Nervous System Diseases
Nervous System Diseases
The nervous system is a complex network of nerves and cells that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to various parts of the body.The nervous system includes both the Central nervous system and Peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system is made up of the Somatic and the Autonomic nervous systems.
The following are some of the diseases or
disorders that exist in nervous system disorders.
1. Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease is thought to be caused by the abnormal build-up of proteins in and around
brain cells. One of the proteins involved is called amyloid, deposits of
which form plaques around brain cells. The other protein is called tau,
deposits of which form tangles within brain cells.
Galantamine, rivastigmine, and
donepezil are cholinesterase inhibitors that are
prescribed for mild to moderate Alzheimer's symptoms. These drugs may help
reduce or control some cognitive and behavioral symptoms.
To avoid Alzheimer's disease
that needs to be done is:
a) stopping smoking.
b) keeping alcohol to a minimum.
c) eating a healthy, balanced diet, including at
least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day.
d) exercising for at least 150 minutes every week
by doing moderate-intensity aerobic activity (such as cycling or fast walking),
or as much as you're able to.
2. Epilepsy
Epilepsy is diagnosed in older adults, it's sometimes from
another neurological issue, like a stroke or a brain tumor. Other causes can be
related to genetic abnormalities,
prior brain infection, prenatal injuries or developmental disorders. But
in about half of people with epilepsy, there's no apparent cause.
Medicines called anti-epileptic
drugs (AEDs) surgery to remove a small part of the
brain that's causing the seizures. a procedure to put a small electrical device
inside the body that can help control seizures. a special diet (ketogenic diet)
that can help control seizures.
These are some of
the most common ways to reduce your chances of developing epilepsy:
a) Prevent traumatic brain injuries.
b) Lower the chances of stroke and heart disease.
c) Get vaccinated.
d) Wash your hands and prepare food safely.
e) Stay healthy during your pregnancy.
3. Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially
disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).In MS,
the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve
fibers and causes communication problems between your brain and the rest of
your body. Eventually, the disease can cause permanent damage or deterioration
of the nerves. Signs and symptoms of MS vary widely and depend on the amount of
nerve damage and which nerves are affected. Some people with severe MS may lose
the ability to walk independently or at all, while others may experience long
periods of remission without any new symptoms.
There is no cure for multiple sclerosis.
Treatment typically focuses on speeding recovery from attacks, slowing the
progression of the disease and managing MS symptoms. Some people have such mild
symptoms that no treatment is necessary.
Research shows that the risk of multiple
sclerosis can be reduced by eating foods rich in vitamin D. Talk to your doctor
about this.Also do regular health checks to the doctor to detect multiple
sclerosis early. This is especially true if you have a family member who has
multiple sclerosis, and has had or is currently suffering from mononucleosis,
thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, or inflammatory bowel disease. If you are a
smoker, stop smoking. In addition to containing many toxic substances, smoking
is also a risk factor for multiple sclerosis.
4. Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy is caused by a problem with the brain that happens before, during or soon after birth. Cerebral palsy is usually caused by a problem that affects the development of a baby’s brain while it’s growing in the womb. These include :
- Damage to part of the brn called white matter, possibly as a result of a reduced blood or oxygen supply – this is known as periventricular leukomalacia (PVL)
- An infection caught by the mother – such as cytomegalovirus, rubell, chickenpox or toxoplasmosis
- A stroke – where theere’s bleeding in the baby’s brain or the blood supply to their brain is cut off
- An injury to the unborn baby’s head
Cerebral palsy can also sometimes be causedby damage
to a baby’s brain during or shortly after birth. For example, it can be due to
:
- The brain
temporarily not getting enough oxygen (asphyxiation) during a difficult birth
- An infection of
the briain, such as meningitis
- A serious head
injury
- Choking or
nearly drowning, resulting in the brain not getting enough oxygen
- A very low blood
sugar level
- A stroke
Some things can increase a baby’ss risk of being
born with cerebral palsy including :
- Being born prematurely, babies born at 32 week or earlier are at a particularly high risk
- Having a low birthweight
- Being part of a multiple birth, such as a twin or triplet
- The mother smoking, drinking a lot of alcohol, or taking drugs such as cocaine, during pregnancy.
Children and adults with the condition are cared for by a team of healthcare professionals, who will work with you to come up with a care plan. The charity scope has more information about ageing and cerebral palsy.
Physiotherapy involves exercises to help maintain
and hopefully improve movement. It’s one of the most important treatments for
cerebral palsy. The main goals of physiotherapy are to :
- Encourage
movement
- Increase
strength and stop muscles becoming weak
- Stop muscles
shortening and losing their range of movement (contracture), which can be
painful and affect how the bones and muscles grow
- Speech and
language therapy
Speech and language therapy can help people who have trouble communicating. A speech and language therapist can provide exercises to help practise speech, or teach an alternative method of communication, such as sign language or using pictures. The therapist may also be able to provide special equipment, such as a computer or device that generates speech. Younger children may be given a device similar to a laptop that's covered with symbols of everyday objects and activities. The child presses a combination of symbols to communicate.
- Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy involves a
therapist identifying problems that you or your child have carrying out
everyday tasks. They can advise you about the best way to do activities that
involve complex movements, such as going to the toilet or getting dressed. Occupational
therapy can be very useful in boosting your child's self-esteem and
independence, especially as they get older. An occupational therapist can
advise adults with cerebral palsy on independent living. This can include
advice on housing, getting a job, benefits, and technology like computers and
gadgets that can make it easier to do things.
How To Avoid
Preventing
cerebral palsy after birth :
1.
Making sure your
child is vaccinated for all common infant infections.
2.
Using the correct
car seat for your child's weight and height.
3.
Using a crib with
bed rail.
4.
Never leaving your
child on high countertops or surfaces unattended.
5. Never shake a baby.
5. Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease is a disease of the nervous system that interferes
with the body's ability to control movement and balance. This condition causes
a variety of complaints, such as tremors, muscle stiffness, and impaired
coordination.
Parkinson's disease can't be cured, but medications
can help control your symptoms, often dramatically. In some more advanced
cases, surgery may be advised. Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle
changes, especially ongoing aerobic exercise.
Here are simple ways to lower your risk of developing Parkinson's:
a.
Expand artistic
activities.
b.
Exercise regularly.
c.
Consumption of balanced
nutritious food.
6. Bell's palsy
Bell's palsy is a condition that causes sudden
weakness and paralysis in the muscles on one side of the face. The weakness
makes half of the face appear to droop or become stiff. You may have difficulty
smiling or closing your eye on the affected side. This condition occurs due to
damage to the facial nerve (7th cranial nerve). Pain and discomfort usually
occur on one side of the face or head. Although Bell’s palsy can occur at any
age, it is less common before age 15 or after age 60. Bell's palsy affects men
and woman equally. In most cases, Bell’s palsy is temporary, and symptoms
usually go away within a few weeks or months.
Bell's
palsy occurs when the seventh cranial nerve becomes swollen or compressed,
resulting in facial weakness or paralysis. The exact cause of this nerve damage
is unknown, but many medical researchers believe it is most likely triggered by
a viral infection. Viruses that have been linked to Bell's palsy include
viruses that cause:
a) Cold
sores and genital herpes (herpes simplex)
b) Chickenpox
and shingles (herpes zoster)
c) Infectious
mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr)
d) Cytomegalovirus
infections
e) Respiratory
illnesses (adenovirus)
f) German
measles (rubella)
g) Mumps
(mumps virus)
h) Flu
(influenza B)
i)
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (coxsackievirus)
The
nerves that control facial muscles pass through narrow corridors of bone on
their way to the face. In Bell's palsy, the nerve becomes inflamed and swollen
which is usually associated with a viral infection. In addition to facial
muscles, nerves affect tears, saliva, taste and the small bone in the middle
ear. The National Organization for Rare Disorders also notes that some people
may even have an inherited predisposition to develop Bell's palsy. Bell's palsy
occurs more often in people who:
a) Are
pregnant
b) Have
an upper respiratory infection
c) Have
diabetes
d) Have
high blood pressure
e) Have
obesity
Most
people with Bell's palsy recover completely with or without treatment. But your
healthcare provider may suggest medication or physical therapy to help speed
your recovery. Commonly used medications to treat Bell's palsy include:
a) Corticosteroids
b) Antiviral
or antibacterial medication
c) Over
the counter pain medications
d)
eye drops to keep your
affected eye well lubricated
Treatments
that can be done at home for people with Bell's palsy are an eye patch (for
your dry eye), a warm, moist towel over your face to relieve pain, facial
massage, or physical therapy exercises to stimulate your facial muscles. Surgery
is rarely an option for Bell's palsy. Facial reanimation surgery helps make the
face look more even and may restore facial movement.
There
is no known way of preventing Bell's palsy. Because it's probably caused by an
infection, you can't prevent or avoid Bell's palsy. You'll usually only get
Bell's palsy once, but it can sometimes come back. This is more likely if you
have a family history of the condition.
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