|
Neurological health issues can be overwhelming and confusing. Because
we believe all health care treatments are a partnership between
physicians and patients, we want you to be informed. Following is
a partial listing of the neurological conditions managed by SGNA,
for further information about each condition, click on the link
provided. Fore information regarding tests and procedures available
through SGNA, click here.
Affecting millions of people in the U.S., epilepsy is the defining term when a seizure disorder has no identifiable cause such as head trauma or brain tumor and is recurring. Many varieties of seizure disorders exist - as well as many new treatment options. Symptoms of seizures and types of seizures are widely varied and include blank stares, brief loss of awareness or appearance of daydreaming with petit mal seizures to rigid, stiff muscle contraction, loss of consciousness and confusion with grand mal seizures. Partial seizures may present as muscle contractions of a specific body part, or abnormal sensations, sweating, automatism and change in personality or consciousness. Diagnostic tools include EEG, MRI, and CAT scan among others. For more information go to www.epilepsyfoundation.org.
From an inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, to unusual daytime
sleepiness, snoring, gagging and stopping breathing during the night,
sleep disorders affect the victim’s health and can also adversely
affect family members sleeping patterns. Sleep disorders are a major
health concern that is often ignored, diagnosis and treatment often
increases quality of life in addition to decreasing other health
risks.
Alzheimer's is a progressive illness leading to memory loss and thinking, reasoning and functioning difficulties. Often mistaken for "getting older" Alzheimer’s is not part of the normal aging process but instead a progressive form of dementia with an unknown cause. For more information: www.AlzheimersDisease.com, www.alz.org, www.alzheimers.org, www.aoa.dhhs.gov, or www.nfcacares.org. A Tifton based support group and respite care is also available at Carousel House, (229)388.1200
A stroke is also known as a "brain attack;" stroke is
when blood supply to the brain is temporarily suspended, resulting
in tissue death and reduced brain function. Positive prognosis is
much greater the quicker medical attention is sought after the onset
of symptoms such as changes in vision, speech pr consciousness;
weakness; vertigo or extreme dizziness. The most common cause of
stroke is arteries clogged by fatty deposits that collect on artery
walls and form plaque; thereby blocking blood flow. Blood clots
can also cause strokes. Post stroke victims experience a wide range
of physical symptoms ranging from mild numbness on one side of the
body to severe loss of movement.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. The median nerve supplies sensation to the thumb-side of the palm, and to the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and the thumb-side of the ring finger. The "pinching" of the nerve results in painful burning, numbness, tingling or other uncomfortable sensations in the affected hand. The nerve enters the hand between the wrist bones and the tough membrane that holds the bones together The space in between is the carpal tunnel. The condition occurs most often in people 30 to 60 years old, and is 5 times more common in women. However, it is not just a condition of the "computer age" as symptoms were reported as early as the 1800’s! Without treatment, this condition can lead to permanent nerve damage in the affected area.
A progressive neurological disorder affecting approximately 400,000 in the United States, with 200 new cases per month diagnosed. For more information contact the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America at 1(800)833-4672; the MS Foundation at 1(800)441-7055; or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at 1(800)FIGHT; or go to www.betaseron.com; www.mspathways.com ; or www.mswatch.com.
This is a progressive disorder characterized by tremors and shaking, rigidity and balance instability. Most commonly diagnosed after age 50, Parkinson’s can occur in younger adults. This disease is the result of deterioration of the nerve cells of the part of the brain that controls muscle movement; however, the reason deterioration begins in not clear. Additional symptoms include: gait changes, difficulty initiating any voluntary movement, inability to resume movement, changes in facial expression – including ability to show expression, voice and speech changes and loss of fine motor skills. For more information go to www.pdf.org.
Characterized by sensations in the lower legs that make the person
uncomfortable unless the legs are moved. The sensation generally
occurs at night, but may also occur during the daytime. The urges
to move the legs while in bed result in decreases quality of sleep
with increased likelihood of falling asleep during the day, and
confusion or slowed thought processes from lack of sleep. For more
information go to www.rls.org.
From migraines to cluster headaches and chronic daily headaches, headache disorders can be very disruptive to everyday life. Cluster headaches are characterized by severe, sudden headache most often during the dreaming part of sleep. Migraines occur most commonly in women and genetically tend to run in families. Symptoms are varied and can include visual changes, difficulty speaking, weakness or numbness. Migraines seem to originate from several sources, such as hereditary, environmental and/or food factors. For more information go to www.imitrex.com, www.migrainesupport.com, or contact the American Council for Headache Education at 1(800)255-2243. Membership is $20 per year and includes a newsletter subscription.
|
