Neurological conditions have now become the leading cause of ill health and disability globally. The overall burden of disability, illness, and premature mortality (known as disability-adjusted life years, DALYs) due to neurological conditions has surged by 18% since 1990.
This was discovered by a recent significant study published by The Lancet Neurology, which further revealed that in 2021, over 3 billion individuals worldwide were living with a neurological condition. The analysis of the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factor Study (GBD) 2021 data was facilitated by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The study named the top ten neurological conditions contributing to health loss in 2021 as stroke, neonatal encephalopathy, migraine, dementia, diabetic neuropathy, meningitis, epilepsy, neurological complications from preterm birth, autism spectrum disorder, and nervous system cancers. Here's a brief explanation for each of the neurological conditions mentioned:
Stroke
Every year, 15 million people suffer a stroke across the world, out of which 5 million die and another 5 million are left permanently disabled. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, leading to damage to brain cells. The most modifiable risk factors of a stroke are smoking and high blood pressure.
It can result in various symptoms such as sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, and sudden severe headache. Prompt medical attention is crucial to minimise brain damage and improve outcomes.
Neonatal Encephalopathy
Neonatal encephalopathy refers to a condition in newborns characterised by abnormal brain function, often due to factors like oxygen deprivation during birth, infections, or genetic disorders. It can lead to developmental delays, seizures, and neurological impairments.
Migraine
Migraine is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent, severe headaches often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. It can significantly impact daily life and may require medication and lifestyle changes for management. It can be triggered by alcohol and certain foods.
Dementia
Dementia is a progressive decline in cognitive function (thinking, memory, and reasoning) severe enough to interfere with daily activities. Common types include Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia. The most common causes of dementia are brain injury, trauma, and old age. Early diagnosis and management strategies can help improve quality of life for individuals with dementia.
Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur in individuals with diabetes. It affects the nerves in various parts of the body, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness, particularly in the feet and hands. Proper diabetes management is crucial to prevent or slow down neuropathic complications.
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Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can be caused by viral, bacterial, or fungal infections and presents with symptoms such as headache, fever, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light. Prompt treatment is essential, especially for bacterial meningitis, to prevent serious complications.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures, which are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. Seizure types and severity can vary widely, and management typically involves medications, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes surgical interventions.
Neurological Complications from Preterm Birth
Babies born prematurely are at risk of various neurological complications due to underdeveloped brain and organ systems. These complications can include cerebral palsy, developmental delays, learning disabilities, and vision or hearing impairments.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
ASD is a developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behaviour. It is characterised by a range of symptoms and varying degrees of impairment, from mild to severe. Early intervention and behavioural therapies can help individuals with ASD lead fulfilling lives.
Nervous System Cancers
This category encompasses various types of cancers that affect the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Examples include gliomas, meningiomas, neuroblastomas, and spinal cord tumours. Treatment options depend on the type and stage of the cancer and may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies.
The Lancet study stressed the importance of understanding, valuing, and safeguarding brain health from early childhood to later stages of life. The researchers in the end examined 20 modifiable risk factors that have the potential to prevent such neurological conditions. They found thata ddressing key risk factors like high systolic blood pressure, ambient and household air pollution, lead exposure, and high fasting plasma glucose levels could significantly reduce the burden of these conditions. Smoking was identified as a significant contributor to the risk of stroke, dementia, and multiple sclerosis.