The Nervous System (SN) is a system made up of different structures, such as the brain and spinal cord, that has the function of regulating and supervising all the activities that the body carries out. Sometimes, however, the SN is altered by certain diseases or injuries.
In this article we will learn about the 18 most common diseases of the Nervous System: we will explain the characteristics of each of them and their most frequent symptoms.
Nervous System: definition, structures and divisions
The Nervous System is a mechanism of integration and control of the organismwhich regulates and supervises all the activities that it carries out. This system receives and transmits information. Structurally it is divided into two: Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).
The CNS is made up of the brain and spinal cord, and the SNP is made up of two divisions: the Somatic Nervous System (cranial and spinal nerves) and the Autonomous Nervous System (which controls vital functions).
The Nervous System is of great importance for the proper functioning of the body at motor, sensory, physical, sensory …
The 18 Most Common Nervous System Diseases
When the functioning or structure of the Nervous System is altered for some reason, diseases appear that can severely limit people’s lives.. In this article we will look at the 18 most common diseases of the Nervous System, which are the following:
1. Sclerosis
Sclerosis is a disease of the nervous system that can be of two types: multiple sclerosis o amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ELA). Let’s see the characteristics of each one:
Multiple sclerosis
It is a degenerative and chronic disease. Its origin is autoimmune, and occurs when the axons of the cells of the nervous system (neurons) are progressively losing myelinMyelin is the substance that covers the axons, whose function is to transmit electrical impulses through the nervous system, quickly and efficiently.
Symptoms The most characteristic features of multiple sclerosis are: pain, tiredness, weakness, perceptual disturbances and muscular tension.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
The ALS is also progressive and neurodegenerative. In this case, the motor neurons of the brain and spinal cord are altered and progressively deteriorate. As a result, the muscles of the body cannot receive nerve impulses, which hinders and prevents voluntary movement.
People often remain in wheelchairsand finally die, as the heart and breathing cease to function.
2. Epilepsy
Epilepsy Involves Recurrence of Seizures (more than one must appear in order to be diagnosed). Its origin is due to a hyperactivation of certain groups of neurons. The most typical symptoms of epilepsy are: convulsions, loss of consciousness, weakness, lack of muscle control, etc.
3. Headaches
Headaches are intense headaches. They can be of different types:
3.1. Tension headaches
They’re the most common. In this case the pain resembles a band or a helmet that squeezes the whole head.
3.2. Headache in outbreaks
The pain in this case appears in only one eye; “inside” it and around it.
3.3. Migraine
It is also a common headache; its symptoms include, in addition to the headache: nausea and visual changes or disturbances.
3.4. Paranasal sinus headache
Here the pain is located behind the forehead and/or cheekbones.
4. Cerebrovascular Diseases
Cerebrovascular diseases par excellence are strokes (ACV), which occur when blood flow to a part of the brain stops. This leads to a lack of oxygen and nutrients in some areas of the brain. The result is temporary or permanent brain damage, depending on the severity of the injury.
5. Dementia
Dementia Involves Severe Impairment of Cognitive Functionssuch as memory, reasoning, attention, intellectual capacity, etc.
Usually appears at an advanced age (from the age of 65), and interferes significantly in the life of the person, since when dementia is in an advanced stage, the patient ceases to be autonomous for their activities of daily living. The most common cause of amnesia is Alzheimer’s disease.
6. Confinement syndrome
Seclusion syndrome is another, although less common, but very serious, disease of the nervous system. The person with this syndrome cannot move any part of the body (maximum the eyes and/or mouth), being completely paralyzed.
It’s like she’s locked in her own body. It is caused by an injury to the brainstem (e.g. a heart attack) in the area of the protuberance.
7. Mononeuropathies
Another of the diseases of the Nervous System are mononeuropathies, which involve damage to a single nerve of the SN. The symptoms involved are mainly loss of movement and/or sensitivity. The effects will depend on which nerve is affected.
8. Polyneuropathy
Polyneuropathies, on the other hand, are diseases caused by an affectation of several peripheral nerves, which is usually symmetrical. This affectation usually occurs simultaneously on the four extremities of the body.
9. Guillain-Barré syndrome
Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a serious disease of autoimmune origin.which occurs because the immune system attacks a part of the nervous system. As a result, the nerves become inflamed, resulting in muscle weakness and/or paralysis.
10. Neuralgias
Neuralgias are a type of pain, which often affects the nerves of the face, skull, or neck. It is caused by infection, irritation, or compression of these nerves. It is one of the most common diseases of the nervous system. It differs from headaches because in this case the pain appears in the face, and not in the head.
11. Tumors
The tumors are excessive and uncontrolled cell proliferation somewhere on the body. In this case, we’re talking about the brain and the spinal cord. Some examples of SN tumors are medulloblastomas, astrocytomas, glioblastomas, etc.
12. Infections
When infections appear in the nervous system, we also consider them to be diseases of the nervous system; these affect the neurons and the structures of the SN. For example, HIV and syphilis, if left untreated, can end up damaging neurons and even causing neuronal death.
13. Trauma
Trauma, though. are not considered to be diseases per secan also end up damaging the neurons and nerves of the SN. They are due to the presence of strong blows. We are talking, for example, about head injuries (TCE) that affect the brain, and spinal cord injuries that affect the spinal cord.
The symptoms of TCE can vary, causing alterations in consciousness, memory, movement, personality, etc. Spinal cord injuries cause paralysis of the extremities (lower and/or upper) below the injury, in addition to other symptoms. They are caused by a severance or rupture of the nerves in the spinal cord.
14. Autonomic dysreflexia
This disease occurs as a result of a spinal cord injury. In addition, the autonomic nervous system becomes overactive, and blood pressure increases. This is the result of difficulties in regulating blood pressure below the spinal cord injury.
Bibliographic references
MedlinePlus. (2019). Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Netter, F. (1989). Nervous system. Anatomy and physiology. Barcelona: Salvat.
WHO (2000). ICD-10. International Classification of Diseases, tenth edition. Madrid Pan-American.
Rowland, L. (1995). (Ed.) Merritt”s Textbook of Neurology. Read&Febiger.
When it comes to the nervous system, it's a subject that's not just fascinating but crucial for understanding how our bodies function. I've delved deep into this intricate system, exploring its structures, functions, and the myriad diseases and conditions that can affect it. Let's break down the concepts present in the article you provided.
The Nervous System: Definition, Structures, and Divisions
The nervous system serves as the body's control center, integrating information and coordinating various bodily activities. Structurally, it's divided into the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). The CNS comprises the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS is subdivided into the Somatic Nervous System (cranial and spinal nerves) and the Autonomous Nervous System (controlling vital functions).
The 18 Most Common Nervous System Diseases
- Sclerosis: Two primary types are Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). MS involves the gradual loss of myelin, affecting nerve signal transmission. ALS targets motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.
- Epilepsy: Characterized by recurring seizures due to hyperactivity in certain neuron groups.
- Headaches: Various types include tension headaches (band-like pain), cluster headaches (localized around an eye), migraines (accompanied by nausea and visual changes), and paranasal sinus headaches (pain behind the forehead or cheekbones).
- Cerebrovascular Diseases: Such as strokes (ACV), occurring when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing brain damage due to oxygen deprivation.
- Dementia: Affects cognitive functions like memory, reasoning, and attention, often associated with Alzheimer's disease.
- Locked-In Syndrome: A rare condition where a person is completely paralyzed, typically caused by brainstem injuries.
- Mononeuropathies: Damage to a single nerve, resulting in loss of movement or sensation based on the affected nerve.
- Polyneuropathy: Affects multiple peripheral nerves symmetrically, usually in all extremities.
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome: An autoimmune condition causing nerve inflammation, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.
- Neuralgias: Pain affecting nerves in the face, skull, or neck due to infection, irritation, or compression.
- Tumors: Abnormal cell growth in the brain or spinal cord, leading to various tumors such as medulloblastomas and astrocytomas.
- Infections: Diseases affecting neurons and SN structures, including HIV and syphilis, if left untreated, leading to neuronal damage or death.
- Trauma: Damage caused by severe blows, including head injuries (TCE) affecting the brain and spinal cord injuries causing paralysis or other neurological symptoms.
- Autonomic Dysreflexia: Occurs after spinal cord injury, leading to an overactive autonomic nervous system and increased blood pressure.
Bibliographic References
- MedlinePlus: Resource on health-related information, including Guillain-Barré syndrome.
- Netter, F. (1989): "Nervous System. Anatomy and Physiology" provides comprehensive insights into the nervous system.
- WHO (2000): ICD-10 - International Classification of Diseases, tenth edition, a standard resource for disease classification.
- Rowland, L. (1995): "Merritt's Textbook of Neurology" offers a deep dive into neurological concepts and conditions.
Understanding the nervous system and its associated diseases involves a blend of anatomical, physiological, and pathological knowledge, all of which I've explored extensively to comprehend and articulate these complex concepts.
