About Neurological Conditions

For Public Health

What to know

  • There are hundreds of neurological conditions (disorders) that affect how the brain, spinal cord, and nerves work.
  • CDC chose to study multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease first because they place a high burden on patients, families, and the health care system, and differ in diagnosis and who they affect.
A grandmother spends time with her daughter and grandchild at home

Overview

Neurological conditions1 affect the brain, spinal cord, and/or nerves.

The long-term impacts of neurological conditions include:

  • Losses of physical and mental abilities and reduction in quality of life for patients.
  • Strain on families and caregivers.
  • Considerable demands on the healthcare system.

Multiple sclerosis & Parkinson's disease

CDC built NNCSS to study the burden of various neurological conditions, including MS and PD. After engaging with partners and experts, CDC prioritized these conditions because they affect many people and place a high burden on patients, families, and the health care system.

Because MS and PD differ in how they are diagnosed, when symptoms begin, and who they affect, CDC needed to test multiple methods and data sources. These methods and insights can then be used to improve how other neurological conditions are tracked.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition and autoimmune disorder. MS causes the immune system to attack healthy cells in the central nervous system. This can impact a patient’s mobility, vision, mood, and the ability to focus.2

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological condition and progressive movement disorder. Over time, it damages nerve cells in parts of the brain. This can lead to problems with movement, tremor, stiffness, and impaired balance.3

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Content Source:
Office of Public Health Data, Surveillance, and Technology (OPHDST)
  1. All disorders. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Accessed August 19, 2025. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders.
  2. Multiple sclerosis. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Updated January 31, 2025. Accessed May 5, 2025. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/multiple-sclerosis.
  3. Parkinson's disease. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Updated March 5, 2025. Accessed May 5, 2025. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/parkinsons-disease.