Brain Related Diseases
The brain is the most critical part of the human body. It is the organ that controls and coordinates all the actions and reactions, allowing us to think and feel. The brain and its activities is collectively referred to as the nervous system. When it is working well, the nervous system will enable us to function efficiently on all levels. Our brain is the message centre, and functions are automatic. In the case of brain diseases, it can affect many things. The whole body system faces disruptions. Here, we shall learn how brain diseases impact our daily life, including memory, sensation, and our personality.
Important Parts Of A Brain
The three main representations of the brain are the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem. Let us know more. Fig.2
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Cerebrum – it covers a major part of the brain. It is composed of the right and left hemispheres. The cerebrum performs all higher functions such as interpreting vision, touch, and hearing. It is also responsible for speech, reasoning, emotions, learning, and the control of movements.
Cerebellum- it is located right under the cerebrum. The function of the cerebellum is to coordinate the muscle movements, maintain posture, and strike the right balance.
Brainstem- it acts as the relay centre. Its job is to connect the cerebrum and the cerebellum to the spinal cord. It performs automatic functions such as breathing, body temperature, waking, sleep cycles, digestion, sneezing, coughing, vomiting, heart rate, and swallowing.
Brain Disease – How Does It Occur?
Brain diseases can include conditions and disabilities that affect the brain. As mentioned earlier, the other name for brain activities is the nervous system. When our nervous system is working well, it allows us to function at all levels. We walk, talk, see and eat well. All this is possible due to the efficiency and working of our brain. Your brain is a control centre and an essential part of the nervous system. The system also includes the spinal cord and a vast network of neurons and nerves. (Fig.1).
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When your brain is damaged, it can hurt many different things. Brian diseases include any condition or disability that affects your brain and its working. The disorders or diseases vary in the symptoms and severity. Brain diseases include conditions that are caused by the following factors:
1 – Genetic disposition or family history
2 – Any illness
3 – Traumatic injury
Common Brain Related Diseases
When a problem occurs with the nervous system, it can harm the whole body. Even the way you think, walk, talk, eat, and sleep gets affected. In some of the cases, neurological (brain) conditions can result in death. According to studies, brain and neurological disorders affect one in every six people. The brain and the nervous system is a complex structure. Any problem here and many things can go wrong.
Some Of The Most Common Brain Diseases Include The Following:
1 – Traumatic brain injury including concussion, can be mild or severe. It can cause mild headaches to confusion, loss of consciousness, convulsions, and death. Injury to the spinal cord, such as a broken vertebral column which is a result of an automobile crash or any other accident can alter your life. This condition can lead to significant loss of neurological function. For instance, a person who has suffered spinal cord injury can become partially or fully paralysed. Symptoms include sleep disorders, loss of balance, speech problems, bleeding from the ear, visual problems, confusion, and disorientation. Treatment involves medication, neurocritical care, and immediate brain surgery to remove damaged tissue.
2 –Tumours – brain tumours or any growth can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Tumours can put pressure on brain tissue or destroy the brain tissue. It can lead to problems in the body organs that are associated with the area of the brain affected. Tumours can start from within the brain or metastasise (travel, spread) to the brain from other organs. Common brain tumours are Cancer, Glioblastoma, Astrocytoma, and Meningioma. Symptoms include headache, mood swings, dizziness, numbness, vomiting, paralysis, seizures, fatigue, and blurring vision. Treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and rehabilitation.
3 – Neurodegenerative diseases can cause your brain and nerves to deteriorate. These conditions can change your personality and create confusion. One can also see the destruction of the brain tissue and nerves. Such brain diseases are genetic or develop as you age and slowly impair your memory and ability to think. The symptoms include forgetfulness, apathy, and memory loss, loss of inhibition, mood change, and anxiety. There is no cure but the treatment involves medications, exercises, and lifestyle changes to control symptoms.
FAQs on Brain Diseases
1. What are the main categories of brain diseases?
Brain diseases can be broadly grouped into three primary categories based on their cause:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These result from external force or trauma, such as a fall or accident, leading to conditions like concussions or severe brain damage.
- Brain Tumours: These are abnormal growths of cells within the brain. They can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and cause problems by exerting pressure on or destroying brain tissue.
- Neurodegenerative Diseases: These conditions involve the progressive deterioration and death of nerve cells (neurons), leading to a decline in brain function. Examples include Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
2. What are some common examples of brain diseases a student should know?
Several brain diseases are significant from a biological standpoint. Common examples include:
- Alzheimer's Disease: A progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes brain cells to waste away and die, leading to severe memory loss and cognitive decline.
- Parkinson's Disease: A disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement, often including tremors, stiffness, and loss of balance.
- Epilepsy: A neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
- Stroke: Occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients, causing brain cells to die.
- Meningitis: An inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, often caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
3. What exactly is a neurodegenerative disease?
A neurodegenerative disease is a condition characterised by the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, including the death of these nerve cells. As neurons are the building blocks of the nervous system, their deterioration leads to a wide range of symptoms like problems with movement (ataxia), or mental functioning (dementia). These diseases are typically incurable and result in long-term disability.
4. What are the general symptoms that might indicate a brain disease?
Symptoms of brain diseases are highly varied and depend on the specific area of the brain affected. However, some general warning signs can include:
- Persistent or severe headaches
- Unexplained memory loss or confusion
- Changes in personality or mood swings
- Problems with balance, coordination, or walking
- Seizures or convulsions
- Numbness or weakness in parts of the body
- Difficulties with speech or vision
It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, and a medical diagnosis is essential.
5. How does a brain tumour affect the body differently from a neurodegenerative disease?
The primary difference lies in their mechanism and scope. A brain tumour is a localised mass of abnormal cells that causes harm by exerting pressure on surrounding brain structures or destroying specific tissue. Its effects are often related to the function of that particular brain region. In contrast, a neurodegenerative disease typically involves a widespread, progressive death of neurons across multiple brain areas, leading to a gradual and more generalised decline in cognitive or motor functions over time.
6. What makes many neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's currently incurable?
The main challenge in curing neurodegenerative diseases lies in the brain's limited ability to repair or replace its cells. Unlike other body cells, neurons in the central nervous system do not regenerate once they die. These diseases involve complex processes like the misfolding and clumping of proteins (e.g., amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's) that are difficult to reverse. Furthermore, the blood-brain barrier, a protective shield around the brain, makes it very difficult to deliver therapeutic drugs directly to the affected cells.
7. How do doctors typically diagnose a brain disease?
Diagnosing a brain disease is a multi-step process that combines several methods to get a complete picture. A typical diagnostic process includes:
- Neurological Examination: A doctor tests motor skills, reflexes, balance, sensory function, and cognitive abilities.
- Imaging Tests: Techniques like MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computed Tomography) scans are used to create detailed images of the brain to look for tumours, bleeding, or structural abnormalities.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG): This test measures the electrical activity in the brain and is particularly useful for diagnosing conditions like epilepsy.
- Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): In some cases, a sample of cerebrospinal fluid is taken to test for signs of infection, inflammation, or specific disease markers.
8. Can lifestyle choices influence the risk of developing certain brain diseases?
Yes, while some brain diseases are genetic, lifestyle choices can significantly influence the risk for others. For instance, managing cardiovascular health through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and controlling blood pressure can lower the risk of stroke. Staying mentally and socially active is believed to help build cognitive reserve, which may delay the onset of symptoms associated with dementia. Avoiding head injuries by wearing helmets can prevent traumatic brain injuries.
