Stroke is a brain attack that occurs when blood vessels leading to a specific part of the brain either get blocked (ischemic stroke) or burst (hemorrhagic stroke). This cuts off supply of nutrients and oxygen to that part of the brain, which creates a disastrous effect leading to a paralysis of one side/ loss of vision/ loss of speech, loss of swallowing etc.. Brain stroke is the third-leading cause of death in India.

The warning signs of stroke include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg especially on one side of the body, sudden confusion or trouble in speaking or understanding, sudden trouble in sight in both or one of the eyes, trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance/ co-ordination, sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Recognizing stroke warning signs and taking assistance from a neurologist can prevent a major disability.

Epilepsy means the tendency to have seizures. It is not a disease but a sign/ symptom of an underlying neurological disorder. Abnormal electric discharge from a group of brain cells results in seizure (fits).

There is no single cause of Epilepsy. The following are some of the identifiable causes of epilepsy –
1. Head injury
2. High fever
3. Brain stroke/ tumor
4. Meningitis
5. Encephalitis
6. Idiopathic (no known cause)

In the elderly, the common neurological diseases are Parkinson’s disease, dementia (Alzheimer’s disease), multi-infarct dementia, stroke, cervical and lumbar spondylitis, peripheral neuropathy etc.

The symptoms and signs of brain tumor are progressive in nature and slow in onset. They include-
1. persistent headache,
2. vomiting,
3. loss of vision,
4. weakness of the limbs,
5. loss of hearing
The symptoms and signs usually depend upon the position of tumor in the brain.