, swallowing and speaking. Other problems include insomnia, urinary problems, constipation and depression.
The disease is chronic and gets progressively worse over time. Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease but drugs, surgery or certain therapies have been prescribed to alleviate symptoms.
Meningitis
Meningitis is caused by an inflammation of the meninges, a thin tissue that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. Also referred to as spinal meningitis or meningococcal disease, meningitis is mainly caused by a virus, although it can be caused by bacteria, cancer or physical injury. Bacterial meningitis is not as common as viral meningitis but it is more serious and can be fatal.
Viral Meningitis typically lasts from 7-10 days and normally clears up with time. Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Early symptoms of bacterial meningitis mimic those caused by viral meningitis although as the illness progresses the symptoms become more severe and may include seizures or a coma.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological brain disorder that causes recurring seizures and affects approximately 2.5 million Americans. Seizures occur as a result of abnormal electrical discharges in the brain. Individuals may experience strange sensations, uncontrollable muscle spasms and unconsciousness. Epilepsy is triggered by illness, injury, abnormal brain development or genetic abnormalities. However, there are many cases in which the cause is unknown.
Diagnosis of epilepsy requires a thorough review of the individual’s medical history and a neurological examination. Recommended tests include an electroencephalogram (EEG) and a brain scan such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The outcome of these tests will determine how to best treat a person with epilepsy.
Antiepileptic drugs are the typical treatment for most people. A doctor may recommend one or more of these based on age, the type of epilepsy, the frequency and severity of the seizures, and other related health conditions. Once the patient starts medicating, close monitoring is required to determine the drug’s effectiveness and possible side effects. In most cases, drugs are successful in controlling seizures. However for some individuals drugs serve only a partial benefit and some seizures continue to occur. If that is the case, other treatment options include surgery and vagus nerve stimulation, a procedure in which an electrical device is implanted to stimulate a large nerve in the neck.
Nervous System Overview
The nervous system transmits messages back and forth from the brain to various parts of the body via tiny cells called neurons. Two main systems comprise the nervous system: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord and is responsible for relaying messages from sensory organs through nerve impulses, processing information received from nerve impulses and controlling bodily movements. All of your body’s nerves and wiring make up the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system connects the central nervous system to the limbs and organs. Its responsibilities include relaying sensory information to the central nervous system and managing voluntary and involuntary movements and action.
Diseases of the nervous system impair the brain, spinal cord and nerves and can adversely affect memory, speech, movement, breathing, learning and swallowing. There are over 600 types of neurologic disorders that are caused by any number of factors ranging from genetics, developmental issues, injuries and infections to name a few.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is most commonly associated with diabetes but is also found in relation to other disease states including vitamin deficiencies, thyroid dysfunction, chemical and metal toxicities, viral infections, inherited disorders or idiopathic (“no identifiable cause”). Peripheral neuropathy can also involve the functions of movement and strength as well as feeling or sensation. The change in normal neurological functioning in your body depends on the severity and form of neuropathy
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Family Medicine
The Center for Wellness
1258 Mann Drive
Matthews, NC 28105
704-847-2022
Fax: 704-847-1830
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All Doctors - Neurological Disorders
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Neurology, Psychiatry, Sleep Medicine
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Neurology, Sleep Medicine
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Neurology, Sleep Medicine
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Neurology, Surgery, Urology
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Neurology, Sleep Medicine, Urology
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The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke is a division of the National Institutes of Health committed to reducing the burden of neurological disease through research. Information on various neurological disorders can be found on this site.
The National Parkinson Foundation is an organization dedicated to improving the quality of care of individuals living with Parkinson’s disease through education, outreach and research.
The American Parkinson Disease Association is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s Disease through research funding efforts.
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Understanding Parkinson's Disease
It's more than Michael J. Fox...In fact, 1.5 million Americans suffer from the degenerative movement disorder known as Parkinson's disease.
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