Nervous System Problems (update in progress JN)

Topic Overview

The nervous system is a complex, highly specialized network. It organizes, explains, and directs interactions between you and the world around you. The nervous system controls:

• Sight, hearing, taste, smell, and feeling (sensation).
• Voluntary and involuntary functions, such as movement, balance, and coordination. The nervous system also regulates the actions of most other body systems, such as blood flow and blood pressure.
• The ability to think and reason. The nervous system allows you to be conscious and have thoughts, memories, and language.

The nervous system is divided into the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system, or CNS) and the nerve cells that control voluntary and involuntary movements (peripheral nervous system, or PNS).

The symptoms of a nervous system problem depend on which area of the nervous system is involved and what is causing the problem. Nervous system problems may occur slowly and cause a gradual loss of function (degenerative), or they may occur suddenly and cause life-threatening problems (acute). Symptoms may be mild or severe. Some serious conditions, diseases, and injuries that can cause nervous system problems include:

• Blood supply problems (vascular disorders).
• Injuries (trauma), especially injuries to the head and spinal cord.
• Problems that are present at birth (congenital).
• Mental health problems, such as anxiety disorders, depression, or psychosis.
• Exposure to toxins, such as carbon monoxide, arsenic, or lead.
• Problems that cause a gradual loss of function (degenerative). Examples include:
  • Parkinson's disease.
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
  • Alzheimer's disease.
  • Huntington's disease.
  • Peripheral neuropathies.
• Infections. These may occur in the:
  • Brain (encephalitis or abscesses).
  • Membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).
  • Sinuses (sinusitis), which only rarely spread into brain tissue.
• Overuse of or withdrawal from prescription and nonprescription medicines, illegal drugs, or alcohol.
• A brain tumor.
• Organ system failure. Examples include:
  • Respiratory failure.
  • Heart failure.
  • Liver failure (hepatic encephalopathy).
  • Kidney failure (uremia).
• Other conditions. Some examples include:
  • Thyroid dysfunction (overactive or underactive thyroid).
  • High blood sugar (diabetes) or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
  • Electrolyte problems.
  • Nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin B1 (thiamine) or vitamin B12 deficiency.
  • Guillain-Barré syndrome.

A sudden (acute) nervous system problem can cause many different symptoms, depending on the area of the nervous system involved. Stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) are common examples of acute problems. You may experience the sudden onset of one or more symptoms, such as:

• Numbness, tingling, weakness, or inability to move a part or all of one side of the body (paralysis).
• Dimness, blurring, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
• Loss of speech, trouble talking, or trouble understanding speech.
• Sudden, severe headache.
• Dizziness, unsteadiness, or the inability to stand or walk, especially if other symptoms are present.
• Confusion or a change in level of consciousness or behavior.
• Severe nausea or vomiting.

Seizures can also cause sudden changes in consciousness, feeling (sensation), emotion, or thought. Abnormal body movements, such as muscle twitching, may or may not be present. How often the seizures occur and how severe they are depend on the cause of the seizures and the area of the brain involved. For more information, see the topic Seizures.

Diabetes can cause problems with balance, either as a result of peripheral neuropathy or stroke.

Vertigo and dizziness are problems of balance and coordination (equilibrium). Vertigo is often caused by a medicine or a problem of the inner ear or brain. Emotional distress, dehydration, blood pressure problems, and other diseases can all cause feelings of dizziness. For more information, see the topic Dizziness: Lightheadedness and Vertigo

Most headaches are not caused by serious central nervous system problems. The pain that comes with a headache can range from a throbbing or a piercing pain, such as with a migraine, to severe pain that comes and goes over several days, such as with cluster headaches. Headaches are usually caused by problems with the sinuses, scalp, or muscles of or around the head. For more information, see the topic Headaches.

Review the Emergencies and Check Your Symptoms sections to determine if and when you need to see a doctor.

Emergencies

Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Breathing stops for longer than 30 seconds. After calling 911 , begin rescue breathing. Go to Rescue Breathing in the topic Dealing With Emergencies.
• Unconsciousness that lasts for longer than 1 minute
• Sudden, severe pain in the head ("the worst headache I've ever had")
• Sudden onset of headache, nausea, and vomiting with an inability to walk or stand
• Ongoing confusion or a change in level of consciousness or behavior
• Sudden, persistent loss of movement or muscle weakness in one part or all of one side of the body
• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
• Sudden, persistent difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Seizures. Protect the victim from harm during the seizure.

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms or conditions, evaluate those symptoms first.

• Confusion, memory loss, altered behavior, babbling speech, or decreased alertness: Go to the topic Confusion, Memory Loss, and Altered Alertness.
• Generalized muscle weakness or body fatigue: Go to the topic Weakness and Fatigue.
• Headaches: Go to the topic Headaches.
• Changes in vision: Go to the topic Eye Problems, Noninjury.
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, loss of balance, or a whirling sensation: Go to the topic Dizziness: Lightheadedness and Vertigo.
• Nervous system problems that began after a head injury: Go to the topic Head Injury, Age 4 and Older or Head Injury, Age 3 and Younger.
• A seizure: Go to the topic Seizures.

Yes

Have you had a temporary loss of function?

See significance of a temporary loss of function if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you had temporary numbness?

Yes

Have you had a temporary inability to move (paralysis) part or all of one side of the body?

Yes

Have you had temporary confusion or changed behavior?

Yes

Have you had a temporary inability to speak, difficulty speaking, or difficulty understanding speech?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Do you have a persistent nervous system problem, such as a tremor or lack of coordination?

See significance of a persistent nervous system problem if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have a new, persistent tremor?

Yes

Do you have a new, persistent lack of coordination?

Yes

Do you have persistent progressive weakness?

Yes

Is your persistent nervous system problem worse since it was evaluated by a doctor?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Do you have an occasional tremor or lack of coordination?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Do you think your nervous system problem may be caused by a medicine?

See significance of a medicine causing nervous system problems if you need information to help you answer the question below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Do you think your nervous system problem may be caused by a medicine?

If your answer is Yes:

• Call the doctor who prescribed the medicine the same day to determine whether you should stop taking the medicine or take a different one. An appointment may not be needed.
• If you are taking a medicine not prescribed by a doctor, stop taking it. Call your doctor if you feel you need to keep taking the medicine or if you need help to control your symptoms after you stop the medicine.

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Numbness, tingling, or specific muscle weakness: Go to the topic that most closely describes where these symptoms are felt. If symptoms are felt in:
  • An arm: Go to the topic Arm Problems, Noninjury or Arm Injuries.
  • A leg: Go to the topic Leg Problems, Noninjury or Leg Injuries.
  • A foot or ankle: Go to the topic Toe, Foot, and Ankle Problems, Noninjury or Toe, Foot, and Ankle Injuries.
  • A hip: Go to the topic Hip Problems and Injuries, Age 12 and Older or Hip Problems and Injuries, Age 11 and Younger.
  • A hand or wrist: Go to the topic Finger, Hand, and Wrist Problems, Noninjury or Finger, Hand, and Wrist Injuries.
  • A shoulder: Go to the topic Shoulder Problems and Injuries.
  • The face: Go to the topic Facial Problems, Noninjury or Facial Injuries.
• For symptoms that occur with a fever: Go to the topic Fever, Age 4 and Older or Fever, Age 3 and Younger.
• Sudden loss of hearing or ringing in the ears (tinnitus): Go to the topic Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus).

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

Home Treatment

Specific home treatment for symptoms related to a nervous system problem depends on the cause of the problem. Review the Check Your Symptoms section to determine if and when you need to see your doctor. If you do not need to see your doctor immediately, keep a diary of your symptoms to review with your doctor at your next appointment. See an example of a diary of symptoms(What is a PDF document?).

See the Home Treatment section of appropriate topics listed in Related Information for home treatment recommendations.

Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment

If your symptoms become more frequent or severe during home treatment, use the Check Your Symptoms section to evaluate the symptoms.

Prevention

Follow the prevention guidelines below:

• Eat a balanced diet. A balanced, low-fat diet with ample sources of vitamins B6, B12, and folate will help protect the nervous system. Make sure that your diet contains lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Drink plenty of water and other fluids. This helps prevent dehydration, which can cause confusion and memory problems.
  • To prevent dehydration during hot weather and exercise, drink 8 to 10 glasses of water, rehydration drinks, or other fluids each day.
  • Drink extra water before, during, and after exercise. Take a container of water or sports drink with you when you exercise and try to drink at least every 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Use a sports drink, such as Gatorade or Powerade, if you will be exercising for longer than 1 hour.
  • Limit your intake of caffeinated drinks, such as coffee and colas, which increase dehydration and can affect sleep.
• Exercise regularly. Talk to your doctor about an exercise plan that will be right for you.
• Do not smoke or use other tobacco products.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Do not use alcohol or illegal drugs, which can affect functioning long after use.
• Take care of health conditions that may cause decreased nervous system functioning, such as:
  • Diabetes.
  • High blood pressure.
• Have your hearing or vision tested. When you do not hear or see well, it is difficult for your brain to record information.
• Set priorities and concentrate on one thing at a time. Older adults have a harder time than younger people giving their attention to more than one activity.
• Increase your attention span and ability to focus by learning new skills.
• Keep written notes. Write all your plans on a calendar where you can look at them often.
• Use a medicine box with spaces for each day. This will help you remember when to take your medicines. Take your medicines exactly as they are prescribed.
• Decrease your use of nonprescription medicines. Overuse of medicines may be the single biggest cause of nervous system problems in older adults.
• Develop a positive attitude about your abilities. Reject the notion that nervous system (neurological) functioning declines with age.
• Protect yourself from head injuries.
• Prevent falls in your home.

Preparing For Your Appointment

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• What is your main symptom?
• When did you first notice your nervous system problem, and what were you doing at the time?
• How often have you had these symptoms?
• What area of your body is most affected?
• How long do the symptoms last?
• Do you have pain? If so, what is it like (dull, sharp, aching, throbbing)? It may be helpful to keep a pain diary(What is a PDF document?).
• What seems to make your symptoms better or worse?
• Do you have other symptoms? Other symptoms may include:
  • Vision loss.
  • Weakness.
  • Lack of coordination.
• Do you use alcohol or illegal drugs?
• What prescription and nonprescription medicines do you take, and what are the doses? Bring all of your medicines with you to your next appointment.
• Have you had a recent illness or injury?
• Does anyone in your family have similar symptoms?
• Have you recently traveled outside of the country?
• Do you have any health risks?

Related Information

• Alcohol and Drug Problems
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Arm Problems, Noninjury
• Confusion, Memory Loss, and Altered Alertness
• Dizziness: Lightheadedness and Vertigo
• Eye Problems, Noninjury
• Facial Injuries
• Facial Problems, Noninjury
• Fever Seizures
• Fever, Age 3 and Younger
• Fever, Age 4 and Older
• Finger, Hand, and Wrist Injuries
• Finger, Hand, and Wrist Problems, Noninjury
• Head Injury, Age 3 and Younger
• Head Injury, Age 4 and Older
• Headaches
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson's Disease
• Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus)
• Seizures
• Shoulder Problems and Injuries
• Stroke
• Toe, Foot, and Ankle Injuries
• Toe, Foot, and Ankle Problems, Noninjury
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
• Type 1 Diabetes
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Weakness and Fatigue