Nervous System Disorders by Elise

Alzheimer's disease/dementia

eliseandakshita — 2024-11-01 17:27:57 UTC

Alzheimer's disease/dementia is a progressive degenerative disease of the brain where tangles of fibers develop in nerve cells which interfere with brain function. It is most with people 65 years or older and is characterized by memory loss and diminished cognitive function. The cause is unknown, but age is the most important risk factor.

Cerebral Palsy

eliseandakshita — 2024-11-01 17:32:56 UTC

Cerebral Palsy is a permanent set of motor problems diagnosed in infants and young children. It is thought to be due to damage to the motor cortex. Some people who have this disease may have developmental delays, autism or seizures. Many are of normal intellect. Some risk factors are low birth weight, premature birth, multiple births, infection during pregnancy, developmental abnormalities, brain hemorrhage, perinatal brain injury and lack of oxygen. Symptoms may vary from a mild foot drag and incoordination to complete paralysis and not being able to speak. Cerebral Palsy can be treated with physical therapy, occupational therapy, assistive devices and medications to control symptoms.

Epilepsy

eliseandakshita — 2024-11-01 17:39:19 UTC

Epilepsy is a seizure disorder, believed to be a result of spontaneous uncontrolled activity of neurons. It is diagnosed with an EEG. The two types of seizures; grand mal and petit mal. Epilepsy is treated with anticonvulsant medications.

Meningitis

eliseandakshita — 2024-11-01 17:40:52 UTC

Meningitis is an infection or inflammation of the meninges. It is caused by both bacteria and viral infections. Symptoms are severe headaches and stiff neck with pain. It is necessary to seek immediate medical attention.

Concussion

eliseandakshita — 2024-11-01 17:43:06 UTC

A concussion is a mild traumatic injury to the brain that is particularly common in contact sports like football. It is caused by an impact to your head or after a whiplash-type. Symptoms include headaches, problems with concentration, memory, balance and coordination.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

eliseandakshita — 2024-11-06 03:33:04 UTC

A TBI is sudden damage to the brain caused by a blow or jolt to the head. Common causes are car/motorcycle accidents, falls, sport injuries and assaults. TBIs range from a mild concussion to severe permanent brain damage. Those who survive a brain injury can face lasting effects in their physical and mental abilities as well as emotions and personality. They will also most likely need rehabilitation to recover and relearn skills.

Spinal Cord Injury

eliseandakshita — 2024-11-06 03:35:30 UTC

A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function such as mobility and/or feeling. A frequent cause is trauma. The level of the injury determines the extent of loss of function. Paraplegia is paralysis of the legs and lower body and quadriplegia is the paralysis of all 4 limbs.

Multiple Sclerosis

eliseandakshita — 2024-11-06 03:41:50 UTC

Multiple Sclerosis is when the myelin is destroyed most likely due to autoimmune attack. The brain, spinal cord and optic nerves are often involves and the areas without myelin impairs or prevents conduction of nerve impulses. Multiple Sclerosis may cause impairments in vision, balance, speech or movement. This disease can be relapsing (flare-ups) or chronic progressive with no remissions. Multiple sclerosis is more common in women and usually diagnosed in those under 50.

Parkinson's Disease

eliseandakshita — 2024-11-06 03:45:25 UTC

Parkinson's disease a brain disorder caused by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons which leads to shaking, stiffness and difficulty with walking, balance and coordination. Symptoms usually begin gradually and get worse over time. Later stages affect the ability to chew and swallow. Risk factors include age, heredity, gender and exposure to toxins.

Encephalitis

eliseandakshita — 2024-11-06 03:47:45 UTC

Encephalitis is the inflammation of the brain that may be caused by a virus like herpes virus or west Nile virus. Common symptoms are fever, lethargy, headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue. Symptoms may be more severe and include confusion, hallucinations, paralysis and unconsciousness.

Hemiplegia

eliseandakshita — 2024-11-06 03:48:58 UTC

Hemiplegia is paralysis in one half of the body. It is caused by a brain injury and the most common cause is stroke. Results in a varying degrees of weakness, stiffness and lack of control in one side of the body.

Poliomyelitis

eliseandakshita — 2024-11-06 03:51:03 UTC

Polio is a contagious viral disease that in its most severe form causes nerve injury leading to paralysis, difficulty breathing and sometimes death. This disease is almost eradicated in the US due to vaccine, but despite a worldwide effort to wipe out polio, it still affects people in parts of Africa and Asia.