Neurology

Slowed movement, a shuffling gait, muscle stiffness, tremors, and difficulties with trunk movements and fine motor skills are typical of Parkinson's disease. The cause lies in the destruction of specific nerve cell clusters in the brain (in the so-called substantia nigra). The resulting deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine can be compensated for with medication.

However, at least some of these symptoms can also occur in other diseases and require different treatments. It is therefore important to identify the cause of the movement disorders at an early stage and treat them specifically.

Where did I put my wallet? What did I want to buy?

Is this the onset of dementia?

Once you start worrying that you might be in the early stages of dementia, even “normal” memory lapses become a cause for concern. Targeted questions and, if necessary, standardized memory tests and further examinations can clarify whether there is actually a pathological disorder and whether it can be treated.

Sudden loss of consciousness, with or without muscle spasms, or intermittent sensory or speech disorders can be symptoms of an epileptic seizure. This involves massive discharges of nerve cells in the brain.

However, other disorders such as irregular heartbeat can also lead to loss of consciousness.

If epileptic seizures occur frequently, they must be treated with medication.

Pain is a warning signal from the body. Almost every part of the body is sensitive to pain. Pain can arise in the muscles, tendons, and joints, as well as from changes or irritation of the nerves. Clarifying the cause can facilitate treatment.

Chronic pain in particular greatly impairs quality of life. In this case, it is important to provide relief by identifying the cause and treating it.

The nervous system can also be affected by acute and chronic inflammation such as Multiple Sclerosis. MS causes recurrent inflammation in various parts of the nervous system. This usually leads to variable symptoms that occur in episodes, such as symptoms of paralysis, numbness, or visual disturbances. In recent decades, a whole range of treatment options have been developed for MS that can be used in a targeted manner depending on the course of the disease.

Sudden and brief episodes of paralysis or sensory disturbances on one side of the body, as well as short-term visual disturbances or speech disorders, can be precursors to a stroke. A stroke is a cerebrovascular disorder. It is particularly important to prevent the more severe cerebrovascular disorders that can result in permanent disability. To this end, risk factors such as high blood pressure or smoking should be treated. An evaluation of your personal stroke risk can be carried out during my consultations.

These include concussions as well as more severe injuries. As a result, disorders of movement, perception, or even thinking can occur.

The peripheral nervous system comprises the nerve roots and the peripheral nerves, i.e., the part of the nervous system located outside the brain and spinal cord. Diseases can occur as a result of chronic irritation of a nerve, such as in carpal tunnel syndrome. However, damage can also occur as a result of metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus and hereditary diseases. There are many treatment options, which naturally depend on the cause of the nerve damage.

Headaches are a common health problem. In most cases, they are not caused by a serious illness. Nevertheless, any new headaches should be investigated by a neurologist. Headaches can also impair quality of life and, if they occur on a regular basis, require specific treatment.

Migraine is a special type of headache, usually with unilateral pain that occurs in attacks. These are often accompanied by nausea, visual disturbances, and sensitivity to light or noise. Various specific and effective treatments are now available for this condition as well.