Medical experts emphasise that the nervous system often reveals early and sometimes subtle warning signs long before a full neurological disorder is diagnosed. Recognising these signals can be critical, as they may point to the onset of serious conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, epilepsy, or other neurodegenerative disorders.

A recent by a practising physician outlined five key red flags that warrant medical attention: tremor at rest, action tremor, progressive memory loss with confusion, sudden one-sided weakness accompanied by slurred speech, and seizures. Each of these symptoms can indicate distinct underlying causes, ranging from motor control disorders to acute brain injuries. Detecting these signs early allows healthcare providers to initiate timely diagnostic tests and treatment, potentially reducing complications, preserving brain function, and improving long-term patient outcomes.

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5 early signs your nervous system is in trouble and how to recognise them


1. Resting tremor, slowed movement and stiffness signs are often linked to Parkinson’s disease

According to a study published in the Translational Neurodegeneration journal (2023), a characteristic pattern of motor signs a tremor when the hand is at rest, slowness of voluntary movement (bradykinesia), and increased muscle tone (rigidity), is the classic motor triad clinicians associate with Parkinson’s disease. These features arise from progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons in a brain region called the substantia nigra. Doctors use the pattern and progression of these signs, plus response to dopaminergic drugs, as part of the diagnostic process. Further tests, such as clinical rating scales, brain imaging and specialist neurological assessment, are used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out mimics.


2. Tremor while reaching or during action is commonly seen in essential tremor

Tremors that appear or worsen during voluntary movements, for example, when reaching for a cup or writing, point clinicians toward a diagnosis of essential tremor (ET) rather than Parkinson’s disease. ET is often related to abnormal activity within the cerebello-thalamo-cortical network of the brain and can be aggravated by caffeine, stress and fatigue. Unlike some other tremor disorders, ET frequently improves with small doses of alcohol for some people and is assessed by neurologists through a combination of clinical observation, family history and, when needed, neurophysiological testing or neuroimaging.


3. Memory loss, confusion and progressive cognitive decline possible dementia syndromes

According to a study published in Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Dementia – PMC (2022), sustained or progressive problems with memory, judgment, planning or everyday function can indicate dementia. Causes include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular cognitive impairment, Lewy body dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions. Clinicians distinguish normal age-related forgetfulness from dementia by assessing whether cognitive changes interfere with daily activities and by using cognitive tests, neuroimaging and blood tests to identify reversible contributors. Early detection enables management of reversible factors, planning for care needs and, where appropriate, disease-modifying or symptomatic therapies.


4. Sudden weakness on one side and slurred speech are emergency signs of stroke

According to a study published in the BMC Neurology journal (2024), sudden onset of unilateral limb weakness or slurred speech often indicates the onset of a stroke. The study of first-time stroke patients found that face drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulty remain key symptoms prompting emergency care and faster intervention.


5. Seizures with blackout, jerking or unexplained loss of awareness, possible epilepsy or other neurological causes

According to a study published in the American Family Physician journal (2022), new-onset seizures including witnessed convulsive jerking, loss of consciousness, or unexplained blackouts require prompt evaluation with EEG and neuroimaging because they significantly increase the risk of developing epilepsy.


When nervous system disorders turn critical: How to act fast and what to tell emergency responders

• Stroke-like symptoms: Treat as an emergency call local emergency services immediately and note the time symptoms started. Early hospital arrival affects eligibility for clot-busting therapy and mechanical thrombectomy.
• New, prolonged seizures or repeated convulsive events: Seek immediate medical help. Avoid putting objects in the mouth and place the person in the recovery position once convulsions stop.
• Acute, rapidly worsening confusion or severe new neurological deficits: Urgent assessment is warranted.

How specialists diagnose nervous system disorders and investigate symptoms

Neurologists combine clinical history and focused neurological examination with targeted investigations:

• Brain imaging (MRI or CT) to detect stroke, tumours, or structural causes.
• EEG to characterise seizure activity.
• Blood tests to identify metabolic, infectious or inflammatory causes.
• Movement-disorder rating scales and trial of dopaminergic medication in suspected Parkinsonism.
• Neuropsychological testing for cognitive impairment. These tools help differentiate diagnoses and plan management.

What patients and caregivers can do now

• Document symptom onset, triggers, and pattern (for example, whether tremor occurs at rest or with action).
• Keep a record of medications, alcohol or stimulant use, and recent illnesses.
• For suspected stroke or prolonged seizures, call emergency services. For gradual symptoms, arrange a prompt appointment with a primary physician or neurologist for evaluation.
• Early specialist referral can speed diagnosis and access to therapies, rehabilitation and support services

(Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The symptoms and conditions described here may have multiple causes, and only a qualified healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. If you experience any new, sudden, or worsening neurological symptoms such as tremors, slurred speech, weakness, or seizures, seek immediate medical attention or contact your healthcare provider.)