The following 5 disorders are rare conditions that require treatment by a neurologist.
Angelman Syndrome
According to the Angelman Syndrome Foundation, 1 in 15,000 people are born with Angelman syndrome. This rare neurogenetic disorder affects everything from the ability to speak and communicate to stiff and jerky limb movements. Other symptoms include developmental delay, microcephaly and excessive drooling. The children are known for their copious laughter and fascination with water. Neurologists are needed to treat the seizures, which occur in about 90 percent of patients. In many cases, the seizures can become very severe.
Barth syndrome
Barth syndrome is a rare neuromuscular disorder with a genetic component. It is passed from mothers to sons and affects the X chromosome. The Barth Syndrome Foundation reports that boys with the disorder are often of below-average weight and height and exhibit both muscle weakness and increased fatigue with exertion. Some other symptoms that are common in individuals with this syndrome include hypoglycemia, learning disabilities and diarrhea. Proper monitoring by a Neurologist in Dubai well as a few other specialists is the best way to ensure a longer and more productive life.
Cushing’s Syndrome
Although Cushing’s syndrome is classified as an endocrine disorder, symptoms also occur that require treatment by a neurologist. These include neuromuscular problems and memory impairment. In this disorder, the body produces an excess of cortisol that affects the body in a variety of ways. Many sufferers are clinically obese, have high blood pressure and feel fatigued. The Pituitary Network Association states that between 10 and 15 people per million suffer from Cushing’s syndrome. Most are women, who have additional symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles and above-average body hair.
Hallervorden-Spatz disease
Hallervorden-Spatz disease, which is both a genetic and neurological disorder, involves neurodegeneration, which is the deterioration of neurons over time. Symptoms include problems coordinating movements, muscle spasms and seizures. The older a person gets, the more symptoms may occur. Vision problems are common, speech is harder to understand, and disorientation and dementia creep in. Although symptoms manifest differently in each person, a neurologist can recommend appropriate therapies, such as speech and physical therapy. These help maintain abilities for as long as possible.
Machado-Joseph disease
Machado-Joseph disease, a rare inherited ataxia, has symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease. Features of this particular disease include difficulty chewing and swallowing, awkward-looking movements, and abnormal postures. The severity of symptoms is determined by the DNA code. If a person has prolonged repetitive expansions, they tend to show more features of the disease. Although anyone can be affected by the disease, it is most common in people of Portuguese/Azorean descent, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
If a neurological disorder is suspected, it is best to make an appointment with a specialist immediately to receive treatment and diagnosis. The sooner the diagnosis is made, the sooner treatment and medical care can begin to ensure the best possible prognosis.
