Risk Factors & Prevention

Risk factors for common neurological disorders 

Factors that might increase the risk of certain neurological disorders developing include: 

• A family history of neurological disorders or symptoms  
• A family history of stroke or heart disease  
• Being over the age of 55 
• Experiencing recent trauma or significant stress  
• Having a neurological disorder such as epilepsy, a movement disorder or migraine 
• Having heart disease  
• Having high cholesterol or high blood pressure  
• History of fibromuscular dysplasia or transient ischemic attacks (TIA) 
• Living with a mental health condition, such as anxiety or dissociative disorder 
• Living with diabetes  
• Previously having a stroke  
• Smoking  
• Taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT)  
• Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a poor diet and being physically inactive. 

Preventing neurological disorders  

Many neurological disorders are due to hereditary or genetic factors and can’t be prevented. However, lifestyle changes can be made which may reduce the risk of things like stroke and complications associated with it, later in life. Lifestyle changes include: 

• Eating a healthy, balanced diet, with lots of fruit, vegetables and fiber 
• Exercising regularly  
• Keeping as socially stimulated as possible  
• Protecting yourself against brain injury and trauma  
• Reducing stress as much as possible and getting a good nights’ sleep every night  
• Staying on top of your health to maintain a healthy range for your blood pressure and cholesterol and reducing the risk of diabetes  
• Quitting smoking. 

If you think you might be at risk of developing a disorder of the nervous system, or you have a family history of neurological concerns, talk to our team of expert neurologists in Dubai today.