With more than 3 million newly diagnosed cases in the US annually, this chronic condition includes attention difficulty, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. This is a condition that generally begins in childhood with the potential to carry into adulthood, and can ultimately result in low self-esteem, difficulty focusing at school or work, and strained relationships. It is important to understand that ADHD is not considered a learning disability. Therapy and medications are typical treatments used for this condition.

Also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is an extremely rare nervous system disease, affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, which ultimately impacts muscle control. Unfortunately, there is no cure, however with the proper medication regimen and therapy, ALS can be slowed and discomfort reduced.

Dementia is a generalized umbrella term that describes a wide range of neurological conditions which affect the brain, and worsen over time, negatively impacting daily life and activities. Dementia results from changes in the brain that cause neurons to stop functioning properly, and eventually die.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, occurring when there is an abnormal buildup of proteins in the brain, as well as a loss of connection among nerve cells. Although there is no treatment that cures Alzheimer’s, there are medications that may temporarily improve or slow the progression of symptoms.
Other forms of dementia include Lewy Body, Frontotemporal, Vascular, and Mixed Dementia.

A sudden onset of facial muscle weakness or paralysis, characterized by facial drooping, which worsens over a 48-hour period. It is thought to be a reaction to a viral infection, affecting cranial nerve VII. This will usually resolve on its own, improving gradually after two weeks. Full recovery usually occurs by month six.

Brain tumors are masses or growths of abnormal cells in the brain and can be either cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). Patients often experience symptoms of blurry vision, confusion, seizures, headaches, loss of balance, and other various complaints. Brain tumor treatment is dependent upon the type, size, and location, however common treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Occurs when the median nerve becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. Major symptoms often include pain in the arm and wrist, accompanied with numbness and tingling. Once rest, ice, and wrist splints have proven to be failed treatments, the next options include cortisone injections and surgery.

This is an overall broad term used to indicate brain disease that alters brain function or structure. There are numerous causes of encephalopathy, however the more common ones include infection, trauma, tumors, strokes, drugs, toxins, and physiologic changes. Patients will often experience a declining ability to reason or concentrate, memory loss, seizures, and personality changes, just to name a few.
When encephalopathy is treated, patients will often make a full recovery, as impaired brain function can often be reversed. The methodology for treatment will depend on the cause of the encephalopathy, and often medications to treat the symptoms, as well as medication and surgery to treat the underlying cause.

Also known as seizure disorder, is the fourth most common neurological disorder, occurring when brain activity becomes disturbed, causing seizures. There are numerous types of seizures, and the symptoms vary widely. Seizures can last from seconds, all the way to minutes. Epilepsy is often treated with medications, helping individuals to become seizure free. When medications fail to control seizures, surgery may be sought as an option.

A rare condition in which fluid build-up occurs in the brain, increasing the size of the ventricles deep within the brain, creating pressure, which can result in damage to the brain. Hydrocephalus is caused by an imbalance in the production and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid.
In adults, common symptoms include headache, coordination/balance issues, memory loss, and visual disturbances. The most common treatment utilized for hydrocephalus is surgical insertion of a shunt, which is a drainage system.

When short-term memory takes a sudden, sharp decline, a person may be demonstrating a symptom of a condition known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Currently, there are no drugs that have been proven to be effective in slowing or preventing MCI. If the cause of MCI is linked to an underlying condition, that condition should be treated, which may ultimately improve overall memory.

Headache disorders are one of the most common disorders of the nervous system and is a disorder characterized by recurrent headaches. There are over 150 different types of headaches divided into two categories: primary and secondary headaches.
Migraine is a common primary headache disorder, generally beginning at puberty, primarily affecting individuals between ages 35-45. There are several different types of migraines, however migraines in general, are divided into four phases: prodrome, aura, headache, and postdrome. There are numerous treatments available for migraine sufferers, including over-the-counter products and prescription medications. In addition, healthcare providers will often recommend various vitamins, minerals, herbs, and home remedies.

A rare condition affecting the central nervous system, occurring when the body’s immune system attacks the protective layer around nerve fibers (myelin). MS causes inflammation and temporary lesions, which can become permanent, interfering with the brain’s ability to signal the rest of the body. Common symptoms of MS include fatigue, difficulty walking, visual and speech disturbances, pain, tremors, and cognitive issues. Currently, there is no cure for MS, however there are treatments, including self-injectables, oral medications, and IV infusions, that help to manage symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

Cramps are caused by muscle spasms, which is involuntary contractions of one or more muscles. Muscle spasms can occur to anyone, at any time. If muscle spasms become unbearable, last for long periods of time, or occur frequently, you should seek the advice of a healthcare professional.

A rare genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle degeneration and weakness due to alterations of a protein called dystrophin, which is responsible for keeping muscle cells intact. There are various forms of muscular dystrophy. While there is no cure, medications and therapy can help slow and manage the symptoms.

These are disorders of the blood vessels that supply the brain and spinal cord with oxygenated blood. The most common symptoms experienced with a neurovascular disorder include numbness, vision and hearing problems, dizziness, headaches, seizures, loss of balance, speech disturbance, and personality changes. Some major neurovascular disorders we treat at USMG include, but are not limited to, arteriovenous malformation, brain aneurysm, carotid artery stenosis, brain hemorrhage, epistaxis, stroke, and TIA. Treatment strategies for these diseases include medications, surgery, endovascular procedures, and microsurgical clipping.

When a person experiences a headache described as beginning in the neck and moving upwards, creating pain on one side of the head, it is often due to a condition called occipital neuralgia, which occurs due to an injury or inflammation of the occipital nerves. The occipital nerves run from the top of the spinal cord through the scalp. There are several medications available for treating occipital neuralgia, as well as the use of a series of steroid injections, with or without botulinum toxin, which will often calm the overactive nerves. Surgical intervention may be recommended for patients who do not respond to non-invasive therapies.

Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder resulting from nerve damage in the brain, resulting in a decrease in dopamine levels. The main symptoms of tremor, rigidity, and weakness are typically how a patient is diagnosed with the disease. Medications, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery, have been proven to help patients manage the disease effectively.

A condition resulting from damage to the peripheral nervous system, characterized by weakness, numbness, and pain, generally occurring in the hands and feet. One main cause of this condition is diabetes, however there are various other causes such as autoimmune disorders, injuries, infections, and exposure to toxins. Common treatments utilized include antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, pain relievers, topical treatments, and physical therapy.

Simply put, seizures are sudden, uncontrollable, electrical disturbances in the brain. It can cause changes in muscle tone (stiffness, twitching, or limping can occur), behaviors, state of awareness, or sensations. There are numerous types of seizures, with each ranging in severity and symptoms. Many seizure disorders can be controlled with the proper medications.

Occurs when there is narrowing of one or more spaces in your spine, resulting in pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves. Depending on where it occurs, the result is often pain, numbness, tingling, and/or weakness in the neck, back, arms, legs, hands, or feet, and in some severe cases, loss of bowel or bladder control. The two most common places of occurrence are the neck (cervical stenosis) and the lower back (lumbar stenosis). There are both non-surgical and surgical treatments available to treat this condition. Some non-surgical treatments include physical therapy, oral medications, and steroid injections.

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is often referred to as a “mini stroke”, occurring when there is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, and is often an indication of a more major stroke to come. TIA’s are one of the three main types of strokes, along with ischemic and hemorrhagic. It is important for one to know the type of stroke they have suffered, as it directly affects treatment and recovery. Warning signs of a stroke include a sudden onset of numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side of the body, confusion, difficulty speaking, visual loss, and balance difficulty.
Unfortunately, stroke can often result in lasting physical and emotional changes in a patient. Recovery will be dependent upon therapy and support from family and friends. It is important for one to understand and recognize if he or she is at high risk for stroke and the preventative measures that can be taken to avoid suffering a stroke.

TBI’s occur when there is a sudden trauma to the head, causing brain damage. TBI’s generally occur from bumps, blow, jolts, or penetrating objects to the head. TBI’s are classified as three types: mild TBI, often referred to as a concussion, moderate TBI, and severe TBI. Common symptoms experienced with mild TBI’s, or concussions, include headache, confusion, lack of coordination, vomiting, nausea, memory loss, dizziness, and ringing in the ears. With more severe TBI’s patients commonly experience cognitive impairments, including learning difficulties, problem solving issues, concentration difficulty, and memory deficits. It is important to seek prompt medical attention to gain recovery from the trauma.

A rare chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve in the face and is characterized by a sharp shooting or electric pain in the jaw, teeth, or gum region. These attacks usually occur as a sudden onset, and last anywhere from a few seconds to 2 minutes and are triggered by everyday activities such as talking, shaving, or putting on makeup. This condition is diagnosed through a neurological exam, as well as through an MRI. Treatment for trigeminal neuralgia includes the usage of medications, such as anticonvulsants, Botox injections, and surgery.