Nervous system diseases

Main

Nervous system diseases, also known as neurological disorders, are conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves throughout the body. These diseases can disrupt communication between the brain and the rest of the body, leading to problems with movement, speech, swallowing, breathing, learning, memory, senses, and mood. There are over 600 different nervous system diseases, each with varying causes, symptoms, and impacts on the body.

The main types of nervous system diseases include:

1. Neurodegenerative diseases: Conditions where nerve cells gradually deteriorate or die, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and ALS.

2. Cerebrovascular diseases: Disorders affecting blood vessels in the brain, such as stroke, aneurysms, and vascular malformations.

3. Seizure disorders: Conditions characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, such as epilepsy.

4. Infectious diseases: Infections that affect the nervous system, such as meningitis, encephalitis, and HIV-associated neurological disorders.

5. Autoimmune disorders: Diseases where the immune system mistakenly attacks the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

6. Genetic disorders: Inherited conditions that affect the nervous system, such as Huntington's disease, muscular dystrophy, and Fragile X syndrome.

7. Brain and spinal cord injuries: Damage to the brain or spinal cord from trauma, such as concussions and spinal cord injuries.

8. Brain tumors: Abnormal growths of cells in the brain that can be benign or malignant.

Terms

• Nervous system: The complex network of nerve cells and fibers that transmits signals between different parts of the body. Example: The nervous system controls voluntary and involuntary actions.

• Nerve cell (neuron): The basic unit of the nervous system, responsible for receiving, processing, and transmitting information through electrical and chemical signals. Example: Nerve cells communicate with each other through specialized connections called synapses.

• Central nervous system (CNS): The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord. Example: The CNS is protected by the skull and vertebrae.

• Peripheral nervous system (PNS): The part of the nervous system consisting of the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Example: The PNS includes the nerves that control muscle movement and sensation.

Analogy

The nervous system is like a complex highway system. The brain is the central control center, the spinal cord is the main highway, and the peripheral nerves are the smaller roads branching out to the entire body. A neurological disease is like a major accident, construction, or deterioration of the roads that disrupts the normal flow of traffic and communication. For example, a stroke is like a major highway being blocked by a crash, preventing vital supplies from reaching their destinations.

Misconception

Many people believe that all neurological symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or numbness mean a person has a brain tumor. However, these symptoms can be caused by a wide variety of conditions, many of which are not life-threatening. For example, a person experiencing a migraine headache may fear they have a brain tumor, but migraines are often caused by triggers like stress, hormonal changes, or certain foods.

History

1. Ancient times: The brain and nerves were not well understood. Holes were drilled in skulls to release "evil spirits".

2. 1700s: Luigi Galvani discovered that nerves use electricity to communicate.

3. 1800s: Paul Broca discovered that different brain areas control specific functions.

4. 1878: Modern neurology was born when Jean-Martin Charcot opened the first neurology clinic in Paris.

5. 1900s-present: Neuroscience has rapidly advanced with modern brain imaging, microsurgery, and drug treatments.

How to use it

1. Learn the signs of a stroke using the FAST acronym:

   • Face drooping: One side of the face may droop or feel numb. Ask the person to smile and check if their smile is uneven.

   • Arm weakness: One arm may feel weak or numb. Ask the person to raise both arms and see if one drifts downward.

   • Speech difficulty: Speech may be slurred, or the person may have trouble speaking or understanding. Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase and check for slurring or confusion.

   • Time to call 911: If you notice any of these signs, call emergency services immediately. Time is critical in stroke treatment.

2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of neurological disorders. This includes eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

3. Protect your brain from injury by wearing a helmet during activities like cycling, skating, or contact sports. Use seat belts in vehicles and take steps to prevent falls, especially in older adults. Avoiding head trauma can reduce the risk of brain injuries and long-term neurological problems.

Facts

• The human brain contains approximately 86 billion neurons.

• Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases.

• Migraine is the 3rd most prevalent illness in the world, affecting about 12% of the population.

• The annual healthcare costs for neurological disorders in the US exceed $789 billion.

• The brain uses about 20% of the body's total energy, despite making up only 2% of body weight.