I Can’t Get a Handle on My Migraines — Can You Help?
Yes! We can help with the pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and other symptoms that are common with migraines. Our treatments also focus on preventing these painfully common headaches.
Neurological Conditions That May Be Hereditary
Neurological disorders encompass a broad spectrum of conditions that affect the nervous system, ranging from migraine headaches to Alzheimer's disease to strokes.
Neurologist Dr. Andrew Lerman and our team at Gables Neurology in Miami, Florida, specialize in diagnosing and treating adults with dementia, a history of stroke, migraine disorder, and other neurological conditions that can significantly impact your life.
Read why Dr. Lerman and our team may consider your family history when developing a personalized treatment strategy that can prevent or stall the health effects of these common neurological disorders.
Genetic links to neurological disorders
While the cause of many neurological conditions remains elusive, one key piece of the puzzle may lie within your family’s medical history.
Numerous neurological disorders have a genetic component, meaning they can be passed from generation to generation. Examining your family's medical history can help uncover patterns that may identify genetic links.
Notably, having a family history does not mean you’ll develop the disorder. However, understanding your family's history provides valuable insight into your risk factors.
The importance of identifying your risk factors
The benefits of identifying your risk factors for neurological conditions include:
Prevention
Families often share genetic material as well as lifestyle and environmental factors that influence their neurological health. By tracing conditions prevalent in your family, you can identify common risk factors that may contribute to neurological disorders.
Dr. Lerman can use this information to guide you in making lifestyle choices promoting brain health, such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress.
Early detection
Knowing your family's medical history can be a powerful tool for early detection, positively affecting treatment outcomes. Monitoring for symptoms and including routine health screenings in your schedule can catch potential issues early, allowing for timely intervention.
Precision medicine
Advances in medical research and technology have paved the way for precision medicine, which tailors medical treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient. Understanding your family's genetic history can contribute to this targeted treatment approach, enhancing the effectiveness of interventions and reducing the risk of adverse reactions.
Which neurological disorders are inherited?
Numerous neurological disorders may have a genetic component, including:
- Early onset Alzheimer’s disease
- Dementia
- Some forms of epilepsy (seizure disorder)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Migraines
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Huntington’s disease
Again, it’s important to note that a positive genetic history doesn’t always mean you or your children will develop the condition.
For instance, approximately 5-10% of Parkinson's disease cases are believed to be caused by specific genetic mutations. Environmental factors, such as exposure to certain toxins or head injuries, may also play a role.
For top-level care, including information about your risk factors for developing a neurological condition, schedule an evaluation at Gables Neurology today. Call our office or request an appointment online.
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