Top 4 Neurological Disorders in India - Let’s Talk About This

Many of us don’t like talking about our health — it often feels like a private struggle we must go through ourselves. But discussion leads to awareness, and many illnesses are a lot more common than we think. Take neurological disorders, for example. As of 2018, over 30 million people in India alone suffer from various types of neurological disorders. Let’s take a look at some of the most common of these disorders, their causes, and their symptoms. And we’ll also take a look at various treatments, from medication to the best Stem Cell Therapy in India.

 

1. Epilepsy

Affects: Approximately 12 million people

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that is marked by abnormal brain activity that results in seizures, unusual behavior, sensations, and even loss of feeling. It’s a condition that affects people across demographics and presents itself differently from person to person. For example, in some patients, a seizure may simply cause them to stare blankly for a few seconds, while others may experience spasms.

Causes: Head trauma, certain brain conditions like tumors or strokes, infectious diseases, prenatal injury, developmental disorders, and certain genetic predispositions.

Symptoms: Seizures, either generalized or focal. Signs of an oncoming seizure include:

• Temporary confusion
• Periods of blank staring
• Loss of consciousness or awareness
• Anxiety, fear, or deja vu

Treatment: Medication, surgery, and therapies such as vagus nerve stimulation and deep brain stimulation. In most cases, medication is all that’s needed to manage the condition, and often patients can be weaned off of them and live a happy life.

 

2. Parkinson’s Disease

Affects: Over 5.8 lakh people (as of 2016)

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition that degrades the nervous system and affects a person’s mobility. Common early signals include a slight tremor in one hand, loss of movement or expression in the face, and softened or slurred speech. It usually affects people as they age, and its severity increases gradually, but it can be managed with the right treatment plan.

Causes: Unknown, but research shows strong links to certain genetic factors. Some environmental factors may also play a role.

Symptoms: Tremors, slowed movement (bradykinesia), rigid muscles, impaired posture and balance, loss of automatic movements, slow, soft, or slurred speech, and changes in handwriting.

Treatment: Medication may be prescribed to manage the symptoms, as well as physical, occupational, and speech and language therapy. Doctors may also suggest certain lifestyle changes, particularly to diet and exercise. In severe cases, surgery may be required. Stem Cell Therapy is also a viable treatment for this condition, and many patients benefit from centers that offer the best Stem Cell Therapy in India.

 

3. Stroke

Affects: 1.8 million people in India every year

A stroke is a sudden-onset condition that occurs when blood supply to your brain is interrupted or reduced — depriving it of oxygen and important nutrients. It is an urgent medical issue, and prompt treatment is crucial for recovery.

Causes: It depends on the type of stroke. Ischemic strokes (the most common) are caused by the blockage of blood vessels in the brain due to a build-up of fat deposits. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel ruptures and blood leaks into the brain.

Symptoms: Trouble speaking or understanding what you’re saying, paralysis or numbness of the face, arms, or legs, problems with vision in one or both eyes, headache, and difficulty walking.

Treatment: In the case of an ischemic stroke, treatment will include emergency IV medication and surgery. With hemorrhagic strokes, doctors will take emergency measures to deal with any potential causes of the rupture, followed by surgery. Recovery from a stroke often requires a structured rehabilitation program that might consist of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy.

 

4. Cerebral Palsy

Affects: Approximately 3.8% of the Indian population

 Cerebral Palsy is a group of disorders that affect muscle tone, movement, or posture and is caused by damage that occurs to the immature brain as it develops. Early signs include unusual reflexes, floppiness or rigidity of the limbs or torso, abnormal posture, unsteady movements, or a combination of several of these symptoms. The effect of the condition varies greatly from person to person.

Causes: Genetic mutations, prenatal infections, fetal stroke, bleeding in the brain in the womb or as a newborn, postnatal infections (particularly ones that cause inflammation in the brain), traumatic head injury, birth-related asphyxia

Treatment: Medications can’t cure this condition, but it can help mitigate the symptoms. Patients also benefit from a combination of physical, occupational, and speech and language therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be required to handle some symptoms. This is another condition in which Stem Cell Therapy can make a great positive impact on the patient’s life.

 

Neurological disorders are a lot more common than we think. If you or a loved one suffers from these, or any other neurological disorder like tremors or even migraines, know that you’re not alone. You can begin to greatly improve your quality of life by reaching out and opening up to a discussion. The journey to a healthier and happier you begins with a single step — whether that means looking for the best Stem Cell Therapy in India or simply speaking about your condition to your GP.