Neurological

Dementia is a term used to describe a group of neurological disorders that affect cognitive functioning, memory, and the ability to perform daily activities. It is caused by several underlying diseases or injuries that progressively destroy nerve cells and damage the brain, leading to significant cognitive decline beyond what is expected from normal ageing. Dementia has substantial physical, psychological, social, and economic impacts on individuals, their caregivers, families, and society as a whole.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent, unprovoked seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It affects approximately 50 million people worldwide and can lead to various symptoms, including convulsions, changes in behaviour, and loss of consciousness. Treatment options are available to help manage seizures and improve the quality of life for those living with epilepsy.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder of the neuromuscular junction that causes fluctuating skeletal muscle weakness and fatigability. It most commonly affects ocular, bulbar (facial and swallowing), limb and respiratory muscles; weakness typically worsens with use and improves with rest. The condition is mediated by circulating autoantibodies that impair neuromuscular transmission (most frequently antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor, and less commonly MuSK or other specific antigens) (Narayanaswami et al., 2021)

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised by memory loss, cognitive decline, and changes in behaviour. According to WHO (2023), it is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60–70% of cases. The disease is characterised by the accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain, leading to neurodegeneration and a decline in cognitive function.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease, affecting the central nervous system. In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibres, known as myelin. This damage disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body, leading to various symptoms. While the exact cause of MS is unknown, it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder with possible genetic, environmental, and infectious triggers.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement, balance, and coordination. It is caused by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, leading to a deficiency in dopamine, a neurotransmitter essential for motor control. The exact cause of Parkinson's disease is still unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

A brain aneurysm, also known as a cerebral aneurysm, is a bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain. It occurs when there is a weakness in the wall of a blood vessel, which can cause it to stretch and balloon out. If the aneurysm ruptures, it can lead to a life-threatening condition called a subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Neuropathic pain, or nerve pain, is a chronic condition caused by damage to the nervous system. It is characterised by shooting, stabbing, burning, or electric shock-like sensations and can be challenging to treat. Various factors, such as diabetes, shingles, multiple sclerosis, and injuries, can lead to neuropathic pain.

Vertigo is a condition characterised by a sensation of spinning, swaying, or feeling off balance. It is a type of dizziness in which individuals feel as though they or their surroundings are moving when there is no actual movement. Vertigo can significantly impact daily life, causing difficulty in maintaining balance and performing everyday tasks.

Migraine is a common neurobiological disorder characterised by recurrent attacks of moderate-to-severe headache often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia, sometimes transient neurologic symptoms (aura). Modern pathophysiologic models emphasise cortical spreading depression (a mechanism for aura) and activation of the trigeminovascular system with subsequent release of neuropeptides (including CGRP), rather than a simple “blood-vessel activation” explanation. Attacks typically last 4–72 hours if untreated and are disabling for many people (American Headache Society, 2021).