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 neuromuscular diseases?
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Neuromuscular diseases are a wide-ranging group of diseases that affect nerves and muscles. They can arise following an injury, from other diseases such as diabetes, or from inherited or autoimmune diseases. Neuromuscular diseases can cause pain,... Full Answer
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- Q Who is at risk for motor neuron disease (MND)?
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Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) occur in adults and children. The diseases are more common in men than in women. In adults, symptoms may appear after the age of 40. In children, particularly in inherited or familial forms of the disease, symptoms can be... Full Answer
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- Q What is the prognosis for motor neuron disease (MND)?
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Prognosis varies depending on the type of motor neuron disease (MND) and the age of onset. Some MNDs, such as Post-polio syndrome (PLS), are not fatal and progress slowly. People with Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) may appear to be stable for long... Full Answer
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- Q What causes motor neuron diseases (MNDs)?
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The causes of sporadic, or noninherited, motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are not known, but environmental, toxic, viral, or genetic factors may be implicated. Sporadic cases may be triggered by cancers or prolonged exposure to toxic drugs or environmental... Full Answer
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- Q How are motor neuron diseases (MNDs) classified?
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The major site of motor neuron degeneration classifies these disorders. Common motor neuron diseases (MNDs) include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which affects both upper and lower motor neurons. Progressive bulbar palsy affects the lower motor neurons... Full Answer
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- Q How are motor neuron diseases (MNDs) treated?
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There is no cure or standard treatment for motor neuron diseases (MNDs). Symptomatic and supportive treatment can help people be more comfortable while maintaining their quality of life. The drug riluzole (Rilutek®), the only prescribed drug approved... Full Answer
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- Q Is there any treatment for spinal cord infarction?
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Treatment for spinal cord infarction is symptomatic. Physical and occupational therapy may help individuals recover from weakness or paralysis. A catheter may be necessary for patients with urinary incontinence. This answer is based on source information... Full Answer
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- Q What are the chances of recovery from spinal cord infarction?
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Recovery from spinal cord infarction depends upon how quickly treatment is received and how severely the body is compromised. Paralysis may persist for many weeks or become permanent. Most individuals have a good chance of recovery. This answer is based... Full Answer
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- Q What is spinal cord infarction?
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Spinal cord infarction is a stroke either within the spinal cord, or the arteries supplying blood to it. It is caused by arteriosclerosis, or a thickening, or closing of the major arteries to the spinal cord. Frequently, spinal cord infarction is caused... Full Answer
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- Q What is tarsal tunnel syndrome?
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Celeste Cooper, RheumatologyTarsal tunnel syndrome results from compression of the posterior tibial or plantar nerves in the tarsal (foot bone) tunnel, which provides passage for the nerves, tendons, and vessels that supply the foot. Symptoms are pain, numbness, and... Full Answer
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