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Nervous System (Human Anatomy): Image, Function, Diseases, and Treatments

Last Updated: Mar 17, 2023

Nervous System Image

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The nervous system is made up of the brain, the spinal cord, and a complex network of nerves. The nervous system is in charge of conveying information from the brain to the rest of the body. In a nutshell, the brain is in charge of everything that occurs in the body. The spinal cord, which is positioned in the centre of the back, sends information from the brain to the rest of the body.

The central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS) are both considered vital components of the nervous system (PNS).

The brain and spinal cord are both parts of the central nervous system, which acts as the body's primary command centre. The nerves that make up the peripheral nervous system link the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.

The cerebrum and the brain stem are only two of the numerous subdivisions of the human brain. These components are in charge of various parts of the brain's overall burden, such as storing and retrieving memories and ensuring that body motions remain fluid.

Nervous System Functions

The brain may be the command centre, but it couldn't operate without the spinal cord, which acts as the principal information highway.

Nerves of the peripheral nervous system sprout from either the brain stem or the spinal cord. The PNS is also separated into two parts: the somatic and autonomic systems.

The somatic refers to portions of the body that a person may command at will, whereas the autonomic refers to involuntary actions such as blood pumping.

The nervous system transmits information via networks of cells known as neurons. These neurons can only convey information in one direction.

The two systems collaborate to gather information from both within and outside the body. The systems process the data and then send instructions to the rest of the body, allowing for an appropriate reaction. When data comes, the brain organises and files it before issuing any orders.

Nervous System Conditions

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  • Stroke or Brain Infarction: when the body's circulation or blood flow is disturbed, resulting in the oxygen supply to an area of brain tissue not reaching an area of brain tissue as required by the body, resulting in death The majority of brain strokes are caused by bleeding, as bleeding causes blood to clot inside the brain.
  • Brain Aneurysm: Aneurysm of the brain happens when an artery in the brain expands and takes on the form of a balloon as a consequence of internal pressure. Under these conditions, there is a chance of the enlarged artery rupturing, increasing the risk of stroke.
  • Subdural Hematoma: Because the three membranes that surround the brain protect it from injury, bleeding has happened either inside or underneath the dura mater. The source of this bleeding is unknown, however it is most likely related to underlying problems.
  • Epidural Hematoma: It happens when there is bleeding between the dura mater and the brain due to damage but immediate haemorrhage (after some time of brain injury). If treatment is delayed, the first symptoms will be modest but can soon develop, resulting to unconsciousness and death.
  • Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Any bleeding that takes place within the brain itself is referred to as a 'intracerebral hemorrhage,' .
  • Concussion: Concussion is a broad word that refers to any type of brain trauma that causes a temporary disturbance in the brain's regular functioning. The major cause of this illness is traumatic head trauma.
  • Cerebral Edema: The swelling of brain tissue that happens as a result of injury or electrolyte abnormalities is known as cerebral edoema. Edema can affect any region of the body.
  • Brain Tumour: If a tumour has spread, it's cancerous (metastasis). It causes uncontrolled growth of brain tissues. Benign or malignant brain tumours put strain on the brain's natural tissues.
  • Glioblastoma: It is a kind of malignant brain tumour that arises in the brain (cancerous). It is known to as an aggressive kind because the cells in this condition either develop swiftly or divide uncontrollably, and it is difficult to cure.
  • Hydrocephalus: It is a condition in which the amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the skull grows as a result of recurrent or uncontrolled CSF division. This is owing to the fact that the CSF fluid does not flow properly in this abnormal circumstance.
  • Meningitis: it is the inflammation of brain and spinal cord parts which are called as meninges. Symptoms include stiffened neck with pain and burning sensation along the regions of head and neck.
  • Encephalitis: As a result of a viral or a bacterial infection, there is an inflammation of the brain tissue. Encephalitis typically causes symptoms such as fever, headache, and confusion when thinking or doing tasks.
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS): It is a progressive illness of the spinal cord and brain, as well as the peripheral nervous system, in which there are degenerative alterations in the myelin sheath of the exons, resulting in catastrophic rearrangement of neuronal pathways and fluctuating neuronal degeneration.
  • Dandy-Walker Malformation: It's an uncommon congenital cerebellar abnormality that deforms the cerebellum and 4th ventricle. When the 4th ventricle and brain portion aren't produced during embryonic development, a degenerative alteration creates this condition.
  • Hereditary Ataxias: It is a condition that phenotypically characterizes a diverse set of disorders and is frequently linked with cerebellar atrophy. In this disorder, eye movement coordination, speech slurring, and hand movement coordination deteriorate over time.
  • Alcoholic cerebellar degeneration: It is one of the most well-known types of acquired toxic ataxia. In this illness, prolonged drinking causes cerebellar degeneration, and patients with thiamine deficiency are predisposed to this disorder.
  • Medulloblastoma: It is a cerebellar brain tumour, which can be a solid or semi solid mass produced in the cerebellum and causes symptoms such as occipital headache, difficulty coordinating hand and leg motions, slurred speech, and ataxia.

Nervous System Test

  • CT Scan: Many X-rays of the patient are gathered during a computed tomography scan, often known as a CT scan, and these X-rays are then converted into comprehensive photographs of the patient's brain and skull and also any part of the nervous system with the help of a computer.
  • MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging, often known as an MRI scan, is an imaging technique that creates very detailed pictures of the brain and other areas of the skull so that a thorough diagnosis may be made. An MRI scanner works by placing radio waves inside a magnetic field.
  • Angiography: A brain angiography, also known as an angiogram, is conducted by injecting 'a contrast agent' into the veins of a patient suspected of having a medical issue. This chemical then enters the brain via the blood. An X-ray of the patient's brain is acquired to check for the existence of any abnormalities in the brain's arteries.
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA): MRA is an abbreviation for magnetic resonance angiography, which is a type of MRI scan that focuses on the arteries of the brain. It can reveal any thrombotic lesion or cholesterol plaque in the artery.
  • Lumbar Puncture: A lumbar puncture, sometimes known as a 'spinal tap,' is a treatment in which a needle is inserted into the area around the spinal nerves and fluid is extracted for analysis. A lumbar puncture is frequently performed when meningitis is suspected.
  • Electroencephalogram Eeg: The electroencephalogram (EEG) is a technique for measuring electrical impulses in the brain that includes putting electrodes on the scalp. An EEG can help in the diagnosis of seizures and other brain conditions.
  • Neurocognitive Testing: It is a phrase that refers to tests of a person's problem-solving ability, short-term memory, and a variety of other sophisticated brain activities. Questionnaires are frequently used to test neurocognitive ability.
  • Brain Biopsy: A brain biopsy may be required in order to diagnose a brain disorder. This treatment involves only a little piece of the patient's brain. Brain biopsies are typically conducted only when further information is necessary to provide appropriate therapy.

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Nervous System Treatment

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  • Craniotomy: A surgeon performs this procedure by drilling a hole in the side of the skull to relieve pressure within the skull. It is used when there is an infection that is creating excessive pressure in the brain and cerebellum.
  • Lumbar Drain: When a drain is inserted into the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord, the lumbar area is drained. This may lessen the strain on the cerebellum and spinal cord.
  • Radiation Therapy: If the cancer has gone to the cerebellum, radiation therapy may relieve symptoms and slow the course of the disease.

Nervous System Medicines

  • Analgesics for pain in Nervous System: Analgesics are pain relievers that also lower the quantity of prostaglandins produced by the body. The medications should be used within 48 hours of any cardiovascular event that causes discomfort at the time. They are beneficial in the treatment of pain caused by a neurovascular abnormality.
  • Antibiotics: Antibiotics are used to treat myositis and other bacterial infections affecting the body's muscles. Because it spreads so fast, neurovascular bacterial infection is a frequent illness that requires medical attention. Vancomycin, penicillin, ceftraixone, and cephalosporins are two popular forms of antibiotics. for Nervous System Infection
  • Antiplatelet agents for Thrombolysis of Clots: Antiplatelet drugs are a type of therapy that can lower the risk of blood clot formation, some of the examples includes aspirin and warfarin.
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors: These are a few medications that have shown some promise in improving patients' cognitive abilities, ranging from mild to severe Alzheimer's disease. They have no effect in preventing or delaying the increase in the symptoms of Alzheimer.
  • Levodopa for Parkinson's Disease: This medication is used to treat Parkinson's disease because of its ability to raise dopamine levels in the brain. As a result, it is a useful tool for treating symptoms linked with the illness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the top 3 common nervous system disorders?

Structural disorder, functional disorder, and vascular disorder are the top 3 common nervous system disorders.

What is the disease that attacks the nervous system?

Tumours, infections, blood flow disruption, autoimmune disorders, degeneration, structural defects, and autoimmune disorder are the diseases that attack the nervous system.

How can I cure my nervous system naturally?

Meditation, exercise, getting good sleep, sunlight, green tea, good posture, maintaining weight, staying hydrated, regular checkups of blood pressure, and avoiding excess caffeine-rich drinks, alcohol and smoking can help you to cure the nervous system.

Can you repair a damaged nervous system?

Yes, you can but it will take time and the time of recovery depends upon the damage level of the nerves.

What are the causes and symptoms of the nervous system?

Coordination issues, reduced mental capacity, eyesight loss or double vision, varied or fluctuating headaches, loss of muscle strength, headaches that develop suddenly, and memory decline are the causes and symptoms of the nervous system.

How do I get my nervous system back to normal?

Yoga, meditation, exercise, getting enough sleep, maintaining body weight, sunlight, vitamin b supplements, green tea, and quitting smoking can help you to get back your normal nervous system.

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Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
Reviewed By
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Reviewed ByDr. Bhupindera Jaswant SinghMD - Consultant PhysicianGeneral Physician

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