# data[].attributes.body
The complex of nerve tissues that controls the activities of the body. In vertebrates it comprises the brain and spinal cord.

# data[].attributes.body
Is an organ that controls information flow throughout the body. Also controls involuntary reactions such as breathing and digestion .

# data[].attributes.body
The principal and most anterior part of the brain in vertebrates, located in the front area of the skull and consisting of two hemispheres, left and right, separated by a fissure. It is responsible for the integration of complex sensory and neural functions and the initiation and coordination of voluntary activity in the body.

# data[].attributes.body
The part of the brain at the back of the skull in vertebrates. Its function is to coordinate and regulate muscular activity.

# data[].attributes.body
The central trunk of the brain.  The brain stem controls the flow of messages between the brain and the rest of the body.

# data[].attributes.body
The spinal cord is a long, thin, tubular structure made up of nervous tissue, that extends from the medulla oblongata in the brain stem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column. It encloses the central canal of the spinal cord that contains cerebrospinal fluid.

# data[].attributes.body
The nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord. Serves as a relay between the brain and spinal cord and the rest of the body.

# data[].attributes.body
A specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses; a nerve cell.

# data[].attributes.body
Exercise regularly.
Don't smoke or use other tobacco products.
Eat a balanced diet.
Drink plenty of water.

# data[].attributes.body
Get mental stimulation
Get physical exercise
Avoid tobacco.
Eat a balanced diet

# data[].attributes.body
Become organized.
Make sure to socialize regularly.
Get enough sleep.
If you have any stress, try to lower it or if you can get rid of it.

# data[].attributes.body
Take up a new hobby. (Make sure you're active)
Listen to Music
Read

# data[].attributes.body
Do not smoke.
Do not drink too much alcohol. Exercise regularly

# data[].attributes.body
Let your spine really rest while sleeping
Exercise your core to strengthen abs and back muscles
Enjoy massages regularly

# data[].attributes.body
Eat a balanced diet that includes good levels of B-12 and D vitamins, as well as healthy fats

Avoid smoking and drinking excessive alcohol

Keep up with a solid sleep schedule

Take part in exercise

# data[].attributes.body
Sleep well
Practice good nutrition
Stay active
Avoid stress

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Describes what happens when diseases or injuries affect the nervous system. Covers emergency symptoms like loss of consciousness, seizure, or confusion or behavior changes. Includes interactive tool to help you decide when to call a doctor.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
(Based on 'the four pillars' of brain health)
Stress Management

1. Know Thyself - What kind of brain do you have and how does it influence your personality. Does your brain prefer the order and predictability of the known world (LH) or is more interested in the excitement of the new (RH)? Just knowing this about yourself will help you understand a lot about your-self and your relationships with others. Why for example, you don't like to leave things unfinished (LH) or why too much detail bores you (RH). A good balance of both is best so try and develop the other side of your brain/personality.

2. Avoid Stress Like It Is Brain Poison (because it is!) - Psychiatrist Milton Erickson used to say, 'if you meet someone who makes you feel bad about yourself - run!' Unfortunately sometimes we have to tolerate unpleasant people or situations for the sake of the children, our career etc. Then we are choosing to sacrifice our happiness for a long-term goal - a uniquely human capacity. Sometimes terrible things happen over which we have no control. Then we have to learn how to manage our painful feelings and accept some changes to our self and world view.

3. Meditate - Meditation is a powerful brain booster. Start with 5-10 minutes of "mind-training" to make it still and empty; and build it up to 30-120 minutes every day as you master the art. Be patient with yourself as the induction is often slow

4. Sleep - 7-8 hours/night of sound sleep is essential for stimulating new connections and brain growth. Identify and address all obstacles to sleep, including an over-active mind, physical tension, undiagnosed sleep apnea.

5. Practice mindfulness - Stop at regular periods throughout your day and mentally check-in with yourself. Notice any tension or preoccupations, without judging or analysing. If it's not something you can change now, why not shelve it until later? Don't "waste" your worry.

6. Practice self-soothing - Use brain-smart strategies such as bilateral stimulation to 'short-circuit' worry and stress. Stop for a moment and take a deep breathe every now and then and notice how it feels. Direct your attention to soothing elements of your environment - sometimes you just need to stop and smell the roses - literally!

7. Get support. Sharing your problem with trusted loved ones releases endorphins and is one of the best antidotes against stress.

Mental Stimulation

1. Learn, Learn, Learn - Learning stimulates Learn a variety of new things that are unrelated to what you normally do. Variety is key.. meet new people, learn a new skill, learn to dance, take up drawing or knitting.

2. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone - This is tremendous for your brain. Do something that stretches you and makes you somewhat uncomfortable. Travel, vary your routine. If you are a very goal-oriented person, try doing something for the heck of it occasionally. Listen to different music styles

3. Use It Or Lose It - Exercise your mental abilities to keep them strong. For example, if you think creatively, you will strengthen the connections that you draw upon for creative thought.

4. Become Ambidextrous - Use your non-dominant hand to to everything you can. Eat with it draw with it, brush your hair with it, whatever. This is a powerful tip!

5. Avoid Boredom -Boredom is the enemy of an active and growing brain. The best way to avoid boredom is to develop an attitude of curiosity and work on your attention.

6. Do Brain Teasers, games and puzzles Solve crosswords, Sudoku, etc.

7. Play Video Games - Some exposure to video games is good for your brain and even your children's. But play games and not the same one over and over.

8. Sing to solve problems. Singing about your worries activates your right hemisphere which is responsible for pattern recognition.

9. On the web: Try some of these websites:

http://www.lumosity.com http://www.gamesforthebrain.com/
http://www.proprofs.com/games/
http://www.mindgames.com/ Exercise

1. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise - Just walking for 30 minutes a day will stimulate cell growth and repair in your brain. Healthy blood flow in your brain strengthens and maintains your neuronal connections. It doesn't matter whether you do weight training, pilates or jog. Every type of exercise is a different drug with its own benefits."

2. Vary Your Exercise Routine - Try walking backwards! I hope you're getting the picture now! Do something different. Habit is easy, novel is good for your brain.

Diet

1. Eat A Rainbow Diet - Eat colorful foods; orange, red, blue, purple, and green foods. These are loaded with phytonutrients and antioxidants. The nutrients are important brain food and the antioxidants are critical for your cell protection. When you burn energy you produce free radicals and you need antioxidants to gobble them up before they damage your cells.

2. Eat Complex Carbohydrates - Eat 80% fruits and vegetables. The more fiber they contain the better. Pretend you will die if you don't eat cruciferous vegetables. Well actually don't pretend because you will.

3. Avoid Trans-Fats. They harden your cell membranes and make your brain slow.

4. Eat Fish, Chicken, Turkey, and Beans For Protein - These are loaded with the amino acids required for your brain to make and maintain neurotransmitter levels.

5. Eat Seeds and Nuts for Fat and Protein - Almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts, and pecans are excellent as are pumpkin, sunflower, flax and other seeds.

6. Control Your Blood Sugar - Too much glucose will kill your brain and too little will starve it.

7. Eat dark chocolate. Dark chocolate increases blood flow to the brain (and heart). Dark Chocolate actually helps regulate blood sugar. It is also full of antioxidants and minerals, including Phenylethylamine (PEA) the love drug.

8. Alcohol in moderation.

9. Control Your Weight - Excess fat mucks up everything. It plays havoc with your blood sugar.

Mark Grant, MA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Brain Tips - 27 things you can do to care for your brain | Overcoming Pain

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
(Based on 'the four pillars' of brain health) Stress Management Know Thyself - What kind of brain do you have and how does it influence your personality. Does your brain prefer the order and predictability of the known world (LH) or is more interested in the excitement of the new (RH)?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Every brain changes with age, and mental function changes along with it. Mental decline is common, and it's one of the most feared consequences of aging. But cognitive impairment is not inevitable. Here are 12 ways you can help maintain brain function.

1. Get mental stimulation

Through research with mice and humans, scientists have found that brainy activities stimulate new connections between nerve cells and may even help the brain generate new cells, developing neurological "plasticity" and building up a functional reserve that provides a hedge against future cell loss.

Any mentally stimulating activity should help to build up your brain. Read, take courses, try "mental gymnastics," such as word puzzles or math problems Experiment with things that require manual dexterity as well as mental effort, such as drawing, painting, and other crafts.

2. Get physical exercise

Research shows that using your muscles also helps your mind. Animals who exercise regularly increase the number of tiny blood vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood to the region of the brain that is responsible for thought. Exercise also spurs the development of new nerve cells and increases the connections between brain cells ( synapses). This results in brains that are more efficient, plastic, and adaptive, which translates into better performance in aging animals. Exercise also lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol levels, helps blood sugar balance and reduces mental stress, all of which can help your brain as well as your heart.

3. Improve your diet

Good nutrition can help your mind as well as your body. For example, people that eat a Mediterranean style diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, unsaturated oils (olive oil) and plant sources of proteins are less likely to develop cognitive impairment and dementia.

4. Improve your blood pressure

High blood pressure in midlife increases the risk of cognitive decline in old age. Use lifestyle modification to keep your pressure as low as possible. Stay lean, exercise regularly, limit your alcohol to two drinks a day, reduce stress, and eat right.

5. Improve your blood sugar

Diabetes is an important risk factor for dementia. You can help prevent diabetes by eating right, exercising regularly, and staying lean. But if your blood sugar stays high, you'll need medication to achieve good control.

6. Improve your cholesterol

High levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol are associated with an increased the risk of dementia. Diet, exercise, weight control, and avoiding tobacco will go a long way toward improving your cholesterol levels. But if you need more help, ask your doctor about medication.

7. Consider low-dose aspirin

Some observational studies suggest that low-dose aspirin may reduce the risk of dementia, especially vascular dementia. Ask your doctor if you are a candidate.

8. Avoid tobacco

Avoid tobacco in all its forms.

9. Don't abuse alcohol

Excessive drinking is a major risk factor for dementia. If you choose to drink, limit yourself to two drinks a day.

10. Care for your emotions

People who are anxious, depressed, sleep-deprived, or exhausted tend to score poorly on cognitive function tests. Poor scores don't necessarily predict an increased risk of cognitive decline in old age, but good mental health and restful sleep are certainly important goals.

11. Protect your head

Moderate to severe head injuries, even without diagnosed concussions, increase the risk of cognitive impairment.

12. Build social networks

Strong social ties have been associated with a lower risk of dementia, as well as lower blood pressure and longer life expectancy.

Image: Ronstik/Getty Images

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
12 ways to keep your brain young - Harvard Health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Mental decline is common, and it's one of the most feared consequences of aging. But cognitive impairment is not inevitable. Here are 12 ways you can help reduce your risk of age-related memory los...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
[Click on the image to Enlarge]

How does your brain develop? Do you ever wonder how you can think about and learn so much stuff? Don't tire yourself out thinking about the answer. It's not an easy one, unless you're a medical student or a doctor. Just to be clear, this isn't Neuroanatomy class okay? So relax. Now let's focus on your brain development in a nutshell.

Before we start, let's backtrack a little (or further if you're that old). Let's pretend you're still inside your mother's uterus and starting to develop a brain.

While inside your mother's womb, your brain develops and grows at an astounding rate. It's estimated that 250,000 neurons are added every passing minute. When you're born, almost all of the neurons required for you to live are already present. In spite of this, your brain continues to grow in size for a few more years. When you're about two years old, your brain is approximately 80 to 85% of its adult size.

Your nervous system (brain and spinal cord) develops from primitive tissues called the ectoderm. The first indication that you're developing a brain is the presence of a neural plate which forms just over two weeks after conception. Shortly after this, the plate develops into the neural tube which is already fully formed by about 27 days after conception.

The front part of this tube thickens and becomes your future brain and the rest (rear part) turns into your spinal cord. Some scattered cells around the neural tube become your peripheral nervous system. In the coming weeks of brain development, your brain increases in weight. Take a look at the infographic below and see how your brain nearly triples in weight soon after you're born.

As you can see, your brain attains its heaviest weight when you're 19 to 21 years old. After that, there is a slow and steady reduction in its weight. Hey, don't worry, a heavier brain doesn't necessarily equate to smarter thinking.

The Major Parts of Your Brain and their Functions

Frontal lobe
If we're talking about a five star hotel, this would be the penthouse suite where the party is. The host and all his connections are here. The frontal lobe represents all of man's greatest challenges and triumphs. Your frontal lobe is responsible for:

Your ability to choose between bad and good

Your ability to recognise the consequences of your actions

Your most memorable memories are stored here

Your body movements

In other words, your frontal lobe is the king.

Damage to this area of your brain will lead to changes in sexual habits, socialisation, and attention as well as increased risk-taking.

Parietal lobe
Back to the hotel, this represents the concierge where all the sensory input goes. Guests arrive here. Your parietal lobe is responsible for:

Processing tactile sensory information like pain, touch and pressure, both inside and outside the body

Damage to the parietal lobe can lead to inability to control your eye movements, problems with verbal memory and language.

Temporal lobe
In our five star hotel scenario, this represents the music lounge. Your temporal lobe is responsible for:

Interpreting the sounds we hear (it's beside your ears)

Forming your memories

If you have damage to this lobe, you will have difficulty in understanding speech and forming memories.

Occipital lobe
This undoubtedly represents a function room in the hotel where presentations are done. Your occipital lobe is responsible for:

Receiving visual stimuli and processing it into meaningful information

Damage to this area results in visual problems like difficulty in identifying colours, recognising words and objects.

Cerebellum
This part of your brain is like the fitness room. Your cerebellum is responsible for:

Storing learned sequences of movement such as with dancing

Contributes to coordination and fine tuning movements as well as precision and timing of movements

Aids in balance, muscle tension and posture

Damage to this part of the brain can cause issues with motor learning, fine movement, balance and posture.

Brainstem
In our hotel example, this is the managing team who make sure everything runs smoothly day in and day out. Your brainstem is responsible for:

Crucial functions like breathing, heart rate and blood pressure

Sleeping and digestion

Maintaining consciousness and alertness

Coordinating motor control signals between the body and the brain

Damage to the brainstem can be very serious and even life-threatening because of it's vital roles.

Copyright © Return2Health Limited. All Rights Reserved .

Now that you know the main functions of the major areas in the brain, you can use these to recognise poor or delayed brain development in your child. If this occurs, you may notice that he or she lags behind their peers in learning new material. If you have any concerns about your child's brain development, consult your doctor.
Let's jump to the other end of the spectrum now and visit our elderly folks. As elderly people show signs of aging, so do their brains.
Normal signs of an aging brain include:

1. Mild decline in cognitive functioning.

2. Decline in immediate/short term memory especially in non-verbal, verbal and visual memory.

3. Your ability to generate words decreases.

4. Reduction in the maintenance and control of attention.

Other signs of poor brain function such as loss of spatial orientation and decreased motor control may indicate pending dementia or other neurological problems so regular check ups are important. The incidence of age-related brain diseases like stroke, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease increase as we age.

To delay age related brain changes, try these stimulating brain exercises:

1. Read! Reading is one of the most basic brain exercises that you can easily do. You will continue to process new information that keeps your neurons in tip top shape. Reading also helps to increase your vocabulary as do crosswords. Reading non fiction is especially good for stretching the brain and learning about new subjects.

2. Listen to music. Regularly listening to music has been found to improve attention, the ability to anticipate events as well as accessing memories. Play your favourite music at home and you may even find yourself dancing around the house.

3. Exercise helps to support cardiovascular health and circulation of blood to the brain. Which in turn supports the growth of new brain cells. Find something you enjoy doing that doesn't feel like exercise. Here are some ideas for fun forms of exercise.

4. Write something, anything. Writing involves major processes in your brain, thereby exercising it. Try writing a journal or a children's story or even memoirs of your life so far. Everybody has an interesting life story!

5. Learning a new language sharpens the language and speech areas of your brain. Put this on your bucket list. If you learn the language for a country you have always wanted to visit, you can add a holiday to the country to your bucket list as well. If you don't have a bucket list, start one now. Its never too late to start!
Good Read: nutritional tips to maintain a healthy brain.
After learning about brain development, you may be wondering about the relationship between your brain and your mind (yes, this is a different thing). It's hard to imagine how your emotions and thoughts could be manifested by such physical structures or entities like neurons. Of course, you do realise this is beyond the scope of this article. Who knows, maybe someday, someone will be able to enlighten us. Until then, enjoy life USING your brain. It's not just a paperweight inside your skull.

Related Articles

References

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/727739

https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/facts.html

http://facultypages.morris.umn.edu/~meeklesr/Aging.html

http://www.canyonranch.com/your-health/health-healing/staying-healthy/brain-fitness/how-your-brain-changes-age

http://www.brainfacts.org/brain-basics/neuroanatomy/articles/2012/the-cerebellum/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brainstem

http://memory.ucsf.edu/brain/aging/overview

Sadler, T. W. (©2012). Langman's medical embryology 12th Ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Moore, K. L., Persaud, T. V. N., & Torchia, M. G. (©2013). The developing human: clinically oriented embryology (9th Ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders/Elsevier.

Felten, D. L., & Shetty, A. N. (2010). Netter's atlas of neuroscience (2nd Ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders/Elsevier.

Ropper, A. H., Samuels, M. A., & Klein, J. (2014). Adams and Victor's principles of neurology (tenth Ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Education Medical.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Your Developing Brain and How to Take Care of it...In a Nutshell

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
How does your brain develop? Do you ever wonder how you can think about and learn so much stuff? Don't tire yourself out thinking about the answer. It's not an easy one, unless you're a medical student or a doctor. Just to be clear, this isn't Neuroanatomy class okay? So relax.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Learn about Brilinta and how it may lower your risk of having a stroke

This material must not be used for commercial purposes, or in any hospital or medical facility. Failure to comply may result in legal action.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

A brainstem infarction (stroke) happens when blood flow to a part of the brain called the brainstem suddenly decreases or stops. The brainstem is made up of the midbrain, pons, and medulla. Blood vessels (arteries) carry blood with oxygen and other nutrients to your brain and brainstem. When oxygen cannot get to the brain or brainstem, cells are damaged and can die within minutes to hours. A blood clot that blocks an artery causes an ischemic stroke. An artery that ruptures (breaks) and bleeds causes a hemorrhagic stroke. After a stroke, you may be unable to move parts of your body. You may have trouble talking, swallowing or walking. A brainstem infarction can also change the way you think and act.

Caregivers use tests, such as a computerized tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to learn more about your stroke. You may also need a carotid ultrasound or angiography. Treatment may include medicine or surgery. You may need a machine (ventilator) to help you breathe. You may need physical, occupational and speech therapy to help you learn new ways to do the things that you used to do. Treatment and therapy may help you return to doing things that you were able to do before the stroke. Diet and lifestyle changes, such as stopping smoking and getting more exercise, may help prevent another stroke.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.

Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

Anticoagulants: Anticoagulants are also called blood thinners. This medicine helps prevent clots from forming in the blood.

Antiplatelets: Antiplatelets work against platelets to prevent blood clots from forming. Platelets are a type of blood cell that start to form blood clots.

Thrombolytics: Thrombolytics are used when a stroke is caused by a clot in a blood vessel. Thrombolytics break apart clots, and help blood to flow more easily through a blood vessel.

Anticonvulsant medicine: Anticonvulsants are given to control seizures.

Blood pressure medicine: This medicine may be given to lower your blood pressure. Keeping your blood pressure under control protects your heart, lungs, brain, kidneys, and other organs.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit.

Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Rehabilitation:

Rehabilitation may help you get stronger and able to take care of yourself. It can also help you return to doing some or all of your usual activities.

A speech or swallowing therapist may work with you to help you swallow and speak. If you have trouble swallowing, you may need to be fed through a gastrostomy tube in your stomach. You or a family member or friend may be taught how to use the tube. Ask caregivers for information on how to use a gastrostomy tube. If you can swallow, you may need to drink thick liquids and have blended food at first. Over time, you may be able to return to your usual diet. You may have speech problems, such as aphasia and dysarthria, after a stroke. Other people may not be able to understand what you are saying. A therapist will work with you to help your speech improve.

Physical and occupational therapists are caregivers who can help you grow stronger and better able to take care of yourself. Being active can help prevent problems such as blood clots, pneumonia, skin breakdown, and contractures. Contractures occur when unused muscles shorten over time, and decrease your ability to extend your arms and legs. Therapy can help you cope with problems such as feeling very tired and weak. Caregivers will help you with exercise programs that may improve your balance and help prevent you from falling. They will help you get and use equipment, such as a cane or wheelchair. Wear support stockings to help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs.

Talk to caregivers about your feelings and concerns. You may feel very sad, angry or helpless. If you have pain, you may find it hard to get through each day. You may be worried about how you will work, or get along with your family or friends. Caregivers can help you cope with these feelings. You may want to join a support group. This is a group of people who also have had strokes. Ask caregivers for more information about stroke support groups.

Preventing skin breakdown:

You may need a special mattress called an egg crate or an air mattress. Ask someone to help you turn in bed if you cannot do this yourself. Changing your position often while in bed will help prevent skin breakdown (pressure sores). Skin breakdown can happen when pressure on your skin decreases blood flow and oxygen to the area, causing sores to form and grow. Ask your caregiver for more information about preventing pressure sores.

Things that you can do to help prevent a brainstem infarction:

Do not smoke. Do not smoke tobacco products, or use illegal (street) drugs. Smoking or using street drugs increases your risk of having a stroke. Certain street drugs cause quick changes in blood pressure, and can cause a stroke. The risk of having a stroke increases with the more tobacco products that you smoke.

Do not drink too much alcohol. Alcohol is found in beer, wine, and liquor, such as vodka and whiskey. Drinking a lot of alcohol can increase your risk of having a stroke. Women should not drink more than one drink a day, and men should not drink more than two drinks a day.

Exercise regularly. Talk to caregivers about the best exercise plan for you. Exercise can help decrease blood cholesterol levels and decrease your blood pressure. Do exercise, such as walking, every day for at least 30 minutes (one-half hour).

Change your diet. If you have high blood cholesterol, decreasing it may decrease your risk of having a stroke. Eat food that is low in cholesterol and fat. If you have high blood cholesterol levels, talk to your caregiver about diet changes that you can make to help decrease it. Eat more fruit and vegetables every day. Doing this may decrease your risk of having a stroke. Eating a diet that is high in salt can increase your blood pressure. Having high blood pressure increases your risk of having a stroke. Ask caregivers for help in choosing the best eating plan for you. Weighing more than what caregivers suggest increases your risk of having a stroke. Talk to caregivers if you need to lose weight.

Manage diabetes. Manage your blood sugar level if you have diabetes. Talk to your caregiver about your diet, exercise, and medicines. Making changes to these may help you keep your blood sugar levels within the best range for you.

Check your blood pressure. Ask your caregiver for more information about checking your blood pressure.

Signs that show if someone is having a stroke:

Use the F.A.S.T. test to check for signs that show if another person is having a stroke:

F= Face: Ask the person to smile. Drooping on one side of the mouth or face is a sign of a stroke.

A= Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. One arm that slowly comes back down or cannot be raised is a sign of a stroke.

S= Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence that you say first. Speech that is slurred or strange sounding is a sign of a stroke.

T= Time: If you see that the person has any of these signs, it is an emergency. Call 911 to activate the EMS (emergency medical service). Ask for an ambulance to take the person to the nearest hospital.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

Your blood pressure is higher than your caregiver has told you it should be.

During your recovery, new sores have come on places such as your heels, elbows, or buttocks.

You are having trouble with your exercises.

You have chest pain or trouble breathing that is getting worse over time.

You have questions or concerns about your stroke, your medicine, or your care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.

You suddenly feel lightheaded and have trouble breathing.

You have new and sudden chest pain. You may have more pain when you take deep breaths or cough. You may also cough up blood.

You feel very sad and have began to use street drugs, or drink too much alcohol.

You feel like hurting or killing yourself.

You have one or more signs or symptoms of a stroke. Signs and symptoms of a stroke may happen suddenly. Do not drive yourself to the hospital. Get medical care right away if you have any of the following:

A very bad headache. This may feel like the worst headache of your life.

Dizziness. You may feel too dizzy to stand up.

Weakness or numbness in your arm, leg, or face. This may happen on only one side of your body.

Confusion, or trouble speaking.

Unable to see out of one or both of your eyes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Medical Disclaimer
Learn more about Brain Stem Infarction (Aftercare Instructions)

Associated drugs

IBM Watson Micromedex

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Brain Stem Infarction (Aftercare Instructions) - What You Need to Know

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn about Brilinta and how it may lower your risk of having a stroke This material must not be used for commercial purposes, or in any hospital or medical facility. Failure to comply may result in legal action. A brainstem infarction (stroke) happens when blood flow to a part of the brain called the brainstem suddenly decreases or stops.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Whether it's a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or strained muscles, it can take some time to diagnose and treat the causes of back pain. And all the while, you're trying to navigate health insurance, work and family life, and everyday stressors in addition to your back pain.

Here are 5 key things you can do to help achieve more comfort and pain relief.

1. Let your spine really rest while sleeping.

While you're lying down, all the structures in your spine that have worked hard all day finally have an opportunity to relax and be rejuvenated. To make the most of this time, you need a mattress and pillows that allow your spine to rest in a supported and comfortable way.

5 Ways to Keep Your Spine Healthy and Happy
(larger view)

Some tips to consider when sleeping include:

Getting good sleep is important and prepare for a new day of handling heavy spinal loads.

See Practicing Good Sleep Hygiene

2. Exercise your core to strengthen abs and back muscles.

Your core muscles-located in your lower back and abdomen-need to be strong and supple in order to support your spine and take pressure off your lower back.

Watch: Video: 5 Overlooked Tips to Protect Your Lower Back

Unfortunately, for most of us our core muscles are rarely used enough during everyday activities. These muscles need to be toned through specific, targeted exercises. Check with your doctor, physical therapist, or other health professional to learn which exercises may be appropriate for you. Many core exercises to help reduce back pain are also available on this website.

See Core Body Strength Exercises

3. Your shoes need to support your spine.

Whether you're walking for exercise or just to get where you're going, the shoes you wear play an important role in supporting your lower back. Good shoes provide a supportive base that helps the spine and body remain in alignment. For example, make sure the area of the shoe that fits the back of your heel is snug, but not overly tight. A good fit prevents over pronation or supination-or too much rolling of the foot to the outside or inside.

See Guidelines for Buying Walking Shoes

Also, consider using shoe orthotics or inserts if you need further balance or support.

4. Enjoy the benefits of massage.

A good back massage has a number of therapeutic benefits, such as increasing blood flow, loosening tight muscles and connective tissues, and boosting feelings of relaxation. While a massage does not need to be vigorous to be soothing, some evidence suggests that a moderate-level massage offers more stress-relief benefits than a light-touch massage.

Read more: Massage Therapy Considerations for Lower Back Pain

While it's not the same as going to a massage therapist, having a massage chair in your home can be a practical and easy way to get some of the benefits of a shiatsu or Swedish massage.

See Massage Chairs for Pain Relief

5. Practice good ergonomics while sitting-and limit total sitting time.

The discs in your lower spine are loaded more while sitting than standing, so long periods of sitting can create or aggravate a painful back condition. Moreover, when sitting at a desk and/or looking at a computer screen, our natural tendency is to slouch and lean forward, stressing our lumbar discs even more.

Choosing the right office chair and practicing good posture while seated plays important roles in supporting the natural curves of your back.

See Choosing the Right Ergonomic Office Chair

It's also important to do whatever you can to avoid sitting for long periods. Get up to stretch and walk around at least once an hour, try working at a standup desk intermittently during the day, or get up and pace around when talking on the phone. The spine is meant to move to stay healthy, and movement fuels the spine with healthy nutrients.

See Easy Exercise Program for Low Back Pain Relief

The topics covered here are simple ways to help support your spine and overall back health. Even when you are in serious pain and are undergoing extensive medical treatments, try to remember the simple things you can do for your back-even small changes can help with the healing process over time.

Watch: Video: 3 Simple Ways to Indulge Your Spine

Learn more:
Ergonomics of the Office and Workplace: An Overview Good Posture Helps Reduce Back Pain

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
5 Ways to Keep Your Spine Healthy and Happy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Whether it's a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or strained muscles, it can take some time to diagnose and treat the causes of back pain. And all the while, you're trying to navigate health insurance, work and family life, and everyday stressors in addition to your back pain.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Many patients are concerned about their nervous system. This post, How to Take Care of Your Nervous System, is an answer to many questions we get. These questions range from "How can I keep my nervous system healthy?" to "What are common ailments of the nervous system?" Later in this post, we discuss eight things you can do every day to keep your nervous system healthy.

How to keep the nervous system healthy

1. Learn about your nervous system health

The nervous system-the network of nerves and cells that carry messages from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body-is a complex system that requires attention and care. You can learn more about how the nervous system works here.

Neuropathic conditions are caused by damage to or dysfunction of one or more the nerves in the nervous system. These conditions can lead to numbness or tingling, burning pain, sharp jabbing pain, sensitivity to touch, muscle weakness, dizziness, or lack of coordination.

Several diseases can affect the central and peripheral nervous system, which can lead to chronic pain and long-term disability. There are many potential causes of diseases that affect the central nervous system. They can be caused by:

Any injury or disease that affects the nervous system must be taken seriously because longer-term problems may arise. Avoiding these nervous system conditions is the best way to keep your nervous system healthy.

2. Read more about nervous system ailments

Peripheral neuropathies, which are disorders that affect the extended nerve network in the body, can also be caused by a variety of conditions. Most common is compression of the nerve, which results in a tingling or burning sensation.

The proper treatment for central nervous system diseases or peripheral neuropathy will be determined based on the cause of the condition and the symptoms it is causing. It is also important to note that when a nervous system disease begins to affect the entire quality of life that mental well-being becomes as important to treat as the physical symptoms.

Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's is a form of dementia and, contrary to popular belief, not a natural part of the aging process. Patients suffering from the disease will begin to lose their memory and cognitive skills over time. The disease often affects their behavior in ways that were abnormal for them prior to the diagnosis. Alzheimer's is a progressive disease that will worsen over time.

It isn't difficult to understand that a person in the early stages of the disease will begin to experience depression while they still fully understand what is happening to them. There is no easy answer when it comes to treating an Alzheimer's patient for their overall mental well-being. Psychotherapy, however, can help a patient cope with the frustration, depression, and anxiety caused by the disease.

Parkinson's disease

By contrast, Parkinson's disease affects the body but not the mind of patients diagnosed with the condition. Like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's is a progressive disease that affects the nervous system. The most common hallmark of Parkinson's is tremors that worsen over time. There is no cure for Parkinson's but there are medications that can make the symptoms more tolerable.

A celebrity with a Parkinson's diagnosis, Michael J. Fox, fought his battle with the disease on the public stage. His overall positive outlook on life sheds a light on the ways someone with this disease can lead a full, healthy life if they can focus on their mental health and well-being.

Multiple sclerosis

MS is a nervous system disease that affects the brain's ability to communicate with the body. The body's immune system directs itself toward the nervous system and interrupts the normal signal and communications. It affects the insulative tissues that surround the nerves. With the nerves damaged, they become susceptible to distorted or disrupted signals from the brain to the body. This can cause a variety of symptoms which can be mild, moderate, or severe.

MS can have very negative effects on the mental well-being of an individual coping with the chronic condition. Patients often experience good and bad days that can be painful or result in fatigue or mental slowness. This can take an emotional toll and should be addressed.

3. Discover how to keep your nervous system healthy

A number of factors can lead to a case of neuropathy, from tumors to infections, but there are some steps you can every day take to boost the health of your nervous system. While many cases of neuropathy are caused by uncontrollable risk factors, there are quite a few risk factors that you can control.

Many of these fall in line with general advice on keeping healthy overall, though there are some specific actions you can take to influence nervous system health directly. If you're wondering how to keep your nervous system healthy, you should:

1. Monitor your eating patterns and make sure to eat semi-regularly so as to not deplete the glucose your neurons use for energy

2. Eat a balanced diet that includes good levels of B-12 and D vitamins, as well as healthy fats

3. Avoid smoking and drinking excessive alcohol

4. Keep up with a solid sleep schedule, as sleep helps strengthen circuits within the nervous system which can help with memory

5. Exercise your nervous system and brain with activities like writing by hand or playing mind games like Sudoko

6. Take part in exercise that is appropriate for your body; aim to exercise at least three times a week

7. Maintain a healthy weight as many conditions, such as diabetic neuropathy, are closely linked to obesity or overweight

8. Avoid, or limit, environmental factors that can cause nerve damage, such as repetitive motions or exposure to toxic chemicals

Your nervous system deserves as much attention as other more obvious bodily systems. By participating in healthy habits now, you can help treat or prevent future instances of nerve damage or deterioration.
How do you keep your nervous system healthy?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How To Take Care Of Your Nervous System - Pain Doctor

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Many patients are concerned about their nervous system. This post, How to Take Care of Your Nervous System, is an answer to many questions we get. These questions range from "How can I keep my nervous system healthy?" to "What are common ailments of the nervous system?"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 Great Ways to Take Care of Your Brain

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
"Where did I park?" You dashed into the mall, visited a few stores, and now, shopping bags in hand, you realize you can't remember where you left the car. "I've met that fellow several times...what is his name?" Names, phone numbers, even familiar words...things sometimes seem to be "on the tip of your tongue" but escape quick recollection.