Brain and Nervous System
The brain is the most important and most complex organ of the human body. It is the control centre of the central nervous system (CNS); and it features a number of capabilities including enabling us to think, use our senses, and remember things and events. As part of the central player of the nervous system, any diseases or disorders affecting the nervous system can be directly connected to the brain.
Neurological disorders may be caused by injury or trauma to the brain, spinal cord or nerves, or sometimes biochemical causes. Almost all disorders affecting the nervous system are difficult to treat and could result to permanent disability.
Brain Damage
Common diseases of the brain and the nervous system
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is an irreversible brain degeneration disease characterised by gradual memory loss, language breakdown, general social withdrawal, and gradual loss of bodily functions. The cause of the disease has not been identified yet, but three major hypotheses exist to explain the possible cause of AD. Though the disease cannot be treated, many epidemiological studies attempted various possible methods to prevent or halt the progression of the disease. These preventative methods include diet, medications, and intellectual activities such as reading.
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that affects both children and adults worldwide. It is characterised by recurrent unprovoked seizures caused by abnormal neuronal activity in the brain. Like most types of neurological disorders, epilepsy cannot be cured, but it can be controlled and seizures can be reduced. Epilepsy can be treated by medications, operative surgery, ketogenic diet, and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).
Epilepsy in the mall
Head Ache is a condition characterised by pain in the head commonly caused by eye strain, tension, dehydration, low blood sugar, and sinusitis, or sometimes life threatening diseases such as brain tumours and meningitis.
Migraine is a disabling neurological syndrome characterised by painful pulsating head pain, nausea, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. There is no definite answer as to what causes migraine, but studies have found that they can be triggered by hormonal changes, certain food, stress, medications, intense physical exertions, sensory stimuli, and changes in sleeping patterns. Its treatment include
Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterised by the occurrence of patches of inflammation in the brain and the spinal cord, causing numerous physical and mental symptoms such as difficulty with coordination and balance, demyelization and chronic pain. Multiple sclerosis may be caused by genetic changes, infectious disease, decreased sunlight exposure and decreased vitamin D production or intake.
Stroke is a serious medical condition caused by a disruption of blood flow in the brain which can result to severe physical and mental disabilities such as inability to understand or formulate speech, reduction in sensory or vibratory sensation, altered vision and muscle weakness. Stoke can be treated by carotid artery surgery, anti-coagulants and other medications.