ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect adults and children. People with ADHD may experience difficulty focusing, controlling impulses, and staying organized.
There are three main types of ADHD:
Inattentive ADHD: This type is primarily characterized by problems with paying attention and focusing. People with inattentive ADHD may be easily distracted, forgetful, and have difficulty completing tasks.
Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD: This type is characterized by problems with hyperactivity and impulsivity. People with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD may be fidgety, restless, and have difficulty sitting still. They may also blurt things out or make decisions without thinking.
Combined ADHD: This is the most common type of ADHD and includes symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD.
Adult ADHD Symptoms
While some childhood symptoms of ADHD may lessen with age, adults with ADHD can still experience significant challenges. Here are some common signs of ADHD in adults:
Inattention: Difficulty paying close attention to details, making careless mistakes, forgetting things, problems sustaining attention in tasks, easily distracted.
Disorganization and problems prioritizing: Difficulty organizing tasks and activities, problems managing time, frequently losing things, poor time management skills.
Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, difficulty waiting your turn, blurting out responses, interrupting conversations.
Restlessness and fidgeting: Feeling restless, unable to sit still for long periods, excessive talking.
Emotional dysregulation: Mood swings, irritability, difficulty controlling anger.
It’s important to note that these symptoms can vary from person to person and can also be caused by other conditions. If you suspect you may have ADHD, it’s important to see a doctor or mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment.
Anxitey
Anxiety and the nervous system are intricately linked. Anxiety disorders are rooted in the way our brain and nervous system function.
Here’s a breakdown of this connection:
The Nervous System and Anxiety Response
Fight-or-Flight: Our nervous system has a built-in response to perceived threats, triggering the release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This prepares the body to react quickly in dangerous situations (fight) or flee (flight).
Amygdala: This part of the brain plays a key role in processing emotions, especially fear and anxiety. In people with anxiety disorders, the amygdala may be overly sensitive to threats, leading to a heightened anxiety response.
Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers in the brain, such as serotonin, GABA, and norepinephrine, influence mood, emotions, and stress response. Imbalances in these neurotransmitters can contribute to anxiety.
Neurological Anxiety
This term refers to anxiety that has a strong physiological component caused by the nervous system’s overactivity. People with neurological anxiety may experience physical symptoms alongside emotional ones during anxious episodes.
Symptoms of Neurological Anxiety
Headaches
Dizziness
Tremor
Palpitations
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Numbness or tingling
Fatigue
Conditions that can increase risk of neurological anxiety
Thyroid disorders: An overactive or underactive thyroid can disrupt the nervous system and contribute to anxiety.
Migraines: People with migraines are more likely to experience anxiety disorders, and vice versa.
Epilepsy: Some people with epilepsy may experience anxiety as a side effect of their seizures or medications.
It’s important to note that not everyone with anxiety will have neurological symptoms. Conversely, some of these symptoms can occur due to other health conditions.
If you’re experiencing anxiety and neurological symptoms, it’s important to consult with a doctor to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment.
Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune neurological disorders are a group of conditions where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the nervous system. When the immune system attacks the nervous system, it can damage the nerves and cause a variety of symptoms.
There are many different autoimmune neurological disorders, each with its own set of symptoms. Some of the most common autoimmune neurological disorders include:
Multiple sclerosis (MS): MS is a chronic, inflammatory disease that damages the central nervous system (CNS).expand_more Symptoms of MS can vary depending on the parts of the nervous system that are affected, but can include muscle weakness, fatigue, vision problems, numbness or tingling, difficulty walking, and speech problems.
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO): NMO is an inflammatory disease that affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. Symptoms of NMO can include vision loss, pain, muscle weakness, and paralysis.
Myasthenia gravis: Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the muscles. Symptoms of myasthenia gravis can include drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, and muscle weakness in the arms and legs.
Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS): GBS is a rare autoimmune disorder that attacks the peripheral nervous system. Symptoms of GBS can include muscle weakness, numbness or tingling, and difficulty walking.
Autoimmune encephalitis: Autoimmune encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain caused by the immune system attacking the brain.Symptoms of autoimmune encephalitis can vary depending on the part of the brain that is affected, but can include confusion, seizures, movement problems, and speech problems.
The exact cause of autoimmune neurological disorders is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment for autoimmune neurological disorders typically includes medications, such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, as well as physical therapy and occupational therapy.
If you are experiencing any symptoms that may suggest an autoimmune neurological disorder, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve your quality of life and prevent further complications.
Dementia
Dementia is a general term for a decline in cognitive abilities that is severe enough to interfere with daily life. Dementia is not a specific disease, but rather a group of symptoms that can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, but there are many other causes as well.
The most common causes of dementia include:
Alzheimer’s disease: A progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It’s the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases.
Vascular dementia: Dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often as a result of stroke or small vessel disease.
Lewy body dementia: A type of dementia characterized by abnormal protein deposits in the brain, which can cause symptoms such as memory loss, visual hallucinations, and Parkinson’s-like symptoms.
Frontotemporal dementia: A type of dementia that affects the front and side parts of the brain, causing changes in personality, behavior, and language.
Treatment for dementia can include medications to help manage symptoms, as well as non-pharmacological therapies such as cognitive and behavioral therapies, occupational therapy and support groups. While there is no cure for dementia, early diagnosis and treatment can help to slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life for people living with dementia and their families.
Symptoms of dementia
The symptoms of dementia can vary depending on the underlying cause, but some common symptoms include:
Memory loss, which is usually noticed by someone else
Difficulty concentrating or paying attention
Problems with planning and problem-solving
Confusion and disorientation
Difficulty communicating or finding words
Personality changes
Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
Trouble with balance or coordination
Dementia risk factors
There are a number of risk factors for dementia, including:
Age: Dementia is more common in older adults.
Family history: Having a family member with dementia increases your risk.
Certain medical conditions: High blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity can increase your risk of dementia.
Lifestyle factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a lack of physical activity can increase your risk of dementia.
Dementia diagnosis
There is no single test that can diagnose dementia. Doctors will typically use a combination of tests and assessments to diagnose dementia, including:
Medical history: Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history.
Physical examination: Your doctor will perform a physical examination to rule out other medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
Cognitive testing: Your doctor may order cognitive tests to assess your memory, thinking, and reasoning skills.
Brain imaging tests: Brain imaging tests, such as MRI scans or CT scans, can be used to rule out other causes of dementia, such as stroke or tumor.
Dementia treatment
There is no cure for dementia, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment for dementia may include:
Medications: There are a number of medications that can help improve symptoms of dementia, such as memory loss and confusion.
Therapy: Therapy can help people with dementia learn coping skills and strategies for managing their symptoms.
Support groups: Support groups can provide social support and education for people with dementia and their caregivers.
Dementia prevention
There is no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, but there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk, such as:
Eating a healthy diet
Exercising regularly
Getting enough sleep
Managing stress
Keeping your mind active
Seeing your doctor for regular checkups
Dementia is a progressive and degenerative condition that gradually worsens over time, and it’s a major public health concern.
It’s one of the leading causes of disability and dependency among older adults and it can also have a significant impact on caregivers and families.
Dizziness / Vertigo
Eating Disorders
EET / Electroencephalogram
Fibromyalgia
Headaches
Movement Disorders
Neuropathy / Neuropathic Pain
PTSD
Seizures
Tremors