Diseases/Disorders of the Nervous System

Categories of Conditions Trauma Structural abnormalities Degenerative Infectious Mental Health

Concussion Traumatic blow to the head. No visible injury to the head. May have a brief loss of consciousness.

CVA: Stroke Occurs when: –A blood clot either blocks an artery; –A blood vessel bursts; altering the flow of blood to the brain. Brain cells begin to die and brain damage proceeds. Abilities of that area are adversely affected and can even be lost. Implications of a stroke can include a loss of speech, movement, and memory.

Categories of Conditions Trauma Infectious Structural abnormalities Degenerative Mental Health

Infections Encephalitis –Inflammation of the brain. –Usually caused by a virus. –Symptoms include: Flu-like symptoms Headache Irritability Lethargy Seizures Body aches and pains Meningitis –Inflammation of the meninges; –Caused by bacteria, virus, or fungus. –Symptoms include: Photophobia Headache Stiff neck Nausea Vomiting Fever

Shingles Reactivation of the virus that causes chicken pox. Virus hibernates in nerve cells and can cause periodic inflammation throughout life. Can not cure but can decrease periods of reactivation through medication and stress control.

Categories of Conditions Trauma Infectious Structural abnormalities Degenerative Mental Health

Epilepsy Recurring seizure episodes due to abnormal over-activity of neurons. Cause is unknown; can be controlled through medication. Can exhibit as: –Grand mal: convulsive seizures –Petit mal: absence seizures.

Hydrocephalus Build up of fluid inside the brain. “Water on the Brain” Can be due to blockage of CSF in the ventricles. Can be treated with the placement of a shunt to drain excess fluid. Goal is to reduce brain damage due to excess swelling and pressure in the brain.

Categories of Conditions Trauma Infectious Structural abnormalities Degenerative Mental Health

Alzheimer’s Disease Progressive, fatal brain disease. Most common form of dementia. Progressive loss of cerebral brain matter due to build up of abnormal proteins. Affects up to 5 million Americans.

Parkinson’s Disease Gradual degeneration of nerve cells that control body movement. Typically begins in late 50’s, early 60’s. More common in men than women. Initial symptoms include: –Weakness –Trembling –Numbness

Multiple Sclerosis Results from loss of insulation (demyelination) of motor nerve fibers. Progressive loss of motor function. Initial symptoms include: –Weakness –Headaches –Trembling –Vision loss

Cerebral Palsy Abnormalities in parts of the brain that control muscle movement and coordination. Can occur due to problems during pregnancy and/or delivery. Signs usually appear before the age of three. Can affect muscle movement, hearing, vision, learning, and speech. Symptoms include: –Stiff/tight muscles –Spasticity in movement –Lack of muscle tone.

Categories of Conditions Trauma Infectious Structural abnormalities Degenerative Mental Health

Schizophrenia Disturbance in thinking, emotional reactions, and social behavior. Results in chronic illness and personality changes leading to hallucinations, delusions, and apathy. Affects about 2 millions Americans. Diagnosed between 15 and 25 years of age. Treated with behavior modification and medications.

OCD Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Affects 3.3 million American adults Ritual or repetitive behaviors that interfere with a person’s ability to concentrate, function at work, or interact in social situations. Can be treated with medications and behavior therapy.

Depression Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, pessimism, and loss of interest in life. Most common mental health disorder. Affects 9.8 million Americans age 18 and older. 80% responds to medications and psychotherapy. Causes are typically biological/chemical and environmental.

Other Nervous System Conditions Headaches Phobias Primary brain cancer Addiction Huntington’s disease Autism Anxiety Tourettes Lou Gehrig’s Disease ADD/ADHD Dyslexia Bipolar Disorder Pain Neurological AIDS Neurological Syphilis And more….