Neurological

The US National Library of Medicine has noted over 600 neurologic disorders including epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, stroke, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and migraines. Moreover, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) 47.4 deaths per 100,000 of the US population in 2019 were due to neurological conditions. From the Global  Burden of Disease Study, almost 10 million deaths and 349 million people living with a disability were the result of neurological disorders. 

Neurological tests like Doctor's Data's NeuroBasic Profile - Random, focus on assessing the functioning of the body’s nervous system by determining presence and levels of certain hormones and neurotransmitters, which often deviate from normal values in illness conditions. 

The human nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. It is an important body system associated with activities such as thinking and planning, the function of various organs, and the ability for muscle movement. The brain is known to weigh about 3 pounds with 60% of it being fat, which is a good reminder to consume healthy fats (omega-3 fatty acids) to support brain function. 

The brain is also made up of about 85% water which is necessary for hormone and neurotransmitter production, and emphasizes the importance of hydration for neurological functioning. The spinal cord is the main source of communication for the brain to be able to connect with other systems in the body, with damage to the neurons and nerves in the spinal cord and brain leading to disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multiple sclerosis (MS).

Neurological issues can present with various symptoms such as:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory issues
• Deteriorating motor skills -weakness, numbness, tingling
• Dizziness  and poor balance
• Headaches
• Vision, hearing, or smell changes
• Fatigue
• Confusion and disorientation
• Moodiness
• Depression and anxiety
• Difficulty sleeping
• Being diagnosed with certain conditions such as alcohol or substance abuse, specific vitamin deficiencies, diabetes

What do neurological tests measure?

Neurological tests use saliva, swabs, urine, or blood samples to determine presence and levels of neurotransmitters and hormones important to neurological functioning. 

In addition to neurological testing, a physical examination, a neurological examination, health and family history, and list of symptoms are helpful in ascertaining potential causes for patient health concerns. As changes in the state of the gut microbiome have been noted with certain neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinsons’, and epilepsy, an assessment of gut microbiome can be beneficial. Depending on the outcome of the testing and assessment, other neurological tests and diagnostics may be required such as electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), electroneurography (ENoG), or CTs and MRI scans.