You experience your world because of your nervous system. Every thought, perception, emotion and action is realized because of your brain and associated nerves. Disorders of the nervous system can lead to severe difficulties in functioning normally; such disorders include Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, cerebral palsy, Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s is a progressive, degenerative disease that presents in response to the destruction of dopamine-secreting nerve cells in the substantia nigra. The substantia nigra is a portion of the basal ganglia, an area of the brain that helps to generate movement. Signs and symptoms associated with Parkinson’s include rigidity, tremor, slowness of movement, lack of movement and problems walking and maintaining posture. Diagnostic testing is not available; doctors base diagnosis on the presentation of symptoms. Treatment involves medication or surgery to decrease tremor and difficulties with walking. Rehabilitation is also indicated to learn how to function with motion restriction, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Huntington's Disease
Huntington’s disease is an inherited degenerative disease characterized by difficulties thinking, moving and talking. Like Parkinson’s, Huntington’s disease is caused by the destruction of nerve cells within the basal ganglia; however, in this instance the striatum is affected. Signs and symptoms include mood swings, depression, twitching or uncontrolled movement, and trouble walking, speaking and swallowing, in addition to memory loss. Diagnosis is based upon a genetic test; Huntington’s is caused by a mutation of a gene on chromosome four. Treatment will not slow the progression of the disease; however, medications can help depression, anxiety and involuntary movements, according to The University of Utah.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy, or CP, is a disorder of movement and posture; however, it does not have a progressive nature. The exact cause is unknown, but lack of oxygen, exposure to infection or drugs, and genetic mutations during fetal development, birth or infancy can result in CP. Motor handicaps associated with CP include spastic diplegia, hemiplegia or quadriplegia, resulting in difficulties moving both legs, one side of the body or the whole body, respectively. Athetoid CP is rare and leads to severe muscle weakness. Treatment involves a whole team of medical individuals to equip a patient with methods to help mobility, speech and cognition, according to Massachusetts General Hospital.
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer’s disease, or AD, is characterized by a progressive destruction of brain cells. Symptoms include confusion; behavioral changes; impaired communication, judgment and memory; language difficulties and emotional apathy. The ability to move is spared. Clear diagnosis is not made until postmortem, when autopsy can look at the microscopic make-up of the brain. When observed under the microscope, brain tissue of AD patients presents with fiber tangles around nerves and clusters of dying nerves. The cause is not clear; however, inheritance, protein deposits, immune problems and environmental factors are considered possible causes. Treatment cannot slow the progression, but medications can be used to alleviate depression, sleeplessness and behavioral disturbances, according to the Ohio State University Medical Center.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a disease of the central nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve. The disease is characterized by the destruction of the myelin coating around the axons of nerves, or the structure that transmits electrical signals that control the body. Symptoms include weakness, stiffness, leg dragging, feeling heavy, clumsiness, uncontrollable shaking, blurred vision, eye pain, blindness, problems with memory and concentration. The cause is unknown. Medications can be used to lessen the severity of MS attacks, and to reduce spasticity and depression, according to Cedars-Sinai.
