Comprehensive Care for Neurological Disorders and Diseases

At PACE Hospitals, we provide expert care for neurological conditions affecting the brain, spine, and nerves, with advanced diagnosis and personalised treatment by experienced specialists.

Central Nervous System (CNS) Disorders

• Alzheimer’s Disease: Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder in which memory and thinking abilities progressively decline, eventually affecting a person's ability to perform even the simplest daily tasks. Progressive impairment of cognitive and behavioural functions such as memory, language, comprehension, reasoning, attention, and judgment are hallmark features of the disease. The condition is associated with abnormal accumulation of proteins in the brain, particularly amyloid-beta plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles, which contribute to the degeneration and death of neurons. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease; however, available treatments may help manage symptoms and may slow disease progression in some individuals.
  
• Parkinson's Disease: Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement. It causes involuntary or uncontrollable movements such as tremors (shaking), muscle stiffness, and problems with balance and coordination. The symptoms gradually worsen over time, and individuals may experience difficulty with walking, speaking, and performing daily activities.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS):  Sclerosis is the abnormal hardening of body tissues, generally caused due to inflammation or disease. Sclerosis is usually associated with multiple Sclerosis - an autoimmune disorder where your own immune system attacks and damages the myelin sheath surrounding the spinal cord and brain nerves. The damage disrupts the nerve signals from the brain to other parts of the body. Changed gait, loss of coordination or imbalance in balance, fatigue, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, tingling or numbness, especially in limbs.
• Epilepsy : Epilepsy (also called an epileptic seizure disorder) is a long-term brain condition with repeated seizures (also called fits - a sudden change of neurologic function due to neurons' excessive discharge). Epilepsy symptoms may differ individually, which include abnormal smells, fear sensation, increased epigastric sensation, etc., before the seizures. Oxygen deficiency may incur permanent brain damage if left untreated. A neurologist can diagnose epilepsy through imaging tests and treat it with medicines or surgery.
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) : ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), which is also called Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that impairs the functions of motor neurons in the brain & spinal cord, which can lead to muscle weakness, and muscle atrophy and eventually leads to paralysis. Some of the early signs and symptoms that can be witnessed are muscle twitching, cramps, and difficulty speaking or swallowing.
• Brain Stroke: A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked or when a brain blood vessel bursts. It may result in permanent damage to the brain, long-term disability, or, in some cases, even death. Treatment for brain stroke includes medications and surgical procedures. Neurologists who underwent specialized training in stroke care and neuroendovascular procedures are the essential healthcare personnel who effectively handle stroke cases.
• Brain Tumors: Brain tumors are the uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells in the brain, forming an abnormal mass. They may be formed in any part of the brain, including the skull base, brain stem, nasal cavity, sinuses, and protective lining. Cognitive deterioration and motor dysfunction are mostly seen, and they may worsen further if left untreated. A multidisciplinary team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, and oncologists with specialized skills diagnose and treat brain tumors.
• Encephalitis: Encephalitis is a condition characterised by inflammation of the brain, most commonly caused by viral infections. Its causes may include bacterial infections, autoimmune reactions, or, in rare cases, complications following vaccination. Common symptoms include fever, headache, confusion, seizures, fatigue, and altered consciousness. In severe cases, encephalitis may lead to extreme drowsiness, coma, or death. In some cases, the immune system may mistakenly attack healthy brain cells after an infection, leading to autoimmune encephalitis, which also disrupts normal brain function.
• Meningitis: Meningitis is a brain inflammatory disease in which the membrane called the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord gets inflamed due to a viral, bacterial, or fungus infection. Bacterial meningitis is the most severe of all the forms of meningitis and can be fatal if left unmanaged. Some expected signs and symptoms manifesting the onset of meningitis are severe headache, fever, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion, and sometimes a rash. As a preventive measure, there are vaccines available to prevent certain types of meningitis, particularly those caused by Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus.
• Hydrocephalus: Hydrocephalus is a medical condition in which excessive cerebrospinal fluids accumulate in the brain ventricle, leading to a rise in pressure. This results in an enlarged head size in the infant, which can be manifested with symptoms like headaches, vomiting, blurred vision, balance problems, and cognitive impairments. This neurological disorder can be congenital or acquired due to injury, infection, or tumors.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): TBI occurs when an external force, such as a blow or jolt to the head, injures the brain. It can range from minor concussions to serious brain damage and cause physical, cognitive, or emotional problems. Symptoms vary, but may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, and in severe cases, coma or death.
• Cerebral Palsy: Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect movement and muscle tone, generally caused by brain damage that occurs before or during birth. This disorder can cause trouble controlling muscles, resulting in aberrant motions, poor posture, and coordination problems. It is a lifelong disorder that might be accompanied by intellectual difficulties, seizures, and other health problems, depending on the severity.
  
• Chiari Malformation: This is a structural defect in the brain where the lower part of the brain extends into the spinal canal. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including headaches, neck pain, dizziness, difficulty swallowing, and coordination problems. In severe cases, it may lead to hydrocephalus and other neurological complications. 
  
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord Injury is the impairment of the spinal cord that can be due to trauma from accidents or sports injuries and results in loss of functions like mobility and sensation. Depending on the extent of the injury, the function loss can be complete or partial. Manifestation of the loss of function differs according to the severity & location of the injury, which may include numbness, impaired bowel and bladder control, and even paralysis.
  
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD): This is a rare, degenerative brain disorder caused by abnormal proteins known as prions. This condition leads to rapid neurological deterioration, including memory loss, impaired coordination, and behavioral changes. CJD progresses rapidly and can be fatal within months to a year of onset. 
  
• Rett Syndrome: Rett syndrome is a rare genetic progressive neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs commonly in girls, rarer in boys, affecting brain development and causing severe physical and mental disability from early childhood. This condition is caused by mutations on the X chromosome on a gene called MECP2. However, not everyone with a MECP2 mutation has Rett syndrome. According to the scientists, some cases may result from partial gene deletions, mutations elsewhere in the MECP2 gene, or unidentified additional genes.
• Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA): Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA), also called Benson’s syndrome, is a rare progressive neurodegenerative condition characterised by gradual and progressive degeneration of the cortex (outer layer) and damage to the posterior region (back) of the brain. It occurs often in people in their mid-50s or early 60s and causes symptoms that affect visual processing, spelling, writing, and arithmetic. Most of the time, this condition can be caused by the underlying cause called Alzheimer’s disease. However, other conditions, including Lewy body disease, corticobasal degeneration and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, can show similar symptoms.
• Wilson’s Disease: Wilson disease is a hereditary illness in which the body is unable to remove excess copper, resulting in copper buildup in the brain, eyes, liver, and other organs. High copper levels, if left untreated, can lead to life-threatening organ damage. The symptoms of Wilson disease may vary depending on the problems with liver, nervous system and mental health, eyes, or other organs.

Peripheral nervous system (PNS) disorders

• Guillain-Barré Syndrome: GBS is a rare autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system unknowing/ mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves. It generally starts with weakness and tingling in the legs, which can progress to paralysis. The exact cause is unclear, but it is often preceded by an infection, such as a respiratory or gastrointestinal illness. GBS can be life-threatening if it affects the muscles involved in breathing, but with early treatment, many individuals recover well. 
• Peripheral Neuropathy: Peripheral neuropathy is defined as damage to the peripheral nervous system, which can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness, mainly in the hands and feet. This condition can result from a variety of causes, including diabetes, infections, traumatic injuries, and exposure to toxins. It can also be idiopathic (of unknown origin). Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving nerve function, and addressing the underlying cause, when possible.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This occurs when the median nerve, that runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes compressed as it passes through the narrow carpal tunnel in the wrist. This type of compression can lead to symptoms like tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand and fingers, particularly the thumb, index, and middle fingers. It is commonly caused by repetitive hand movements, such as typing or assembly work. 
• Facial Nerve Paralysis (Bell’s Palsy): Bell's palsy is an inexplicable bout of facial muscle weakness or paralysis that occurs suddenly and develops over 48 hours, which is generally caused by a facial nerve injury (the 7th cranial nerve). This condition is particularly common in pregnant women and patients who have diabetes, influenza, a cold, or any upper respiratory infection. The exact cause of Bell's palsy is unknown, but it is understood that it is caused by inflammation of the nerve that controls facial movement, which is caused by the body's immune system.
• Trigeminal Neuralgia: This is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the face. It causes sudden, severe, sharp pain, often described as electric shock-like, usually on one side of the face. The pain is usually triggered by simple stimuli like chewing, talking, or even a light touch. The cause is often a blood vessel pressing against the trigeminal nerve, although it can also be due to other factors like multiple sclerosis.
• Radiculopathy: This refers to a condition where a nerve root in the spine becomes compressed or irritated. This leads to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the area of the body that the affected nerve serves. Common causes include herniated discs, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis. The condition can occur in the neck (cervical radiculopathy) or lower back (lumbar radiculopathy), with symptoms affecting the arms or legs, respectively. 
  
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): CRPS is a chronic pain condition that typically affects a limb following an injury. The pain is often disproportionate to the severity of the initial injury and can be accompanied by swelling, changes in skin color and temperature, and abnormal sweating. The exact cause is unclear, but it is thought to involve abnormal responses from the nervous system and immune system. CRPS can be categorised into two types: Type I (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) and Type II (formerly Causalgia).
  
• Myasthenia Gravis: Myasthenia (myasthenia gravis) is one of the most prevalent autoimmune conditions affecting the neuromuscular junction (the connection between the end of a motor nerve and a muscle). Although myasthenia is largely curable, it can have severe morbidity and even mortality, but with prompt disease diagnosis and effective treatment, it can be avoided. The symptoms might be simply ocular (droopy eyelids, double vision, difficulty making facial expressions, problems chewing and swallowing, slurred speech, weak arms, legs or neck, shortness of breath and occasionally serious breathing difficulties) or quite severe, affecting the muscles in the limbs, and the respiratory system.
• Paraesthesia: The sudden onset of the sensation, which is typically painless, is described as itching, skin crawling, or tingling. Most people have, at some point in their lives, sat with their legs crossed for too long or dozed off with an arm twisted under their head and experienced momentary paraesthesia, sometimes known as "pins and needles." It takes place when a nerve is subjected to prolonged pressure. Once the pressure has been released, the sensation generally subsides. Chronic paraesthesia is frequently a sign of a neurological condition or severe nerve injury which may result from various disorders affecting the central nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis, stroke, transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes), and encephalitis.
• Neurogenic Myopathies : Neurogenic myopathies are primary nervous system illnesses that result in denervation of the target muscle. The probable causes range from acute traumatic injuries to chronic compression, as well as neurodegenerative, inflammatory, metabolic, and neoplastic diseases.

Cognitive and Psychiatric Disorders

• Dementia: Dementia is a clinical syndrome (group of symptoms) associated with a progressive decline in cognition that interferes with independent functioning. Memory loss, confusion, poor judgment, mood and personality changes, etc., are the common signs. Dementia is caused by abnormal protein grouping in the brain. It impairs nerve cells, eventually leading to their death and shrinking of brain areas. While there is no cure for dementia at present, neurologists use various treatments to manage the symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.
• Schizophrenia: This is a chronic mental disorder that affects a person’s thinking, emotions, and behavior. People may experience symptoms such as hallucinations (feeling like seeing or hearing things that are not real), delusions, disorganised thinking, and difficulty in social interactions. The exact cause is not fully known, but it is believed to involve genetic factors, brain chemistry imbalances, and environmental influences. Although there is no complete cure, treatment with medications and psychological therapy can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A neurological and developmental disorder known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects a person's ability to learn, behave, interact with others, and communicate. Although an autism diagnosis can be made at any age, autism is classified as a "developmental disorder" since its symptoms often manifest in the first two years of life. There is no known cause of ASD. Studies indicate that environment and genes are significant factors. Making very rare eye contact, having difficulties in conversation, infrequent sharing of interest, and difficulty in conversation are some of the symptoms of ASD.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most frequent chronic neurodevelopmental disorders affecting children, characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, and can interfere with individuals' daily activities and functioning. The exact cause and risk factors for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are not known, but recent studies have said genetic factors play a significant role. Pediatricians, psychologists, or psychiatrists with specialized knowledge and skills in the treatment and care of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can effectively handle ADHD patients.

Movement Disorders

• Huntington's disease: This is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder that causes progressive damage to nerve cells in the brain. It leads to uncontrolled movements, emotional disturbances, and a decline in thinking and reasoning abilities. Symptoms usually appear in adulthood and worsen over time.
• Tardive Dyskinesia: This is a neurological disorder characterised by involuntary, repetitive movements, often affecting the face, tongue, and limbs. It is usually caused by long-term use of certain medications, such as, antipsychotic drugs used to treat psychiatric conditions.
• Restless Legs Syndrome: Restless legs syndrome is a condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, usually due to uncomfortable sensations like tingling or crawling feelings. Symptoms typically occur during rest or at night and may interfere with sleep. 
• Dystonia: Dystonia is a neurological disease marked by involuntary muscle contractions resulting in slow repetitive and uncomfortable movements/postures associated with uncomfortable tremors or other neurological symptoms. There are numerous types of dystonia, which can affect a single muscle, groups of muscles, or the entire body. While some forms of dystonia are inherited, most of the causes are unknown. Symptoms may include: 
• A foot cramp or a tendency for one foot to turn or drag. 
• Deterioration in handwriting after writing numerous lines.
• The neck may turn or pull involuntarily, especially in  a weary or stressed person.
• Both eyes may blink rapidly and uncontrollably, at times compelling the eyes to close.
• Dystonia is caused by a damaged basal ganglion in the brain or brain regions that control movement.
• Ataxia: Ataxia is a neurological condition that affects coordination, balance, and speech. It occurs due to damage to the cerebellum or other parts of the nervous system and can lead to unsteady movements, difficulty walking, and poor muscle control. 
• Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA): A group of rare, genetic neurological disorders known as spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) causes a loss of balance, coordination, and muscle function. The hindbrain, which contains the cerebellum, the brain stem, the upper spinal cord, and occasionally other areas of the nervous system, degenerates or loses its structure. While there is no known cure for SCAs or a way to stop the condition from getting worse, a neurologist can manage some of the symptoms.
• Tremors: A tremor is a rhythmic and oscillatory shaking movement of a bodily part with a steady frequency. It is caused by antagonistic muscles (muscles involved in movement) contracting alternately. Tremor is the most prevalent movement disorder. It usually involves the upper limbs, but as the disease progresses, the head and voice (less typically, the legs, jaw, face, and trunk) may be involved. It could be due to abnormalities in the brainstem (locus coeruleus) and cerebellum. A detailed neurologic examination is necessary to identify the features of the tremor, such as distribution, pattern, and amplitude.
• Spasticity: Spasticity is a medical condition characterized by an unnatural increase in muscular tone or stiffness, impairing movement/speech and associated with discomfort or pain. Spasticity is generally caused by injury to the nerve pathways regulating muscular action in the brain/spinal cord. It can be caused by multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke, brain or head trauma, genetic spastic paraplegias, and metabolic illnesses.
  

Other Neurological Disorders

• Migraine: A migraine is a type of headache characterised by severe, often pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head. It can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Some people experience an "aura," which can include visual disturbances or tingling sensations. Migraines are believed to be caused by changes in brain activity and neurotransmitter imbalances. Triggers can include stress, certain foods, hormonal changes, and environmental factors. Chronic Pain Syndromes
• Chronic Pain Syndromes: Chronic pain syndromes refer to conditions where pain persists for long periods (usually more than 3 months) and is not easily alleviated by typical treatments. It can affect any part of the body and is often associated with conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic back pain, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). The pain can be constant or intermittent and may be accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, and depression. Treatment focuses on pain management through a combination of medications, physical therapy, psychological support, and lifestyle changes.
  
• Neurofibromatosis: This is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form on nerve tissue. These tumors, called neurofibromas, can grow along any nerve in the body, potentially affecting the skin, internal organs, or even the brain and spinal cord. The two main types are neurofibromatosis type 1, which often results in visible skin changes like café-au-lait spots and fibrous growths, and neurofibromatosis type 2, which mainly affects the auditory nerves and can cause hearing loss.
• Meningioma: A meningioma is a type of tumor that arises from the meninges, the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While most meningiomas are benign (non-cancerous), they can grow and press on the brain or spinal cord, causing symptoms such as headaches, vision problems, seizures, and neurological deficits. Treatment depends on the size, location, and symptoms but may include surgery, radiation therapy, or monitoring for smaller, asymptomatic tumors.
  
• Brachial Plexus Injury: Brachial plexus injury involves damage to the network of nerves that control the muscles of the shoulder, arm, and hand. It can result from trauma, such as during childbirth, car accidents, or sports injuries. Symptoms include weakness, numbness, and in severe cases, paralysis of the affected arm or hand. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment can range from physical therapy and nerve blocks to surgical repair to restore function.
• Headache: With a prevalence of 48.9% in the general population, headache disorders are among the most prevalent of the nervous system disorders affecting people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic status, but are more common in women. Some headaches can be so incapacitating and detrimental to a person's quality of life that they place a tremendous financial burden on healthcare. Most of them can be treated without the help of a physician. Nearly 98% of headaches are caused by primary headache disorders like migraine, tension headache, and cluster headache. However secondary headaches are also serious and can be life threatening.
• Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): A group of hereditary diseases known as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) can harm or even kill motor neurons, which are specialized nerve cells found in the brain and spinal cord. The survival motor neuron gene 1 (SMN1) is the gene responsible for the most prevalent type of SMA. It can be mutated or absent. Symptoms can range from moderate to severe, depending on the type of SMA, like muscle weakness and movement problems. Adult and pediatric neurologists play a role in the management of SMA.
• Syncope: A brief loss of consciousness, known as syncope, is typically caused by inadequate blood supply to the brain. Hypotension (low blood pressure) is a common cause due to which the heart cannot adequately pump enough oxygen to the brain. It may be benign (not harmful) or a sign of a more serious disease that could be fatal. Dehydration, excessive perspiration, tiredness, or blood pooling in the legs because of changes in body position are among the benign reasons. It's important to identify the underlying causes of syncope, such as bradycardia (slow heart rate), tachycardia (rapid heart rate), or any blockages in the blood flow to the brain.
• Vertigo: Vertigo is frequently presented in both outpatient settings and emergency rooms. It has been described as a sensation of motion, most commonly circular motion, and is a symptom of vestibular dysfunction (the vestibular apparatus is a group of complex organ systems in the body that is responsible for the sense of balance). Vertigo can afflict people of all ages. It's crucial to distinguish vertiginous symptoms from other types of dizziness, like lightheadedness, which is most frequently linked to presyncope (the swooning feeling which occurs before fainting). Problems in the middle ear are most frequently the culprit in younger people.
• Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH): IIH (Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension) is a neurological disease, causing increased pressure within the skull, which is usually unknown and can manifest in severe headaches, vision problems, ringing in the ears and neck or shoulder pain. IIH is more common in obese women during their reproductive age. Treatment options for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension include:
  
• Weight loss.
• Medications to reduce fluid buildup.
• Surgical procedures like shunt placement or optic nerve sheath fenestration relieve pressure and protect vision.