Brain, Spinal Cord, & Nerve Disorders: Frequently Asked Questions
What are common symptoms of head, spinal cord, brain and nerve disorders?
Head, spinal cord, brain and nerve disorders produce a broad range of symptoms. Examples of symptoms of specific conditions can be found under their individual headings.
How do doctors diagnose head, spinal cord, brain and nerve disorders?
Doctors may perform a physical and mental examination in order to determine if a person suffers from a head, spinal cord, brain or nerve disorder. To identify specific disorders, doctors may perform tests ranging from reflex exercises to blood tests and spinal taps. A diagnosis may come from one test or may require a variety of tests.
Can any head, spinal cord, brain or nerve disorder be fatal?
Different head, spinal cord, brain and nerve disorders may affect people in different ways. Stroke, cancer and trauma to any component of the head, spinal cord, brain or nerves are considered potentially fatal conditions. Various other conditions can also lead to death.
How do I know if I suffer from a head, spinal cord, brain or nerve disorder?
A doctor may perform a physical examination along with various diagnostic tests as part of a patient's routine check up or in response to a particular complaint to determine if the patient may suffer from a head, spinal cord, brain or nerve disorder. It is important to schedule regular visits to your doctor and to alert the doctor if you believe that you may have a head, spinal cord, brain or nerve disorder.
Can a head, spinal cord, brain or nerve disorder indicate a problem in another part of my body?
A head, spinal cord, brain or nerve disorder may be the result of another problem in the body or the cause of another problem in the body. Doctors are familiar with determining the significance of a head, spinal cord, brain or nerve disorder. A thorough examination of the patient's body, accompanied by other diagnostic tests, can help a physician diagnose any potential problems related to a head, spinal cord, brain or nerve disorder.
Who is at risk of developing head, spinal cord, brain and nerve disorders?
Different head, spinal cord, brain and nerve disorders occur more frequently in different people according to the disease, the individual, and the environment. To read about factors that may increase your risk of developing a head, spinal cord, brain or nerve disorder, see the links on the right side of this page. Also, you should consult a doctor to see if you are at risk of developing a head, spinal cord, brain or nerve disorder.
How many Americans suffer from brain and other central nervous system disorders?
Over 50 million Americans cope with these disorders.
What are some common brain and nervous system disorders affecting Americans?
Stroke, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease are some of the more common disorders. However, this list is not exhaustive.
What causes such disorders?
There are a variety of causes, including, but certainly not limited to, bacterial and viral infections, exposure to toxic substances, and traumatic brain injury (auto accidents and other violent injuries).
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
More ...
.