Neurological Center: Your GoodRx Guide

What are neurologic diseases?

Neurological diseases are health conditions that affect your nervous system, like your brain, spinal cord, and nerves. They cause problems with how you move, think, and feel. 

There are more than 600 different neurological diseases. Some of the most well-known are:

• Epilepsy

• Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia

• Migraines and other headaches

• Multiple sclerosis

• Parkinson’s disease

• Meningitis

• Brain tumor

• Stroke

• Traumatic brain injury

• Spina bifida

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Cerebral palsy

• Sleep disorders

• Sciatica

• Myasthenia gravis

• Neurodevelopmental disorders

Neurological diseases can affect your body in many different ways. They can:

• Damage your brain, spinal cord, and nerves

• Make it hard for your nervous system to communicate effectively

• Cause parts of your nervous system to work incorrectly, or even die

• Cause problems in other parts of your body that rely on the nervous system

• Cause problems with how you think, move, and behave

Some neurologic diseases can be temporary, like an infection or concussion. But many neurologic diseases don’t have a cure and can be a lifelong problem. 

Beyond Alzheimer’s: The 5 Most Common Types of Dementia

Written by Shane McCarthy, DO

What does the nervous system do?

The nervous system controls most of your mental and physical health. It communicates with your whole body to keep everything working correctly, and allows you to interact with the world around you. 

The two main parts of your nervous system are:

• Central nervous system: This is your brain and spinal cord. 

• Peripheral nervous system: These are the nerves that branch off from your spinal cord, and go to all of your organs and tissues. They connect the central nervous system to the rest of your body. 

Your nervous system has many important jobs. These include: 

• Memory and learning

• Thoughts and feelings

• Sensations, such as sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell

• Body movements

• Balance and coordination

• Controlling basic body functions, like breathing, blood circulation, and digestion

• Sleeping and waking up

• Monitoring hunger and thirst

• Managing stress in your body

• Helping your body respond to injury or infection

What Are the 12 Cranial Nerves and Their Functions?

Written by Meg Burke, MD

What causes neurological disease?

It depends. Some neurological diseases have a clear cause — like an infection or injury. Here are some things that can directly cause neurological problems:

• Injuries

• Malnutrition

• Vitamin deficiencies

• Genetic abnormalities

• Infections

• Lack of oxygen supply to the brain

• Environmental toxins

But other times, the cause isn’t so clear. This is true for many neurological diseases, like autoimmune disorders or Alzheimer’s. In these cases it seems that a combination of many different things leads to disease, including your: 

• Family history (genetics)

• Environment

• Life experiences

• Lifestyle choices 

• Other medical conditions

No matter the cause, neurological diseases are common. Hundreds of millions of people around the world have neurological diseases. And in the United States, these diseases seem to be affecting more people now than ever before. About 3 out of every 5 people in the United States have at least one neurological disease.  

Doctor Decoded: Genetic vs. Hereditary

Written by Lauren Smith, MA

What are the symptoms of a neurological disorder?

Neurological disorders can have many different symptoms. After all, remember that there are more than 600 different types of neurological disorders. 

Common symptoms of many neurological disorders include:

• Headaches

• Vision problems

• Fatigue

• Numbness or tingling sensations

• Coordination problems

• Muscle weakness or stiffness

• Trouble speaking clearly

• Tremor

• Behavioral or emotional changes

• Memory problems or confusion

• Sleep problems

• Pain in your back, neck, or head

• Seizures

Symptoms will depend on your age, your overall health, and what type of disorder you have. Symptoms can also change over time. Sometimes, they start suddenly. Other times, they come on gradually over many years, or even decades.   

If you notice any of these symptoms — or if you’re concerned about neurological problems — it’s a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider. They can help determine whether you might have a neurological disorder, or if something else could be causing your symptoms. 

10 Early Signs of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Written by Cherilyn Cecchini, MD

How are neurological diseases diagnosed?

Neurological diseases are diagnosed by a healthcare provider. If you’re having symptoms, talk with your doctor. They can meet with you to discuss your problems, and help to figure out what’s causing them. 

Your healthcare provider will start with an interview and physical exam. This helps your doctor to understand your symptoms, and to see how your body moves and functions. 

Your healthcare provider might suggest additional tests that can help with diagnosis, including:

• Blood tests

• Urine tests

• Spinal tap (lumbar puncture)

• CT scan or MRI

• Electroencephalogram (EEG)

• Electromyography (EMG)

• Neuropsychological testing

If you’re seeing a primary care provider, they might also send you to see a neurologist. A neurologist is a doctor who’s specially trained to identify and treat neurological diseases. 

Keep in mind that some neurological disorders can be easy to diagnose, like a head injury or migraine. But other times, it can take a while to figure out exactly what’s going on, especially if you have a rare condition or you need to have more in-depth testing. 

Common Blood Tests: Your GoodRx Guide

Written by Jill L. Jaimes, MD

How do you treat neurological diseases?

When it comes to neurological diseases, treatment isn’t one size fits all. The right treatment for you will depend on your unique symptoms, your other medical problems, and what type of neurological disease you have. 

Some treatments can help manage symptoms of neurological disease, like pain. Other treatments can help to prevent symptom flare-ups, slow down your disease, or sometimes even offer a cure. 

Treatments for neurological disorders include:

• Prescription medications

• Over-the-counter (OTC) medications

• Electrical nerve stimulation

• Surgery

• Physical therapy

• Occupational therapy

• Orthopedic devices, like braces or splints

• Cognitive behavioral therapy

Social and emotional support goes a long way, too. Many people with long-term neurological disease find it’s helpful to work with a therapist, or join a support group.  

Physical Therapy vs. Occupational Therapy

Written by Kim Grundy, PT

How can you prevent neurological disease?

You can’t always prevent neurologic disease. But there are many things you can do to keep your nervous system as healthy as possible:

• Avoid smoking. Smoking is hard on your body, including your brain. 

• Stay active. Regular exercise is good for your brain health, and may even lower your risk for some neurological disorders — including dementia. 

• Wear a helmet. Wearing a helmet while biking, skiing, or playing other sports can protect you from serious brain injuries. 

• Cut down on alcohol use. Alcohol can lead to many different health problems, including brain damage.  

• Eat a nutritious diet. Eating nutritious foods and following a plant-based diet may help to keep your whole body healthy, including your nervous system. 

• Get plenty of sleep. Not getting enough sleep is linked to some types of neurological problems. 

• Keep your brain active. Keeping your brain stimulated with puzzles, classes, and new activities can help your brain stay healthy as you age. 

• Stay connected with others. Being engaged in your community and connecting with friends and family can help to keep your brain healthy. 

5 Brain-Boosting Rules for a Sharper Mind for Life

Written by Lauren Smith, MA