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Neurological & Mental Health Conditions

Memory loss is not a mental illness – it is degeneration

Dementia is a condition that affects memory, thinking ability, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities. The most common types include Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

Dementia is commonly seen in older adults, but it is not a normal part of ageing.

Warning signs:
  • Forgetting names
  • Asking the same questions repeatedly
  • Confusion
  • Mood and personality changes
  • Getting lost in familiar places

Early diagnosis can help slow the progression of dementia.

Mental health highs and lows

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood changes. These include episodes of mania (high energy, excessive excitement) and depression (sadness, fatigue, hopelessness).

These mood changes affect sleep, energy levels, decision-making, and daily functioning.

With proper medication, therapy, and support, individuals with bipolar disorder can lead a normal and productive life.

What does it mean?

Aura is often an early symptom of seizures, migraine, or epilepsy. It involves changes in sensation, thoughts, perception, or behavior.

Many people describe aura as a “warning signal”. It may appear as visual disturbances, unusual sensations in the stomach, déjà vu, or a strange familiar feeling.

Conus Medullaris Syndrome occurs due to injury at the lower end of the spinal cord (L1–L2 level).

Symptoms:
  • Sudden severe back pain
  • Weakness in the legs
  • Numbness
  • Bladder and bowel dysfunction
  • Sexual dysfunction

This is a medical emergency.

Early treatment is crucial to prevent permanent neurological damage.

A neurologist’s perspective

Muscular dystrophy is caused by genetic mutations that affect muscle function. Muscles gradually become weak and wasted over time.

As the condition progresses, even routine movements may become difficult.

Warning signs:
  • Delayed development in children
  • Weakness in hips and shoulder muscles
  • Difficulty climbing stairs or standing up
  • Frequent falls
  • Difficulty walking or running

Early neurological evaluation can significantly improve quality of life.

Occipital neuralgia causes sharp, stabbing, electric-like pain at the back of the head and upper neck.

The pain may radiate forward across the scalp.

Common causes:
  • Neck strain
  • Poor posture
  • Nerve compression

Early diagnosis and treatment with physiotherapy or medication can provide significant relief.

Breath-holding spells occur when a child temporarily stops breathing after crying or becoming upset.

This condition is commonly seen in children aged 6 months to 6 years.

Types:
  • Cyanotic type: Child cries, turns blue, and may briefly lose consciousness.
  • Pallid type: Triggered by sudden pain or fear, causing paleness and fainting.

Most cases are not serious, but medical consultation is advised.

Not just memory loss

Dementia with Lewy bodies affects memory, movement, behavior, and alertness.

Patients may experience confusion, visual hallucinations, and Parkinson’s-like symptoms.

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can greatly improve quality of life.

Syncope refers to sudden fainting, usually caused by reduced blood flow to the brain.

Common symptoms:
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea
  • Weakness
  • Brief loss of consciousness

Recurrent syncope should never be ignored.

Cluster headache is a neurological disorder characterized by severe, recurring headaches.

The pain occurs in clusters (specific periods) and is extremely intense.

Symptoms:
  • Severe pain around one eye or one side of the head
  • Red or watery eye
  • Runny nose
  • Restlessness
  • Sleep disturbance

Ataxia affects balance and coordination.

Patients may experience unsteady walking, tremors, slurred speech, and difficulty with fine motor movements.

The cause is neurological, and detailed evaluation is required.

Orthostatic hypotension occurs when blood pressure suddenly drops while standing up from sitting or lying down.

Symptoms:
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Darkening of vision
  • Weakness
  • Fainting

Standing up slowly and appropriate treatment can help control symptoms.

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