Cluster Headache and Paroxysmal Hemicrania

Cluster headaches are often described as one of the most severe pains known to humans. Also, sometimes it is called “suicide headaches”. This primary neurovascular headache shares a form of cycling and circadian or circannual, in contrast with prominent activation of the cranial parasympathetic autonomic innervation, often around the same time of day.

Meanwhile, Paroxysmal Hemicrania is a problem mostly found in females in a ratio of about 3:1. This is a rare condition that produces similar unilateral pain. It has two forms, including episodic (attacks last from 7 days to 1 year) and chronic (attacks occur for more than 1 year).

The main symptoms include intense pain around one eye or temple, redness in the affected eye, and nasal congestion or drooping eyelid. However, it calls for neurological treatment. Medications like Indomethacin offer relief for Paroxysmal Hemicrania. On the other hand, cluster headaches may require oxygen therapy, nerve stimulation, or preventive medication.

Optic Nerve Lesions

Optic nerves are responsible for carrying visual information from your eyes to your brain. Even minor damage to an optic nerve results in abnormality in visual sensory function, causing vision loss, blurriness, or colour perception issues. Optic neuropathies can detect a number of visual fields, including a central scotoma, an altitudinal defect, an arcuate visual field defect, a cecocentral scotoma, and a temporal or nasal hemianopic defect.

This condition may traumatise individuals struggling with it or lead to multiple sclerosis (MS). In the worst-case scenarios, it leads to a deadly tumour.

Fact 😯: The early detection, started within two weeks of onset, of optic neuritis can restore up to 90% of lost vision.

The neurological treatment for this condition consists of Corticosteroids for inflammation, Vitamin B12 supplements for nerve health, vision therapy, and physiotherapy to rebuild eye-brain coordination.

Dizziness and Vertigo

Vertigo refers to the sensation that your surroundings are spinning. It is an unpleasant distortion of static gravitational orientation. It can be triggered by inner ear issues, nerve inflammation, or even brain stem lesions. In addition, this syndrome is characterised by neurological symptoms involving perceived vertigo, nystagmus, ataxia, imbalance, nausea, and lightheadedness.

A complete treatment for dizziness and vertigo includes:

➔ Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT): A specialised version of physiotherapy that retains the balance system.

➔ Medications: Betahistine is best for inner ear issues.

➔ Hydration and posture training.

Did You Know 🤔?:

Dizziness and vertigo frequently affect a huge portion of the adult population annually. The prevalence rate of this condition ranges from 15% to over 20%.

If you’re searching for Best physiotherapy near Laxmi Nagar, you need to look for clinics that specialise in vestibular physiotherapy to manage chronic dizziness effectively.

The Epilepsies

The Epilepsies refer to the continuous, intermittent, or transient paroxysms of massive or uncontrolled release of neurons that ultimately result in different etiologies and epileptic seizures. Epilepsy is one of the country’s most common neurological disorders, affecting around 10 million people in India.

The most common causes include head trauma, infections, genetic predisposition, or developmental issues. The bummer is, Epilepsy might get confused with other transient alterations of neurological function. The most common problem is its differentiation from syncope and psychogenic attacks.

Treatment for Epilepsy includes:

➔ Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) such as levetiracetam or carbamazepine.

➔ Ketogenic diet for drug-resistant epilepsy.

➔ Surgical intervention in severe cases.

Neurosyphilis

Neurosyphilis has been relatively rare in the last decade. Although it is lesser known, it is a serious condition. The major cause of this neurological condition is untreated syphilis that spreads to the nervous system. Moreover, it leads to irreversible dementia.

In the early stages of syphilis, T. pallidum can be diagnosed in exudates from lesions. Other than that, intravenous penicillin therapy remains the gold standard. Plus, physiotherapy or cognitive therapy is an evidence-based recovery from neurological damage.

Brain Embolism

When a blood clot or another foreign object (such as fat, air, or plaque debris) enters the bloodstream and interferes with a blood vessel in the brain, it can cause a brain embolism, a potentially fatal condition. The blockage ultimately cuts off the oxygen and nutrients the brain needs. As a result, it may cause an embolic stroke. However, an immediate neurological treatment is required because when left ignored, it gets worse, damages the brain, leads to disability, and sometimes death.

Did You Know 🤔?:

In a country like the US, stroke is the #5 cause of death, and lately, stroke has affected nearly 795,000 people.

A stroke happens in minutes; meanwhile, the “FAST” acronym can be useful to spot the signs of stroke. It goes like this:

➔ F (Face): Ask the patient to smile and see if their mouth or eye droops on one side.

➔ A (Arms): Told them to lift both arms. Notice if one of their arm drift downwards.

➔ S (Speech): If an individual’s speech is slurred or unclear, they need immediate intervention from a specialised doctor.

➔ T (Time): If a person shows any of these signs, call for an ambulance immediately.

Idiopathic (Bell’s) Facial Palsy

In 1821, Sir Charles Bell was the first to describe idiopathic facial paralysis. It refers to the sudden or temporary paralysis of the facial muscle on one side. This happens due to the inflammation or compression of the 7th cranial nerve (facial nerve). Other than that, some research suggests it links to viral infections like Herpes Simplex Virus, exposure to cold, diabetes, hypertension, stress or immune response.

This condition is becoming increasingly common these days, affecting around 1 in 60 people during their lifetime. However, individuals aged between 15 and 60 years are more likely to get it.

Fortunately, Corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and improve recovery outcomes, only if given within 72 hours; antiviral medication prevents viral infection, and eye care using lubricating drops prevents the eye from getting dry.

Harmone-Sensitive Headache in Women

Today, many women have increased headache and migraine attacks during the menstrual cycle. This type of headache is often called a menstrual migraine or hormone-sensitive headache. The most common triggers include meal skipping, dehydration, lack of sleep, stress, emotional strain, and caffeine withdrawal.

According to the American Migraine Foundation, about 60% of women suffering from migraines notice a strong connection between their headaches and hormonal changes.

The treatment of menstrual migraine includes reassurance, education, and pharmacologic intervention. To name some, neurological treatment options include NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), Triptans, Hormonal therapy, and Magnesium or Vitamin B2 supplements.

Physiotherapy in hormone-related headaches can make a big difference with cervical spine mobilisation, postural correction exercises, and electrotherapy to reduce inflammation.

Final Words

As we reach the end of the article, it is understandable that neurological disorders are not as complex as you might think. With early diagnosis, proper neurological treatment, and consistent physiotherapy, recovery will knock on your door soon.

Always remember, the human brain has infinite capacity to heal; all it needs is the right guidance.

A neurologist will create a personalised plan of care with a combination of several approaches to manage symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.