Neurological diseases (stroke, MS, etc.)

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Diseases can affect the upper motor neuron (brain and spinal cord), and/or the lower motor neuron (from spinal cord down to the muscles). The most diverse neurological conditions differ depending on the cause and location of the damage. Common neurological diseases include stroke, traumatic brain injury, and tetraplegia, to name but a few.

Stroke

According to WHO, stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Secondary damage in stroke survivors can be very diverse, and can impair various body functions.

‘Time is brain’. In the event of an emergency, call emergency services immediately (Europe-wide number 112), perform the FAST test, and follow the instructions of the emergency services centre. It is crucial that the treatment is provided as soon as possible.

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Multiple sclerosis

MS is an autoimmune disease. The symptoms vary depending on where the nerves are damaged. Common symptoms include muscle weakness (paresis), increased muscle tone (spasticity), coordination disorders, sensory disorders, and fatigue (tiredness/exhaustion).

The treatment is primarily pharmacological and is supported by rehabilitative procedures (physiotherapy and electrotherapy).

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Traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury is a damage to the brain caused by external trauma, such as a fall or an accident. Depending on the severity of the injury, a differentiation is made between a concussion, a cerebral contusion, and a brain compression.

The treatment and subsequent rehabilitation after a traumatic brain injury depend on the extent of the injury.

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Tetraplegia

Tetraplegia is damage to the spinal cord, which may cause movement and sensation impairment as well as dysfunction of internal organs.

The treatment depends on the patient. Surgical and conservative procedures are possible. Consistent rehabilitative follow-up care is essential in any case to regain functions and avoid secondary complications.

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Cerebral palsy

Infantile cerebral palsy occurs when the brain of a child is damaged in the womb or in infancy. Symptoms include various movement disorders (such as spasticity, athetosis, or ataxia). Various concomitant symptoms may occur, depending on the location and extent of brain damage.

Regardless of the severity of symptoms, regular therapeutic care and specialist early intervention are recommended.

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Facial nerve palsy

Facial nerve palsy is also called facial paralysis. The symptoms of mostly one-sided facial muscle paralysis include a drooping corner of the mouth, a drooping eyelid, and an immovable forehead. There is usually no facial numbness, but taste perception and/or glandular functions may well be impaired.

It is extremely important to treat long-standing facial nerve palsy (e.g. with speech therapy, electrotherapy).

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Symptoms

Pareses

A paresis results in partially paralysed muscles. Partial paralysis means that the muscle can still be moved, but no longer with full force. This incomplete paralysis can occur as a result of damage to the upper motor neuron (brain/spinal cord) or the lower motor neuron (spinal cord/muscle), often referred to as central or peripheral paresis.

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Spasticity

Spasticity is a medical term to describe the pathological increase in muscle tension (tone). Spasticity is caused by a damage to the brain or spinal cord (upper motor neuron), which leads to increased resistance when moving quickly. Severe spasticity can even lead to impaired mobility and restrictions in daily life.

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Ataxia

Ataxia is a movement disorder in which coordination is impaired. As a result, movements look grossly motorised, i.e. they are uncontrolled and erratic. Ataxia can be caused by damage to the upper or lower motor neuron. It can affect the extremities (arms/legs), the trunk or the eyes and results in difficulties when walking, standing or gripping.

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Plegias

A plegia describes the condition of a completely paralysed muscle. This means that the muscle can no longer be tensed at all. It usually occurs as a result of serious damage to the nerves supplying the muscle (upper or lower motor neuron). Intensive rehabilitation (physiotherapy, ergotherapy, electrotherapy) is important to build up the muscles. However, a plegia can rarely be completely reversed.

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Muscle atrophy

Muscle loss, known in technical terms as muscle atrophy, is a loss of muscle mass. The muscles visibly deteriorate, which limits mobility in the affected area. Muscle atrophy may be caused by prolonged immobilisation, for example, in a plaster cast, or by neuromuscular diseases. The cause is treated where possible. However, the treatment should also involve consistent rehabilitation (occupational therapy, physiotherapy, electrotherapy, and speech therapy if required).

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Drop foot

Drop foot is a symptom that describes a limited ability to lift one’s foot. This limitation is caused by reduced muscle strength due to paralysis (paresis). This paralysis can be caused by damage to the upper motor neuron (for example, in the case of a stroke), or the lower motor neuron (for example, in the case of a herniated disc).

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Neurology

Neurology is a branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of diseases of the nervous system.

Stroke

Multiple sclerosis

Traumatic brain injury

Tetraplegia

Cerebral palsy

Facial nerve palsy

Symptoms

Pareses

Spasticity

Ataxia

Plegias

Muscle atrophy

Drop foot