The Ultimate Medical Guide to Neurological Diseases: Definition, Diagnosis & Treatment Innovations in Germany

Neurodegenerative Diseases (Progressive Neuronal Loss)

 Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)

A chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of β-amyloid plaques and tau tangles, leading to progressive memory loss, cognitive decline, and personality changes. It primarily affects the hippocampus and cerebral cortex.

 Parkinson’s Disease (PD)

A disorder caused by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to tremors, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability.

 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

A progressive motor neuron disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, causing muscle weakness, paralysis, and respiratory failure. It involves the degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons.

 Huntington’s Disease (HD)

A genetic neurodegenerative disorder caused by a mutation in the HTT gene, leading to involuntary movements (chorea), cognitive decline, and psychiatric symptoms.

Cerebrovascular Diseases (Blood Flow Disruptions to the Brain)

 Ischemic Stroke

Occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery supplying the brain, leading to brain cell death due to lack of oxygen. Common causes include atherosclerosis, embolism, and small vessel disease.

 Hemorrhagic Stroke

Caused by the rupture of a brain blood vessel, leading to bleeding in the brain. It can be due to hypertension, aneurysm rupture, or arteriovenous malformations (AVM).

 Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Often called a “mini-stroke,” a TIA is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, causing stroke-like symptoms that resolve within 24 hours without permanent damage.

 Aneurysms & Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM)

Aneurysms are weakened and bulging blood vessels that may rupture, causing life-threatening hemorrhage. AVMs are abnormal tangles of blood vessels that disrupt normal blood flow.

Autoimmune & Demyelinating Disorders

 Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath of neurons, leading to relapses and progressive disability. Symptoms include vision problems, limb weakness, and coordination difficulties.

 Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

An acute autoimmune disorder that attacks peripheral nerves, causing ascending muscle weakness, loss of reflexes, and respiratory paralysis.

 Myasthenia Gravis (MG)

A disorder where antibodies block or destroy acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle weakness, drooping eyelids (ptosis), and difficulty swallowing.

Neuro-Oncological Diseases (Brain & Spinal Tumors)

 Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)

An aggressive malignant brain tumor originating from astrocytes, with rapid growth, high recurrence, and poor prognosis.

 Meningiomas & Schwannomas

Benign tumors that arise from the meninges (meningiomas) or Schwann cells of peripheral nerves (schwannomas). Large tumors can compress vital structures and cause neurological deficits.

 Medulloblastomas

A common pediatric brain tumor affecting the cerebellum, leading to ataxia, hydrocephalus, and increased intracranial pressure.

Peripheral Nerve & Neuromuscular Disorders

 Peripheral Neuropathy

A condition where damage to peripheral nerves results in numbness, pain, tingling, and weakness in the limbs. It can be caused by diabetes, infections, or toxins.

 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Compression of the median nerve at the wrist, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand.

 Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT)

A hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy characterized by progressive muscle wasting and weakness.

Functional Neurological Disorders (Neurophysiological Dysfunctions Without Structural Damage)

 Epilepsy & Seizure Disorders

A disorder where abnormal electrical discharges in the brain cause recurrent seizures, convulsions, and altered consciousness.

 Dystonia

A movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions, leading to abnormal postures and repetitive movements.

 Functional Movement Disorders

Neurological symptoms such as tremors, gait disturbances, or paralysis with no identifiable structural brain abnormality.