Long Term Neurological Conditions Information
What is a Neurological Condition? Neurological conditions are a group of disorders that involve any part of the nervous system. They result from damage to the brain, spinal column or nervous system caused by illness or injury. Many of the exact causes of neurological conditions are not yet known.
Long term neurological conditions can be broadly categorised as follows:
Long term neurological conditions can be broadly categorised as follows:
- Sudden onset conditions usually due to trauma, for example a head injury or spinal cord injury, followed by a partial recovery.
- Intermittent and Unpredictable conditions, for example epilepsy, certain types of headaches or early multiple sclerosis, where relapses and remissions lead to a marked variation in care needed.
- Progressive conditions eg motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s disease or later stages of multiple sclerosis. The rate of progression can vary.
- Stable neurological conditions but with changing needs due to development or ageing eg post polio syndrome or cerebral palsy in adults.
Onset and Diagnosis
You can experience the onset of a neurological condition at any time. Some may occur suddenly others are more slow or insidious.
Some neurological conditions are diagnosed and treated by your GP, however, you may need referral to a specialist.
Your specialist will explain the process of making the diagnosis. This will include the range of tests to be carried out and how long it is all likely to take. Three of the most common tests for neurological conditions are an EEG, an Angiogram, a CT scan and a MRI scan.
You may be given an initial diagnosis and then a confirmed diagnosis when the tests have been completed. This should not delay you in accessing any services you need.
Some neurological conditions are diagnosed and treated by your GP, however, you may need referral to a specialist.
Your specialist will explain the process of making the diagnosis. This will include the range of tests to be carried out and how long it is all likely to take. Three of the most common tests for neurological conditions are an EEG, an Angiogram, a CT scan and a MRI scan.
You may be given an initial diagnosis and then a confirmed diagnosis when the tests have been completed. This should not delay you in accessing any services you need.
Ongoing Management & Rehabilitation
Neurological conditions often lead to complex needs as they can affect many parts of the body. You may also have a number of symptoms and these may worsen. As many neurological conditions have long term effects people need co-ordinated patient centred care.
Some neurological conditions are progressive (that is, they worsen) and others may remain static for a long period of time. Assessment and reassessment should be carried out at regular intervals.
You may benefit from support from specialist health care professionals including specialist nurses and therapists who can provide advice, support and help you manage your condition. Some people also gain support from organisations such as support groups which may be national or local.
Rehabilitation
The aim of rehabilitation is to help you regain your former skills where possible and compensate for skills lost, to the best of your ability. When you are living with a neurological condition, undergoing rehabilitation can be a key factor in determining your quality of life.
Some professionals you may meet could include speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, neuropsychologist, clinical psychologist, rehabilitation physicians, orthotics and care managers.
You may benefit from rehabilitation in hospital or at home and at any stage your condition. You should be reassessed regularly or as necessary especially if your condition is changing.
Information Prescriptions
Visit our new website, www.nottsinfoscript.co.uk is the information prescription service for Nottinghamshire. Information prescriptions are for all people with long-term health or social care needs and include helpful and relevant information about conditions and treatments, care services, benefits and support groups and provides links or signposts to guide people to sources of information about their health care and other aspects of their lives which may be affected by their long-term condition.
www.nottsinfoscript.co.uk provides information on:
- Condition
- Emotional wellbeing
- Home and local services
- Voluntary, support and community groups
- Leisure, sport and work
- Benefits, leagl and financial advice
