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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Social/communication differences, repetitive behaviors, sensory issues

Neurodevelopmental, genetic/environmental factors

Behavioral therapy (ABA, ESDM, DIR/Floortime), speech/OT, social skills training

ADHD

Inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity

Genetic, brain structure/function, environment

Medications (stimulants/non-stimulants), CBT, parent training, school supports

Intellectual Disability

Delayed learning, cognitive impairment, adaptive skill deficits

Genetic, prenatal/perinatal issues, brain injury

Special education, speech/OT/PT, behavioral therapy

Learning Disorders (e.g., Dyslexia)

Reading/writing/math difficulties, poor memory

Genetic, brain processing differences

Specialized education (Orton-Gillingham), tutoring, accommodations

Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Motor impairments, spasticity, balance problems

Birth complications, brain injury before/during birth

PT/OT, speech therapy, spasticity management, orthopedic surgery

Alzheimer's Disease

Memory loss, confusion, personality changes

Age, genetics (APOE4), plaques/tangles

Medications (donepezil, memantine), cognitive therapy, caregiver support

Parkinson's Disease

Tremor, stiffness, slow movement, balance issues

Loss of dopamine neurons, genetics/environment

Levodopa, DBS, PT/OT, speech therapy

Huntington's Disease

Uncontrolled movements, cognitive decline, mood changes

Genetic (HTT mutation, inherited)

Symptom management (antipsychotics, mood stabilizers), PT/OT

ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease)

Muscle weakness, speech/swallowing difficulty, paralysis

Genetic mutations, sporadic unknown

Riluzole, edaravone, PT/OT, respiratory support

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

Personality changes, language impairment

Genetic, protein buildup in brain

Supportive therapy, speech therapy, symptom management

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Vision loss, fatigue, muscle weakness, numbness

Autoimmune attack on myelin

Disease-modifying drugs (interferons, ocrelizumab), PT, OT

NMOSD

Vision loss, paralysis, bladder/bowel issues

Autoimmune (AQP4 antibodies)

Immunosuppressants, plasma exchange

Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS)

Rapid weakness, paralysis, respiratory issues

Autoimmune, often post-infection

IVIG, plasma exchange, PT/OT

Epilepsy

Recurrent seizures

Genetic, brain injury, unknown

Anti-seizure meds, ketogenic diet, surgery, VNS

Febrile Seizures

Seizures triggered by fever in children

Immature nervous system + fever

Usually no treatment; antipyretics, monitoring

Stroke (Ischemic/Hemorrhagic)

Sudden weakness, speech problems, vision loss

Hypertension, clot, aneurysm, smoking

Thrombolysis (tPA), thrombectomy, rehab (PT/OT/speech)

TIA (Mini-Stroke)

Brief stroke-like symptoms, no permanent damage

Clot temporarily blocking blood flow

Blood thinners, lifestyle changes, surgery (carotid endarterectomy)

Cerebral Aneurysm

Often silent; severe headache if ruptured

Hypertension, smoking, genetics

Surgical clipping, endovascular coiling

Dystonia

Involuntary muscle contractions, abnormal postures

Genetic, brain injury, medications

Botox injections, DBS, PT

Tourette Syndrome

Motor and vocal tics

Genetic, neurodevelopmental

Behavioral therapy (CBIT), meds (antipsychotics), CBT

Essential Tremor

Shaking hands, head, voice

Genetic, age-related

Beta-blockers, primidone, DBS

Myasthenia Gravis (MG)

Muscle weakness, drooping eyelids, fatigue

Autoimmune against acetylcholine receptors

Anticholinesterase meds, immunosuppressants, thymectomy

Muscular Dystrophy (MD)

Progressive muscle weakness

Genetic (dystrophin gene mutations)

PT/OT, steroids, supportive care

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

Muscle wasting, breathing/swallowing problems

Genetic (SMN1 mutation)

Gene therapy (Zolgensma), Spinraza, PT/OT

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI/CTE)

Headache, confusion, memory loss, mood changes

Head trauma (falls, accidents, sports, military)

Rehab (PT/OT/speech), CBT, medications for symptoms