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 What are the most common types of brain problems?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineTraditionally, brain malfunctions have been broken up into two kinds: One has an obvious physiological, neurological, and medical explanation-things like strokes, memory loss, and Parkinson's disease. The other kind is the type of neural dysfunction that... Full Answer
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- Q How does thoracic outlet syndrome affect the body?
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Thoracic outlet syndrome is a disorder that compresses the nerves or blood vessels in the thoracic outlet, or the area between the neck and chest. It is easy for compression to occur in this area, since it is a very crowded passageway for the nerves and... Full Answer
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- Q What is vascular thoracic outlet syndrome?
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There are three types of thoracic outlet syndrome. One type, vascular thoracic outlet syndrome, is characterized by compression of the subclavian veins or arteries. It can affect one or more veins or arteries. Symptoms are discoloration in the affected... Full Answer
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- Q What is neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome?
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Diagnosing thoracic outlet syndrome is difficult, as symptoms can be mistaken for many other conditions that affect the nerves. There is even a type of thoracic outlet syndrome called nonspecific-type, also referred to as disputed type. However, if... Full Answer
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- Q If I pass out after a fall should my family call my doctor or EMS?
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Dr. Cynthia Washington, Family MedicineIndividuals whom sustain a fall resulting in unconsciousness should call for emergency medical services for evaluation. The individual will need to be evaluated for injuries to head and other body parts in a medical setting. Full Answer
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- Q What is the prognosis for meningitis and encephalitis?
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The outcome generally depends on the particular infectious agent involved, the severity of the illness, and how quickly treatment is given. In most cases, people with very mild encephalitis or meningitis can make a full recovery, although the process may... Full Answer
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- Q What are meningitis and encephalitis?
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Infections in the brain and spinal cord can cause dangerous inflammation, which can produce a wide range of symptoms, including fever, headache, or confusion and, in extreme cases, brain damage, stroke, seizures, or even death. Infection of the meninges,... Full Answer
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- Q Can meningitis and encephalitis be prevented?
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Good personal hygiene can reduce the risk of getting the disease from an infected person. Avoid sharing food, utensils, glasses, and other objects with a person who may be exposed to or have the infection. Wash hands often with soap and rinse under... Full Answer
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- Q Is meningitis serious?
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Bacterial meningitis is often the most serious and life-threatening form of meningitis. Both bacterial and viral meningitis are also highly contagious. Of infected newborns who survive, 15 to 25 percent will have damage to the brain or nerves. If you... Full Answer
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- Q Are there alternative treatments for meningitis?
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Meningitis can be a serious and life-threatening illness. If alternative treatments are used, they must be in conjunction with traditional treatment, not in place of it. It is also important that any treatment you receive is under the care of a medical... Full Answer
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