Neurologic Deficits

Neurologic deficits are functional impairments of the nervous system or of some of its divisions, such as the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, or peripheral nerves. Neurologic deficits can result from a variety of causes, including trauma, stroke, tumors, sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, inflammation, degeneration, infection, or birth defects. Certain developmental disabilities and neurological disorders are also associated with neurologic deficits.

Types of Neurologic Deficits

Neurologic deficits can affect a person's motor, sensory, motor coordination, and/or cognitive abilities, leading to physical, mental, and emotional challenges. Below are some of the most common types of neurologic deficits:

Cerebrovascular Accidents (Strokes): This type of neurologic deficit is caused by a disruption of the blood supply to part of the brain.
Traumatic Brain Injury: This type of neurologic deficit is caused by a traumatic event such as a fall or a car accident that results in damage to the brain.
Brain Infection: This type of neurologic deficit is caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection of the brain or its coverings.
Developmental Dysfunction: This type of neurologic deficit is caused by abnormalities of the brain or its coverings that begin during the development of the fetus and affect normal brain function.
Degenerative Disorders: This type of neurologic deficit is caused by the progressive loss of nerve cell function due to the loss of nerve cells or the shrinking of neurons.
Congenital Defects: This type of neurologic deficit is caused by abnormalities of the brain or its coverings that occur during fetal development.
Metabolic Disorders: This type of neurologic deficit is caused by an abnormal metabolism that results in the accumulation of toxic substances in the brain or its coverings.

Symptoms of Neurologic Deficits

The symptoms of neurologic deficits vary depending on the type and severity of the deficit. Generally speaking, the most common symptoms of neurologic deficits include:

Muscle weakness or paralysis
Loss of sensation or feeling
Alterations to vision, hearing, or speech
Impaired coordination or movement
Memory loss or confusion
Changes in mood or behavior
Seizures or fits

Treatment for Neurologic Deficits

Treatment for neurologic deficits depends on the cause, type, and severity of the deficit. Some common treatments for neurologic deficits include:

Medication: Medication can be used to treat various types of neurologic deficits, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and degenerative disorders.
Surgery: Surgery can be used to address structural problems, such as tumors or birth defects, that are causing neurologic deficits.
Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation can be used to help restore lost functions or to improve quality of life for those with neurologic deficits.
Assistive Devices: Assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, walkers, and braces, can be used to help those with neurologic deficits to move around safely and independently.