Brain and Nervous System
A healthy brain and nervous system regulate your body functions so you can have full command over your senses, muscles, and intelligence. Despite the amazing capacities of the human brain and nerves, they are vulnerable to damage just like every other part of our bodies.
Strokes, concussions, Alzheimers and many other brain problems affect about 50 million Americans. The multitude of brain injuries and illnesses strike different people based on the risk factors of their genetics, age and lifestyle. The severity of impairment and the availability of treatment vary widely.
Knowledge of brain and nerve health has advanced rapidly in recent decades. Many new treatments and medicines are available to treat various disorders. Still, the best thing for your brain is to keep it physically and mentally active while eating nutritious food and getting plenty of social interaction.
Recently Answered
- Q How do I find an expert in the field of neurology in my area?
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Asking your primary care doctor will be a first step as they likely have experience with a number of neurologists in a geographic region near you. If you would like to go to a teaching hospital you can look into hospitals affiliated with the medical... Full Answer
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- Q What is Tourette's disorder (TD)?
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Tourette's disorder (TD) is a condition in which a person has spasms, also called tics, that typically include blinking, frowning, jerking the head, and raising or jerking the arms or shoulders. A person may also shout words (sometimes... Full Answer
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- Q How can I prevent sarcopenia?
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Dr. Michael T Murray, Naturopathic MedicineFollow a comprehensive nutritional approach to prevent sarcopenia: Reduce the amount of saturated fat, trans fatty acids, cholesterol, and total fat in your diet by eating only lean sources of protein and more plant foods. Increase your intake of... Full Answer
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- Q How can exercise prevent the effects of sarcopenia?
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Ben Kaminsky, DermatologyWith aging, body composition changes. Even though the body weight may not change, women lose muscle and gain more body fat at midlife. This age-related process, called sarcopenia, begins around age forty when women lose about one-half pound of muscle per... Full Answer
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- Q How can strength training help in reducing sarcopenia?
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Dr. Michael T Murray, Naturopathic MedicineThe most important step to preventing sarcopenia is to follow a regular strength-training program by lifting weights or engaging in resistance exercises. The benefits of strength training are vast, particularly for women and for people over age 50. In... Full Answer
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- Q What causes sarcopenia?
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Dr. Michael T Murray, Naturopathic MedicineBecause of higher levels of testosterone and activities that favor the growth of muscle, men usually start their adult lives with more muscle mass than women, and often an appetite to match their raging metabolism. In both men and women, muscle mass... Full Answer
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- Q What is sarcopenia?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologySarcopenia is the loss of muscle fiber and coordination, usually as the result of aging. Failure to increase protein intake as we age and the death of motor neurons that control muscle fibers account for age-related sarcopenia. Research indicates that... Full Answer
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- Q What is numbness and tingling?
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Numbness is the inability to feel anything when the skin is touched. Tingling (paresthesia) is a pins-and-needles sensation, like when the foot "falls asleep." Full Answer
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- Q What could be causing numbness and tingling in my hands?
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Numbness and tingling are hallmark signs that the nerves supplying that particular area are not functioning properly. In the case of the wrist and hand, the altered sensation is usually due to increased pressure on the nerve, also known as a compression... Full Answer
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- Q What are voluntary functions?
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Voluntary functions are movements performed under a person's conscious control. An example of this type of function is moving the hand to scratch an itch or pick up a piece of paper. Full Answer
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