Wise up!
Dementia — which gradually erodes memory, concentration and judgment — affects over 6 million Americans and accounts for more than 100,000 deaths annually.
Symptoms tend to be relatively mild at first and worsen over time. Though there’s no cure for dementia, it’s important to recognize the potential signs because early diagnosis can improve treatment outcomes.
Other life-threatening brain conditions, like stroke and a ruptured aneurysm, have symptoms that appear more abruptly.
It’s important to pay attention to brain health because it significantly influences our ability to think, learn, communicate and make decisions.
“As a neurologist at MIND and the medical director of the stroke program at Henry Ford St John Hospital, I see patients all the time who brush off symptoms,” Dr. Joshua Nass, of the Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders (MIND), told The Post.
“Many times, it is the families who notice first,” he added. “Unfortunately, sometimes it is too late.”
Here are 10 neurological signs that Nass says shouldn’t be dismissed.
Sudden, severe headache
“If you are not a headache person and this is the worst headache of your life, this could be a sign of an aneurysm or bleed, and this should be assessed emergently at the ER,” Nass said.
Some 6.7 million Americans — or 1 in 50 people — are believed to have an unruptured brain aneurysm.
High blood pressure can put stress on blood vessel walls, causing them to thin.
A bulge can develop in the weakened part of the wall. That’s known as an aneurysm.
It can burst if the wall gets stretched too much.
Small, unruptured aneurysms typically don’t cause noticeable symptoms, but larger ones can press on nerves or brain tissue, causing headaches, vision problems or other neurological issues.
Weakness or numbness on one side
“Call 911,” Nass said. “Even if it goes away in a few minutes, this may represent a warning sign for a stroke.”
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted or severely reduced. Brain tissue is deprived of oxygen and nutrients, potentially causing damage or long-term disability.
Weakness or numbness can happen when blood flow to areas of the brain responsible for motor control is compromised.
Slurred speech or trouble speaking
This could also indicate a stroke that damaged areas controlling speech and language.
Abrupt vision changes
“Loss of vision or double vision could range from optic neuritis, stroke or a retinal problem,” Nass said.
Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve, which carries messages from the eyes to the brain so you can see.
Memory changes or confusion
Memory problems and confusion can stem from a range of issues, including metabolic imbalances, infections and dementia.
“With new technology, we can detect dementia earlier, and newer treatment options are available to help prevent or slow down decline,” Nass said.
Persistent dizziness or an off-balance sensation
Talk with a doctor if you experience relentless, room-spinning dizziness that leads to unsteadiness or falls.
“If persistent, this may represent more than an inner ear problem, and brain imaging may be warranted,” Nass advised.
Seizure-like activity
“These are not always full-body convulsions but may be staring spells or muscle jerks,” Nass shared.
“Especially if it’s happening for the first time, a full workup to exclude a brain problem (including a tumor) should be completed.”
Loss of consciousness, like by fainting
“Although this typically may represent a cardiovascular issue, a brain etiology must be excluded,” Nass said.
Some neurological conditions — like a transient ischemic attack or “mini-stroke” — can cause fainting or fainting-like symptoms.
Numbness and tingling in hands or feet
“More commonly, this may represent a neuropathy from vitamin deficiencies or diabetes, although alternative causes such as multiple sclerosis or other spinal cord pathology should be excluded,” Nass said.
Tremors/uncontrollable movements
“Many times we see tremor in the office and it is a benign essential tremor, which can run in families,” Nass said, “but Parkinson’s should be excluded, including other movement disorders.”
Parkinson’s disease patients — there are about a million in the US — tend to experience slow movement, tremors, stiffness and difficulty walking.
