The Neuroscience For Kids website reports that there are about 100 billion neurons in the human brain that process messages from the trillions of cells in the human body. Disorders of the nervous system can occur in the brain, spinal column or at any point along a nerve pathway. Nervous system disorders affect all ages and include congenital diseases, infections and injuries.
Alpers' Disease
Alpers' disease, a gene-linked neurodegenerative disorder, causes progressive deterioration of the gray matter in the cerebrum, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. No cure exists for this rare disease that usually begins in childhood. Initially, the symptoms are convulsions, followed by low muscle tone, mental retardation, dementia and stiffness. A common complication of Alpers' disease that causes death is liver failure brought on by cirrhosis of the liver. Life expectancy is short at less than 10 years.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, or CJD, as reported by the University of Maryland Medical Center, is a rapid deterioration of mental function and movement due to brain damage. A prion, or proteinaceous infectious particle, interferes with the normal proteins in the brain. The classic types of CJD include sporadic CJD with average onset at about age 65 and familial CJD caused by an inherited abnormal prion. Symptoms of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease include rapid dementia, hallucinations, muscle twitching and stiffness, confusion and speech impairment. Diagnostic tests include a brain MRI, spinal tap and blood tests. With no known cure, treatment includes controlling symptoms and providing supportive care.
Essential Tremor
Essential tremor, according to The Merck Manual of Health and Aging, affects as many as one of every five people over the age of 65. The cause of essential tremor is unknown, and it most often affects the arms. The extent of the tremor usually remains mild, but it can develop gradually to become disabling. The diagnostic process usually includes blood tests to rule out possible causes, such as an overactive thyroid gland, or other disease processes with the same symptoms. Treatment for essential tremor depends on the extent of the difficulties with daily activities. Mild interference may be treated with medications, such as beta blockers and anticonvulsants. For severe cases, brain surgery to destroy parts of the thalamus, or to place a probe in the thalamus is an option.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy, a nervous system disorder that causes excessive sleepiness, appears to run in families, as reported by MedlinePlus. Symptoms of narcolepsy include extreme drowsiness every few hours with the urge to fall asleep, even while driving. Hallucinations, sudden loss of muscle tone and the inability to move upon waking are other symptoms of narcolepsy. Diagnostic testing may include tests to rule out conditions that resemble the symptoms of narcolepsy, such as an EEG to monitor brain activity, an ECG to check the heart's electrical activity and genetic testing. Since there is no known cure for narcolepsy, treatment focuses on the control of symptoms. Lifestyle changes, stimulant medications and antidepressants are possible considerations for living with narcolepsy.
References
- Neuroscience For Kids: Neurons in the Brain
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Alpers' Disease Is Genetic
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Understanding Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
- The Merck Manual of Health and Aging: How Common Is Essential Tremor?
- Medline Plus: Narcolepsy Symptoms and Treatment
