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What is Neurological Impairment?

Daniel Liden
Daniel Liden

Neurological impairment refers to a broad group of disorders in which the central nervous system does not function properly and leads to some form of physical or mental problems. The central nervous system is made up of the brain and the spinal cord. This type of impairment, which affects the brain or spinal cord, can have affect a wide range of different capabilities, from motor skills to memory. Cerebral palsy and Tourette’s syndrome are two common examples of neurological impairment; the first affects motor skills and the second involves both motor skills and speech skills.

Not all neurological impairments are present from birth. A neurological impairment can be acquired as a result of some form of brain or spinal cord injury. Often, the results are very similar; the only difference is the way in which a given part of the brain becomes damaged.

Cerebral palsy is a neurological impairment.
Cerebral palsy is a neurological impairment.

Because of its various forms, neurological impairment can be classified in many different ways. Childhood aphasia, for example, can be developed from birth or acquired because of some form of brain injury and is mostly involved with speech and language skills. Another classification, minimal brain dysfunction, involves neurological disorders that are related to learning and behavior. A third broad class is known as learning disability; it concerns disorders related to difficulties in general understanding and language comprehension.

Neurological impairment can affect a person's ability to perform basic tasks.
Neurological impairment can affect a person's ability to perform basic tasks.

The severity of a neurological impairment can vary greatly based on the severity of the disorder. Not all disorders involving cognition, for example, are the same. Some individuals possess reasoning and memory skills comparable to their peers but suffer some difficulties in new situations. Others, however, are unable to engage in even the simplest activities without aid and supervision because they lack the memory and reasoning skills necessary to be functional in everyday life.

Neurological impairment may result from a spinal cord injury.
Neurological impairment may result from a spinal cord injury.

Some forms of neurological impairment have been treated through a variety of different means with varying degrees of success. Some neurologically impaired individuals are able to gain some level of functionality through various forms of therapy, such as speech therapy and physical therapy. Medications can, in some cases, help individuals to overcome their disorders. In extreme cases, brain surgeries have been used to bypass neurological issues. This is especially true of individuals who have suffered brain damage; in some cases, the injuries they sustained can be repaired without too much difficulty.

Discussion Comments

GigaGold

@JavaGhoul

I think that this is because we reflect the full complexity of the entire universe and of God. We are an echo of the infinite power of the universal mind and physical function. This is all bound up in the human mind.

JavaGhoul

@Tufenkian925

It is amazing how we can so fully understand the universe and yet still are so limited in our understanding of ourselves. The most advanced careers have to do with medicine and dealing the the human body. We really are the most advanced aspect of creation.

Tufenkian925

Neurology is an unique field because it connects the higher psychological functions of the personality with the biological bodily functions of the physical person. Understanding how to connect philosophy and science is a never-ending pursuit of metaphysics and cosmology.

arod2b42

The central nervous system is the basic foundation of the functions of the body. It oversees all the processes which receive and respond to issues, both consciously and unconsciously. Impairment of the nervous system can be the worst kind of impairment because it can affect behavior as well as many other systems of the body.

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    • Cerebral palsy is a neurological impairment.
      By: Jaren Wicklund
      Cerebral palsy is a neurological impairment.
    • Neurological impairment can affect a person's ability to perform basic tasks.
      By: Gang
      Neurological impairment can affect a person's ability to perform basic tasks.
    • Neurological impairment may result from a spinal cord injury.
      By: Pavel Losevsky
      Neurological impairment may result from a spinal cord injury.
    • The extent of an individual's neurological impairment can vary greatly based on the severity of the disorder.
      By: chuugo
      The extent of an individual's neurological impairment can vary greatly based on the severity of the disorder.
    • Some neurological impairments may improve with therapy and treatment.
      By: manaemedia
      Some neurological impairments may improve with therapy and treatment.
    • Neurological impairment affects the brain and spinal cord, and may be caused by injury to one of them.
      By: nerthuz
      Neurological impairment affects the brain and spinal cord, and may be caused by injury to one of them.
    • Toddlers who suffer from a neurological impairment may not develop some motor skills as quickly as their peers.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Toddlers who suffer from a neurological impairment may not develop some motor skills as quickly as their peers.