Five Subtle Signs Of A Neurological Problem That Patients Often Overlook

Diseases that affect the nervous system, from multiple sclerosis to brain tumors, can be devastating. While each neurological disease does have its unique qualities, they all have one thing in common: the earlier the condition is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat or manage. The problem is, many early signs of neurological conditions are pretty subtle and easily overlooked. So, patients don't realize anything is wrong or think to see a doctor until the condition is more advanced.

Whether you're young, old, or somewhere in between, keep an eye out for these subtle signs of a neurological condition:

Clumsiness

If you suddenly feel like you're always bumping into things or stumbling over your own feet, this could be an early sign of a neurological condition. Various nerves and portions of your brain play a role in your perception of where your body parts are. When these nerves start misfiring or slowing down, your bodily awareness may decrease, which leads to clumsiness. 

Dropping Things

Similar to clumsiness, frequently dropping things can be an early sign of disease. You may feel like you suddenly forgot something was in your hand, or you may go to grab something and miss. Dropping something every once in a while is not a reason to be concerned, but if you find yourself dropping multiple items per day, or finding it impossible not to drop things even when you're careful, it is time to call the doctor.

Tinging Extremeties

People often pass off tingling in their feet or hands as a side effect of cold weather or of grasping something too tightly. But when this happens for seemingly no reason, it may be a sign of a peripheral nerve disease or a tumor pressing on a certain area of the brain related to touch and sensation.

Mysterious Burning Sensations

If you feel a burning sensation that comes and goes, whether it's in your extremities or in a limb, this could be a sign of a neurological condition. In some patients, it's actually more of a cold-like sensation than burning.

Sensitivity to Touch

Are you suddenly finding that you don't like when people touch you or when your clothes brush against your body? Do you flinch when something touches you unexpectedly? These are both signs of sensitivity to touch, which can be a sign of peripheral nerve diseases, in particular. The sensitivity tends to worsen over time. 

Contact a nervous system specialist for more information and assistance. 


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