THE NERVOUS SYSTEM AND BRAIN DISORDERS

Common Ailment or Neurological Disorder?

Headache, dizziness, insomnia, back pain, weakness, and fatigue occur often in medical practice, and the trivial must be separated from the potentially serious. Some neurologic problems require emergency action before a neurologist can be consulted. Regardless of the problem's magnitude, the following principles may help during the neurologic evaluation: the anatomy of the lesion should be defined (to limit diagnostic possibilities); its pathophysiology, determined; and the examiner, prepared to provide immediate lifesaving treatment for neurologic emergencies.

What is the nervous System?

The Nervous System is commonly divided into the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system is made up of the brain, its cranial nerves and the spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system is composed of the spinal nerves that branch from the spinal cord and the autonomous nervous system (divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system). It controls our response to stressful situations.

The Brain is made up of two types of cells: neurons and neuroglia. The neuron is responsible for sending and receiving nerve impulses or signals. Try to picture electrical wiring in your home. An electrical circuit is made up of numerous wires connected in such a way that when a light switch is turned on, a light bulb will beam. A neuron that is excited will transmit its energy to neurons that are within its vicinity. Remember the sequence of events of drawing your hand away from a hot oven burner. A series of excited, interconnected neurons made you withdraw your hand.