Neurological Symptoms

What are the symptoms of neurological disease?

It is very important for a person to recognize when they have symptoms of neurological disease.  Usually, these symptoms are so strange or striking, that they are noticed right away.  Sometimes, though, the brain is stricken in such a way, that the patient's ability to recognize there is a problem is lost.  Then it is up to the family to notice the change and get proper help.  Other times, the symptoms are subtle and gradual, building up over time.  They may not be noticed by a person until considerable function is lost.

The basis of the symptoms of neurological disease is the occurrence of dysfunction of some or all parts of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, or muscles.  Symptoms vary depending of which of these and where within them a disease process strikes.  It must be noted that every person is different; some people will have very typical symptoms, while others will not.  The symptoms described are only a guide, and professional medical attention must be obtained for any abnormal symptom.

General Symptoms

Patients with neurological disease may have symptoms very specific to the part of the nervous system that is involved.  This includes brain, spine, nerve, or muscle.  Because we are always aware of our nervous system, these symptoms are often striking and unmistakable.  However, if the disease afflicts the part of the brain that produces awareness, the patient may not know anything is wrong.  In that case it may be up to friends and family to take the patient to the doctor.

Sometimes neurologic symptoms or damage occurs in the setting of more general diseases.  Some generalized symptoms are:

• fatigue
• slowness
• fever and chills
• weight loss or gain
• rash
• insomnia
• pain

Brain

Some possible symptoms of brain disease:

• Headache
• Confusion
• Change in personality
• Sleepiness or extreme fatigue
• Inability to awaken
• Memory loss
• Difficulty speaking or understanding what is being said
• Difficulty getting dressed or finding way around
• Staring spells
• Twitching
• Episodes of bizarre behavior
• Convulsions
• Dizziness
• Ringing in the ears
• Double vision, change, or loss of vision
• Tingling or numbness of the face and body
• Weakness in part or half of the body
• Difficulty walking or moving
• Strange movements in part or all of the body

Nerve

Some possible symptoms of nerve disease, or neuropathy:

• Weakness in the hands or feet
• Burning, tingling, or numbness in the fingers or toes
• Pain in the hands or feet
• Difficulty walking or manipulating small objects
• Rapid heart beat
• Dizziness upon standing

Muscle

Some possible symptoms of muscle disease, or myopathy:

• Weakness in the hands or feet
• Weakness in the arms or legs
• Weakness in the shoulders or hips
• Difficulty swallowing
• Shortness of breath
• Double vision
• Drooping eyelids
• Muscle aches and cramping
• Easily fatigued
• Swelling of muscles