Symptoms of illness affecting the nervous system can vary widely, but often include tremors, seizures, pain (especially in the back radiating to extremities), muscle weakness or wasting, and speech or language difficulties.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Motor Symptoms
- Tremors: Involuntary shaking, often in the hands, arms, or legs.
- Seizures: Uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain that can cause convulsions, loss of consciousness, or altered awareness.
- Muscle Weakness (Paresis) or Paralysis: Difficulty moving or complete loss of movement in a part of the body.
- Muscle Wasting (Atrophy): Reduction in muscle mass due to lack of use or nerve damage.
- Incoordination (Ataxia): Difficulty with balance and coordination, leading to unsteady gait.
- Spasticity: Increased muscle tone and stiffness, making movement difficult.
Sensory Symptoms
- Pain: Can be localized or widespread, and may include headaches, back pain, or nerve pain (neuralgia). Back pain radiating down the leg (sciatica) is a common example of nerve involvement.
- Numbness or Tingling (Paresthesia): Loss of sensation or abnormal sensations like pins and needles.
- Vision Problems: Blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision.
- Hearing Loss or Tinnitus: Reduced hearing ability or ringing in the ears.
- Loss of Smell or Taste: Reduced or absent sense of smell or taste.
Cognitive and Behavioral Symptoms
- Memory Loss: Difficulty remembering recent events or past information.
- Confusion: Disorientation and difficulty thinking clearly.
- Speech Problems: Slurred speech (dysarthria), difficulty finding the right words (aphasia), or difficulty understanding language. New language impairment, either expressive (difficulty speaking) or receptive (difficulty understanding), can be a key sign.
- Changes in Personality or Behavior: Irritability, depression, anxiety, or other mood changes.
- Difficulty with Concentration: Trouble focusing or paying attention.
Other Symptoms
- Headaches: Can be mild to severe, and may be accompanied by other symptoms like nausea or vomiting.
- Dizziness or Vertigo: Feeling lightheaded, unsteady, or like the room is spinning.
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and lack of energy.
- Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia, excessive sleepiness, or restless legs syndrome.
- Bowel or Bladder Dysfunction: Difficulty controlling bowel movements or urination.
It's important to remember that these symptoms can be caused by a variety of conditions, and it's crucial to consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they are new, severe, or worsening, seek medical attention promptly.
