Neurological Illness

Neurological illness is common. At least one in four of us, either personally or though an affected family member, will experience it. In the early 20th century Neurology (conditions affecting the brain) separated from Psychiatry (conditions affecting the mind) and has subsequently expanded to cover disorders of the spinal cord, nerves and muscles. These many conditions affect all ages from infancy to later life. Neurological illness is the largest cause of disability amongst young persons of working age and the frequency and prevalence of stroke and dementia are significantly increasing along with our improved life expectancy.

Childhood conditions include Muscular Dystrophy and Epilepsy, early adult conditions Multiple Sclerosis and Head Injury, middle and later life conditions Parkinson’s disease, Motor Neurone disease and Alzheimer’s. The list of common, rare and very rare conditions is vast with over 200 different types with over 40 separate neurological charities throughout the United Kingdom offering support, raising awareness and funding research.

Conditions such as epilepsy and migraine are intermittent with normality between attacks. They give rise to what is termed “hidden” disability. Others such as stroke and head injury result in sudden disability with little progression thereafter unless there is a recurrence. Finally conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease and Alzheimer’ disease progress but with great variability between illnesses and amongst affected individuals. All these conditions produce a visible disability or impairment.

Conditions, especially those affecting the brain, have long been shrouded in mystic and frequently stigmatised. Suffers and their families require information, support and understanding. Enhancing employability, handling disability discrimination, self advocacy and “self management” are the cornerstones of building self esteem and enhancing quality of life.

Improving the quality of life of those experiencing these conditions has been and remains the core objective of the Towpath Trust.