3 Possible Reasons Neurological Disease Symptoms Worsen
Millions of people are diagnosed with a neurological disorder each year. Some are mild, like headaches, while strokes, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia are life-altering and often severe. Though the effects of these issues vary, there are 3 possible reasons neurological disease symptoms worsen. Avoiding these can help slow the progression of the condition you’re dealing with.
Neurological disease care is also available for those interested in reducing the physical and mental symptoms of these disorders. Depending on the needs, the treatment may involve physical, occupational, cognitive, and rehab therapies. Fun activities are another essential aspect to boost mood and creativity while reducing stress. To learn more about what causes deteriorating neurological disease symptoms, keep reading.
Reasons Your Neurological Disease Symptoms Worsen
The symptoms of neurological diseases vary in severity, depending on the condition and cause. Of course, a few factors may contribute to how quickly the disorder progresses. The 3 most common influences include medication changes, lifestyle changes, or inflammation.
1. Medication changes
Medication is designed to alleviate issues, though some meds can also exacerbate neurological conditions. Two options have recently been linked to a higher risk of dementia, causing side effects like confusion and memory issues.
The first is anticholinergics, which includes drugs for allergies, colds, high blood pressure, depression, and incontinence. Benzodiazepines are the second risky medication, usually prescribed to treat anxiety or sleep issues.
Both medications are helpful for the conditions they are prescribed for when used short-term. Unfortunately, prolonged use may come with higher risks, including causing your neurological disease symptoms to worsen. To avoid such issues, it’s best to limit anticholinergics and benzodiazepines. Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns about either medication.
2. Lifestyle changes
Evidence has shown that a healthy lifestyle reduces the chances of neurological conditions. Occasionally straying from such habits likely won’t have long-term effects, but significant lifestyle changes are known to.
For instance, physical activity and proper nutrition reduce the risk of neurological conditions. Altering these habits by reducing exercise levels and ingesting more fat and sugar causes several issues. As well as obesity, cardiovascular problems, and diabetes, neurological diseases, such as stroke or Parkinson’s, become more likely.
Other lifestyle changes include higher stress, reduced sleep, and more frequent use of tobacco and alcohol. The more negative lifestyle changes you incorporate into your routine, the higher the risk of severe neurological disease symptoms.
3. Inflammation
When injuries occur, the immune system sends white blood cells to the affected area. These surround the injury, protecting it while the body recovers, often causing swelling, redness, and warmth. For short-term injuries, like a cut or bruise, the inflammation is short-lived, so likely won’t cause your neurological disease symptoms to worsen.
Chronic inflammation causes the same quick response from the immune system, though it has long-term consequences. Instead of protecting an injured area, white blood cells attack the healthy tissues and organs around it.
For those with chronic conditions like obesity or arthritis, the inflammation can travel throughout the body. Prolonged attacks of inflammation destroy the tissue it’s meant to heal, increasing the symptoms of neurological conditions.
Resources:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/two-types-of-drugs-you-may-want-to-avoid-for-the-sake-of-your-brain
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6921346/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871676/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/playing-with-the-fire-of-inflammation
This article is for educational and informational purpose only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. For any questions about your own health condition, speak to a qualified physician or healthcare provider.
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