Diseases of the nerve of the brain. Common diseases of the human nervous system

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Nervous diseases - diseases that develop as a result of damage to the brain and spinal cord, as well as peripheral nerve trunks and ganglia. Nervous diseases are the subject of study of a specialized field of medical knowledge - neurology. Since the nervous system is a complex apparatus that connects and regulates all organs and systems of the body, neurology closely interacts with other clinical disciplines, such as cardiology, gastroenterology, gynecology, ophthalmology, endocrinology, orthopedics, traumatology, speech therapy, etc. The main specialist in the field of nervous diseases is a neurologist.

Nervous diseases can be genetically determined (Rossolimo-Steinert-Kurshman myotonia, Friedreich's ataxia, Wilson's disease, Pierre-Marie's ataxia) or acquired. Congenital malformations of the nervous system (microcephaly, basilar impression, Kimerli anomaly, Chiari anomaly, platybasia, congenital hydrocephalus), in addition to hereditary factors, can be caused by unfavorable conditions for intrauterine development of the fetus: hypoxia, radiation, infection (measles, rubella, syphilis, chlamydia, cytomegaly , HIV), toxic effects, the threat of spontaneous abortion, eclampsia, Rh conflict, etc. Infectious or traumatic factors affecting the nervous system immediately after the birth of a child (purulent meningitis, newborn asphyxia, birth trauma, hemolytic disease), often lead to the development of such nervous diseases as cerebral palsy, childhood epilepsy, mental retardation.

Acquired nervous diseases often associated with infectious lesions of various parts of the nervous system. As a result of infection, meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis, brain abscess, arachnoiditis, disseminated encephalomyelitis, ganglioneuritis and other diseases develop. A separate group consists of nervous diseases of traumatic etiology:

List neurological diseases quite wide and does not depend on age and gender, these diseases are recognized as the most common. Functional disorders in this type of pathology can form anywhere in the body.

Causes that provoke disorders of the nervous system

Diseases of a neurological nature are acquired and congenital. Provocative factors leading to violations are:

Injuries. Traumatic brain injury leads to the development of all kinds of neurological disorders.
Diseases internal organs in the chronic stage.
hereditary predisposition. In this case, the manifestation of violations begins with early age: these are tics, epileptic seizures, impaired motor function, complete or partial loss of sensitivity.
Circulatory disorders of the cerebral vessels. The disorders are manifested by dizziness, disorientation, migraine, and
Exhaustion of the body on a nervous basis. Diseases that are caused by this cause are distinguished by psychosomatic symptoms.

Encephalitis, meningitis

They are diagnosed with brain damage, and they are included in the list of neurological diseases for disability determination. The soft membranes of the brain are exposed to harmful agents, bacterial or viral in nature.

Unfortunately, no one can be immune from these diseases. Such diagnoses are also made to newborns, and the cause in this case is an infection transferred during pregnancy. The danger of brain damage lies in complications: these are progressive dementia and conditions that lead to a person's disability. Delayed treatment leads to cerebral edema and death.

Vegetovascular dystonia

This pathology is recognized as one of the most common neurological disorders. The condition is characterized by a chronic course. Symptoms: jumps blood pressure, frequent dizziness, pain in the heart. Properly selected therapy leads to a complete cure.

Migraine

This disease is recognized as a leader among neurological disorders. Symptoms of the disease are manifested by bouts of severe excruciating headache. Therapy is selected individually over a long period. It is difficult to get rid of the pain syndrome.

Age-related neurological pathologies

A list of neurological diseases in people over 60 that are incurable: senile dementia, multiple sclerosis (nowadays also occurs in the younger generation of citizens), parkinsonism, Alzheimer's disease, cognitive impairment. The reason for their development is considered to be long-term arterial hypertension, not compensated drug therapy, failure of metabolic processes and insufficient blood supply to the brain. Below is a partial list of neurological diseases (in the table) associated with memory impairment in the elderly.

Timely application for medical care improve the quality of life of the patient, allow for some time to delay the progression of the disease.

Conditions in which you should see a doctor

Syndromes and symptoms in neurological diseases that indicate problems in functioning are as follows:

constant fatigue;
disorientation;
sleep problems;
memory impairment;
weakening of attention;
failure in muscle activity;
the formation of spots in the field of vision;
hallucinations;
dizziness;
confusion;
tremor;
pain that occurs suddenly and affects different parts of the body;
panic attacks;
feeling of numbness in the lower and upper limbs;
paresis or paralysis.

The detection of the above signs requires medical attention, since they can be harbingers of serious neurological diseases, the list of which is divided into disorders in the work of both the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Research types

The neurologist, if necessary, will refer the patient for additional examinations:

magnetic resonance imaging is prescribed for disorders of consciousness, hallucinations, pain syndrome;
dopplerography is indicated for migraine, dizziness;
electroneuromyography - with paralysis or paresis, as well as sudden pain.
computed tomography helps to determine the location and nature of the pathology;
ultrasound examination of various organs, depending on the patient's complaints;
positron emission tomography, with its help diagnose injuries and consequences of diseases;
echoencephalography is used to detect pathologies of the brain;
neurosonography is used to examine the brain of newborns;
craniography reveals skull fractures and birth defects.

Which specific type of examination to prescribe is determined by the attending physician, depending on the presence of symptoms. Treatment of neurological diseases and their prevention is his prerogative. Independent decision-making about treatment or undergoing research is not recommended.

Treatment Methods

There are four therapies that have been successfully used to treat neurological diseases (a list of them is given above):

Medicinal or medicinal. Includes a wide range of drugs, which, in accordance with the instructions for medical use used to treat these conditions.

Physiotherapy. Includes various activities physical therapy aimed at different organs and muscles, as well as magnetic and laser therapy, electrophoresis and other types of physiotherapeutic effects.

Surgical. This method is used with the progression of the disease and the complete absence of the effect of other methods of therapy. Surgical interventions are carried out on nerve fibers, spinal cord and brain.

Non-drug. These include diet therapy, treatment medicinal herbs, acupuncture, massage, manual and reflexology, osteopathy.

Children's neurological diseases: list and description

The main causes that provoke neurological stress or breakdown are recognized:

psychological trauma;
uncomfortable and aggressive environment in which the child is located;
uncontrolled physical and mental stress;
inability to cope with strong emotions (fear, resentment).

The undeveloped nervous system of the child does not have time to respond to various stressful situations in a timely manner, so children cannot quickly adapt to difficult living conditions. According to the data medical statistics, the list of childhood neurological diseases is steadily growing. The most defenseless inhabitants of the globe are affected by diseases such as:

Enuresis or urinary incontinence. It is very common in young boys and manifests itself in a weakening of control at night. The causes of this condition, children's neurologists call: stress, constant punishment of the child.
various neuroses, which occupy a leading place among all neurological disorders: fear of heights, darkness, loneliness, and others;
stuttering. Most often occurs in boys. The reason is a strong shock in the form of fright or trauma, that is, something that the child could not cope with on his own and there was a failure in the speech process.
Tiki. Distinguish motor, they are expressed in twitching, blinking or shrugging; vocal - grunting, coughing; ritual - all actions performed in a certain sequence are repeated; generalized, which combine several species. The reason for ticks lies in attention, as well as overprotection, stress.
Sleep disorders of a neurotic nature. The prerequisites for the development of this condition are regular overwork in additional sections, school and chronic stress.
Headache. The presence of this symptom indicates the presence of a pathological process of a neurological orientation in the child's body.
Attention Deficit Syndrome. It is especially often manifested during schooling and can then move into adulthood. Manifestations of the syndrome are anxiety, aggressiveness, negativism, emotional lability.

List and description of neurological diseases in childhood can be continued indefinitely. In order to effectively treat pathologies of the nervous system, one should seek medical help in a timely manner. Partially help to avoid these violations is finding a common language with the child, support and faith in his own strength, condescension and patience, and a psychologically favorable climate in the family. The main thing in such situations is not to look for the guilty, but together with specialists (neurologists, psychologists) to find the right way out, thinking first of all about the younger generation.

Neurological diseases in newborns

The list of these pathologies is headed by the most common, such as:

Hypertonicity and hypotonicity. A sign of the first is considered tension in the muscle tissue, which does not pass after the first week of the baby's life. The symptoms of the second are upper and lower limbs unbent, with passive extension there is no resistance. Treatment consists in regular gymnastics and massage courses.
Syndrome of disorders of the central nervous system. It is assumed that such a state is traced in a large number newborns. The reasons for its appearance lie in the adverse effects of external conditions on the nervous system during gestation, delivery and in the first days of the baby's life. At the first signs of the disease, treatment should be started immediately using physiotherapeutic methods. Untimely therapy will subsequently result in brain dysfunction.
Intracranial pressure. It can be unstable or increase and lead to hypertensive-hydrocephalic syndrome. Symptoms that should alert a young mother are manifested in the form of frequent crying, regurgitation, especially when atmospheric pressure changes, irritability, or, conversely, drowsiness, lethargy, and lack of appetite. On the bridge of the nose, temples and skull of the baby, a pattern of veins appears, which is visible to the naked eye. By the beginning of the second month of life, an increase in the size of the baby's head is possible.
Perinatal cerebral hypoexcitability. It occurs periodically or can be constant, has a severity of different strengths. The baby shows passivity, lethargy, he does not show curiosity, muscle activity is reduced, the main reflexes - swallowing and sucking - are reduced, low motor activity. This type of pathology is typical for premature babies, as well as those who have undergone hypoxia or birth trauma.

Any mother needs to know the signs of neurological diseases in children, the list of which is listed above, and at the slightest suspicion, seek qualified help from doctors in a medical institution.

Summing up

The early age of the individual is especially important for the whole subsequent life, since it is during this period that the basic foundations for successful physical well-being are laid. Timely elimination of disorders or stabilization of conditions associated with pathological neurological problems will help to be healthy.

Diseases of the central nervous system are extremely diverse, as are the causes that cause them. They can be hereditary and congenital, associated with trauma, infections, metabolic disorders, diseases of the cardiovascular system (see. hypertension, atherosclerosis, cerebrovascular disease).

Diseases of the central nervous system are divided into dystrophic ("degenerative"), demyelinating, inflammatory and tumor. At dystrophic("degenerative") diseases damage to neurons predominates, and the predominant localization of the process may be different: the cerebral cortex (for example, Alzheimer's disease), basal ganglia and midbrain(eg, Huntington's chorea, parkinsonism), motor neurons (eg, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Dystrophic in nature are diseases of the central nervous system caused by a deficiency of a number of substances (thiamine, vitamin B 12), metabolic disorders (hepatic encephalopathy), exposure to toxic (alcohol) or physical (irradiation) factors.

To demyelinating diseases include diseases in which the myelin sheaths are primarily damaged, which are under the control of oligodendroglia (primary demyelinating diseases). In contrast, secondary demyelination is associated with damage to axons. The most common disease in this group is multiple sclerosis.

Inflammatory diseases divided into meningitis (see. Children's infections) and encephalitis. Sometimes the process captures both the membranes and brain tissue, then they talk about meningoencephalitis.

Tumor diseases central nervous system have a number of specific features (see.

Among the diseases of the central nervous system, the most significant representatives of each group will be given: Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, encephalitis; Tumors of the central nervous system have been described previously (see Tumors of the nervous system and brain membranes).

Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease consider presenile (presenile) dementia or dementia (from lat. de- denial, mens, mentis mind, intelligence). However, a number of authors consider Alzheimer's disease more broadly, including not only presenile, but also senile (senile) dementia, as well as Pick's disease. Presenile and senile dementias, like Pick's disease, differ from other dementias associated with cerebral infarctions, hydrocephalus, encephalitis, slow viral infection, and storage diseases. Presenile dementia is characterized by progressive dementia in people aged 40-65; if the manifestation of the disease begins after 65 years, dementia is classified as senile. Pick's disease is spoken of in those cases where there is total presenile dementia with the disintegration of speech.

Alzheimer's disease occurs with severe intellectual disorders and emotional lability, while focal neurological symptoms are absent. Clinical manifestations of the disease are associated with progressive general atrophy of the brain, but especially of the frontal, temporal and occipital regions.

Etiology and pathogenesis. The cause and development of the disease is not clear enough. It was assumed that the cause of the disease is an acquired deficiency of acetylcholine and its enzymes in the structures of the cerebral cortex. Recently, it has been shown that the clinical manifestations of Alzheimer's disease are associated with senile cerebral amyloidosis, which is found in 100% of observations. In this regard, there has been a tendency to consider Alzheimer's disease as one of the forms of cerebral senile amyloidosis. Amyloid deposits are found in senile plaques, vessels of the brain and membranes, as well as in the choroid plexuses. It has been established that the cerebral amyloid protein is represented by the 4KD-a protein, the gene of which is localized on the 21st chromosome. Along with the synthesis of extracellularly located amyloid fibrils, which are the basis of the senile plaque, in Alzheimer's disease, pathology is also expressed in intracellular fibrillar structures - cytoskeleton proteins. It is represented by the accumulation in the cytoplasm of neurons of pairwise twisted filaments and straight tubules, which can fill the entire cell body, forming peculiar neurofibrillary plexuses. Filaments of neurofibrillary plexuses have a diameter of 7-9 nm, give a positive reaction to a number of specific proteins (tau protein), microtubule and neurofilament proteins. Pathology of the cytoskeleton is expressed in Alzheimer's disease and in the proximal dendrites, in which actin microfilaments (Hirano bodies) accumulate. The relationship between cytoskeletal pathology and amyloidosis is not well understood, but amyloid appears in brain tissue before neurofibrillary changes.

Pathological anatomy. At autopsy, atrophy of the cerebral cortex is found (thinning of the cortex predominates in the frontal, temporal and

dorsal lobes). In connection with brain atrophy, hydrocephalus often develops.

At in the cortex of the atrophic lobes of the brain, the hippocampus and the amygdala, senile plaques, neurofibrillary plexuses (tangles), damage to neurons, and Hirano bodies are found. Senile plaques and neurofibrillary plexuses are found in all parts of the cerebral cortex, excluding motor and sensory zones, neurofibrillary plexuses are also more often found in the basal nucleus of Meinert, Hirano bodies are detected in neurons in the hippocampus.

Senile plaques consist of foci of amyloid deposits surrounded by pairwise twisted filaments (Fig. 248); on the periphery of the plaques, microglial cells, sometimes astrocytes, are often found. Neurofibrillary plexuses are represented by helical pairwise twisted filaments, detected by silver impregnation methods. They look like tangles or nodules of fibrillar material and straight tubules in the cytoplasm of neurons; filamentous masses are ultrastructurally identical to neurofilaments. Neurons in the affected areas are reduced in size, their cytoplasm is vacuolated, contains argyrophilic granules. Hirano bodies, found in the proximal dendrites, have the appearance of eosinophilic inclusions and are represented by an accumulation of oriented actin filaments.

Cause of death in Alzheimer's disease - respiratory infections, bronchopneumonia.

Rice. 248. Alzheimer's disease:

a - senile plaque; silver impregnation according to Bilshovsky; b - amyloid anisotropy in the polarization field. Coloring the Congo red

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(Charcot's disease) - a progressive disease of the nervous system associated with simultaneous damage to the motor neurons of the anterior and lateral columns of the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. Characterized by the slow development of spastic paresis, mainly of the muscles of the hands, which are joined by muscle atrophy, increased tendon and periosteal reflexes. Men get sick twice as often as women. Clinical manifestations of the disease usually begin in middle age, the steady progression of movement disorders ends in death after a few (2-6) years. Sometimes the disease has an acute course.

Etiology and pathogenesis. The cause and mechanism of the development of the disease is unknown. The role of viruses, immunological and metabolic disorders is discussed. A number of patients have a history of poliomyelitis. In such cases, polio virus antigen is found in jejunal biopsy specimens, and immune complexes are found in blood and renal glomeruli. Based on these data, it is believed that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is associated with chronic viral infection.

Pathological anatomy. At autopsy, selective atrophy of the anterior motor roots of the spinal cord is found, they are thinned, gray in color; while the posterior sensory roots remain normal. On transverse sections of the spinal cord, the lateral corticospinal tracts are compacted, whitish in color, delimited from other tracts by a clear line. Some patients have atrophy of the precerebral gyrus of the brain, sometimes atrophy captures VIII, X and XII pairs cranial nerves. In all observations, atrophy of skeletal muscles is expressed.

At microscopic examination in the anterior horns of the spinal cord, pronounced changes in nerve cells are found; they are wrinkled or in the form of shadows; extensive fields of loss of neurons are found. Sometimes foci of neuronal loss are found in the brainstem and precentral gyrus. In the nerve fibers of the affected areas of the spinal cord, demyelination, uneven swelling, followed by disintegration and death of the axial cylinders, are determined. Usually, demyelination of nerve fibers extends to peripheral nerves. Often, the pyramidal pathways are involved in the process along their entire length - the spinal cord and medulla oblongata, up to the cerebral cortex. As a rule, there is a reactive proliferation of glial cells. Some observations describe minor lymphoid infiltrates in the spinal cord, its sheath and peripheral nerves along the vessels.

Cause of death patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is cachexia or aspiration pneumonia.

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (multiple sclerosis)- a chronic progressive disease characterized by the formation in the brain and spinal cord (mainly in the white matter) of scattered foci of demyelination, in which glia grows with the formation of foci of sclerosis - plaques. Multiple sclerosis is a common disease of the nervous system. It usually begins at the age of 20-40 years, more often in men; proceeds in waves, periods: improvements are replaced by exacerbations of the disease. Differences and multiple localization lesions of the brain and spinal cord determine the diversity of the clinical manifestations of the disease: intentional trembling, nystagmus, chanted speech, a sharp increase in tendon reflexes, spastic paralysis, visual disturbances. The course of the disease is different. Possibly acute and severe sharp forms diseases) with the rapid development of blindness and cerebellar disorders, a mild course with a slight dysfunction of the central nervous system and its rapid recovery is also possible.

Etiology and pathogenesis. The causes of the disease remain unclear. The most likely viral nature of the disease, in 80% of patients in the blood are antiviral antibodies, however, the spectrum of these antibodies is quite wide. It is believed that the virus is tropic to oligodendroglia cells related to the processes of myelination. Do not exclude the development and progression of the disease and the role of autoimmunization. Evidence of immune aggression against myelin and oligodendroglia cells has been obtained.

The morphogenesis of sclerotic plaques in multiple sclerosis has been well studied. First, fresh foci of demyelination appear around the veins, which are combined with remyelination processes. Vessels in the lesions expand and are surrounded by infiltrates from lymphoid and plasma cells. In response to destruction, glial cells proliferate, and myelin breakdown products are phagocytosed by macrophages. The end of these changes is sclerosis.

Pathological anatomy. Externally, the superficial sections of the brain and spinal cord are little changed; sometimes find swelling and thickening of the soft meninges. On sections of the brain and spinal cord, a large number of gray plaques scattered in the white matter (sometimes they have a pinkish or yellowish tint), with clear outlines, up to several centimeters in diameter (Fig. 249), are found. There are always a lot of plaques. They can merge with each other, capturing large territories. Especially often they are found around the ventricles of the brain, in the spinal cord and medulla oblongata, brain stem and visual tubercles, in the white matter of the cerebellum; fewer plaques in the cerebral hemispheres. In the spinal cord lesions can be located symmetrically. The optic nerves, chiasm, and visual pathways are often affected.

Rice. 249. Multiple sclerosis. Many plaques on the section of the brain (according to M. Eder and P. Gedik)

At microscopic examination in early stage find foci of demyelination, usually around blood vessels, especially veins and venules (perivenous demyelination). Vessels are usually surrounded by lymphocytes and mononuclear cells; axons are relatively intact. With the help of special stains for myelin, it is possible to establish that at first the myelin sheaths swell, tinctorial properties change, uneven contours appear, spherical thickenings along the fibers. Then fragmentation and disintegration of the myelin sheaths occur. Myelin breakdown products are taken up by microglial cells, which turn into granular balls.

In fresh foci, changes in axons can be detected - their increased impregnation with silver, uneven thickness, swelling; severe axonal destruction is rare.

At disease progression (late stage) small perivascular foci of demyelination merge, proliferates appear from microglial cells, cells loaded with lipids. As a result of a productive glial reaction, typical plaques are formed, in which oligodendrites are rare or completely absent.

At exacerbation of the disease against the background of old foci, typical plaques, fresh foci of demyelination appear.

Cause of death. Most often, patients die from pneumonia.

Encephalitis

Encephalitis(from Greek. enkephalon- brain) - inflammation of the brain associated with infection, intoxication or injury. Infection-

tional encephalitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, but highest value among them have viral encephalitis.

Viral encephalitis arise in connection with the impact on the brain of various viruses: arboviruses, enteroviruses, cytomegaloviruses, herpes viruses, rabies, viruses of many childhood infections, etc. The disease can have acute, subacute and chronic course, vary in severity depending on the severity clinical manifestations(stupor, cerebral coma, delirium, paralysis, etc.). The etiological diagnosis of viral encephalitis is based on serological tests. Morphological examination allows us to suspect, and often establish the etiology of viral encephalitis. The viral etiology of encephalitis is supported by: 1) mononuclear inflammatory infiltrates from lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages; 2) diffuse proliferation of microglia and oligodendroglia with the formation of rod-shaped and amoeboid cells; 3) neuronophagia with the formation of neuronophagic nodules; 4) intranuclear and intracytoplasmic inclusions. A clinical pathologist (pathologist) can establish the etiology of viral encephalitis by identifying the pathogen in the tissue (biopsy) of the brain using immunohistochemical methods and the hybridization method. in situ. Within the territory of former USSR tick-borne encephalitis is the most common.

Tick-borne encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis (tick-borne spring-summer encephalitis)- acute viral natural focal disease with transmissible or alimentary transmission. The foci of the disease are found in a number of European and Asian countries, especially in forest areas. However, even in natural foci, the number of patients usually does not exceed several hundred.

Etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis. The tick-borne encephalitis virus belongs to arboviruses, it contains RNA and is able to multiply in the body of arthropods. The virus is transmitted to humans through ixodid (pasture) ticks. (Ixodes persulcatus and Ixodes ricinus) which are the main reservoir of the virus in nature. The virus enters the stomach of the tick along with the blood of infected wild animals (chipmunks, field mice and birds - a temporary reservoir of infection). From the stomach of the tick, the virus spreads to all its organs, but the virus reaches its highest concentration in salivary glands, ovary and eggs. Infection of eggs determines the possibility of transovarial transmission of the virus to the offspring of ticks, through their saliva the virus spreads among animals. Sexually mature females "feed" on domestic animals - cattle, goats, sheep, dogs. In settlements, goats are of particular epidemiological importance, with the raw milk of which the virus is transmitted by the alimentary route. With this mechanism of transmission of the virus, the so-called two-wave meningoencephalitis develops (a person becomes ill with a tick bite), which often has a family character.

The disease is characterized by seasonality: outbreaks usually occur in the spring and summer (spring-summer encephalitis), less often in autumn. Incubation period 7-20 days. The disease begins acutely, fever develops, severe headache, impaired consciousness, sometimes epileptiform seizures, meningeal symptoms, paresis and paralysis (in severe cases of the disease). At protracted course there is a decrease in memory. Muscles atrophy, movement is partially restored. Paresis and atrophy of the muscles of the neck (hanging head) and muscles of the proximal sections are characteristic upper limbs. At chronic course Kozhevnikov epilepsy syndrome develops.

During an epidemic outbreak, it is not uncommon erased forms diseases without clear signs of damage to the nervous system, sometimes meningeal forms. With such forms, a relatively complete recovery is observed.

Pathological anatomy. Macroscopically, hyperemia of the brain vessels, swelling of its tissue, and small hemorrhages are noted. Microscopic picture largely depends on the stage and nature of the course of the disease: acute forms circulatory disorders and an inflammatory exudative reaction predominate, perivascular infiltrates and neuronophagia often occur. At protracted during the course of the disease, the proliferative reaction of glia, including astrocytic, and focal destruction of the nervous system (areas of a spongy nature, accumulations of granular balls) become leading. chronic course encephalitis is characterized by fibrillar gliosis, demyelination, and sometimes atrophy of certain parts of the brain.

Cause of death. In the early stages of the disease (on the 2nd-3rd day), death can occur from boulevard disorders. Causes of death in late dates diseases are varied.

Nervous diseases are a large group pathological conditions affecting the state of the whole body. The nervous system (hereinafter referred to as the NS) plays a leading role in our life, because it controls the work and functioning of the whole organism. Of course, the role of other organs is also great, but the importance of the NS - a connecting element that transmits impulses and commands from the central organs and formations - can hardly be overestimated.

The statistics of nervous diseases show that they occur in almost everyone, regardless of gender and even age, although most often the symptoms develop in women after 40 years.

What are diseases of the nervous system? What are their manifestations and causes? How can you be cured of nervous diseases? These questions concern many people.

Causes and types of nervous diseases

The causes of diseases of the nervous system are numerous. Basically, these are factors that negatively affect the work nerve cells, such as:

The list of diseases of the nervous system is extremely long, but all diseases can be divided into the following groups:

Women are very susceptible to nervous diseases. Constant stress, overwork, hormonal imbalance and other factors adversely affect the entire body, most negatively affecting the nervous system.

Prevent many diseases of the nervous system will help timely diagnosis organism, read more about . Weak immunity contributes to the development of many nervous diseases. You can read about its strengthening in this section.

Symptoms of nervous diseases

From the localization of the lesion, the type of violations, the severity, individual features and concomitant pathology depends on which symptoms in nervous diseases are most likely to develop.

The main symptoms of a disease of the human nervous system are motor disorders: paresis (decreased muscle strength), paralysis ( complete absence movements), tremor (constant twitching), chorea (rapid movement), etc. Often there are violations of sensitivity in the areas for which the affected areas of the nervous tissue are responsible.

Almost all diseases are accompanied painful sensations different intensity (headache, pain in the neck, neck, back, etc.), dizziness. Appetite, sleep, vision, mental activity, coordination of movements, behavior, vision, hearing, speech are often disturbed. Patients complain of irritability, decreased performance and deterioration in general well-being.

Signs of a nervous disease can appear brightly and quickly or develop over the years. It all depends on the type and stage of the pathology and the characteristics of the organism. Well, that's all nervous disorders lead to dysfunction of internal organs and systems that are associated with the affected area.

Treatment of nervous diseases

Many are interested in the question of how to treat diseases of the nervous system. Remember: self-medication is dangerous, because irrational and inadequate therapy can not only aggravate the course of the pathology and cause harm, but also lead to the appearance of persistent functional disorders that can seriously reduce the quality of life.

Symptoms and treatment of diseases of the nervous system are inextricably linked concepts. In addition to eliminating the underlying cause of the disease, the doctor prescribes symptomatic therapy to improve the patient's condition.

As a rule, nervous diseases are treated in a hospital and require intensive care. Appointed medications, massage, physiotherapy, but sometimes surgical operations are also performed.

Diseases of the nervous system form an extensive list, which consists of various pathologies and syndromes. The human nervous system is a very complex, branched structure, parts of which perform various functions. Damage to one area affects the entire human body.

Violation of the work of the central and peripheral nervous system (CNS and PNS, respectively) can be caused by various reasons - from congenital pathologies development to infection.

Diseases of the central nervous system may be accompanied by various symptoms. The treatment of such diseases is carried out by a neurologist.

All disorders of the central nervous system and PNS can be divided into several broad groups:

vascular diseases nervous system;
infectious diseases of the nervous system;
congenital pathologies;
genetic disorders;
oncological diseases;
pathology due to trauma.

It is very difficult to describe all kinds of diseases of the nervous system with a list, since there are a great many of them.

Vascular diseases of the CNS

The center of the central nervous system is the brain, therefore, vascular diseases of the nervous system are characterized by a violation of its work. These diseases develop due to the following reasons:

impaired blood supply to the brain;
damage to the cerebral vessels;
pathology of the cardiovascular system.

As you can see, all these reasons are closely interconnected and often one stems from the other.

Vascular diseases of the nervous system are lesions of the blood vessels of the brain, for example, stroke and atherosclerosis, aneurysms. A feature of this group of diseases is a high probability of death or disability.

So, a stroke provokes the death of nerve cells. After a stroke, the full rehabilitation of the patient is most often impossible, which leads to disability or death.

Atherosclerosis is characterized by thickening of the vessel walls and further loss of elasticity. The disease develops due to cholesterol deposits on the vascular walls and is dangerous for the formation of blood clots that provoke a heart attack.

Aneurysm is characterized by thinning vascular wall and thickening formation. The danger of pathology is that the seal can burst at any time, which will lead to the release of a large amount of blood. An aneurysm rupture is fatal.

Infectious diseases of the central nervous system

Infectious diseases of the nervous system develop as a result of the impact of an infection, virus or fungus on the body. In the beginning, the central nervous system is affected, and then the PNS. The most common pathologies of an infectious nature:

encephalitis;
syphilis of the nervous system;
meningitis;
polio.

Encephalitis is called inflammation of the brain, which can be triggered by viruses (tick-borne encephalitis, brain damage by the herpes virus). Also, the inflammatory process can be bacterial or fungal in nature. The disease is very dangerous and, if left untreated, can lead to dementia and death.

Neurosyphilis occurs in 10% of cases of infection with this sexually transmitted disease. Features of neurosyphilis is that the disease affects all parts of the central nervous system and PNS without exception. Syphilis of the nervous system causes the development of changes in the structure of the cerebrospinal fluid. The disease is characterized by a wide variety of symptoms, including those of meningitis. Syphilis of the nervous system requires timely antibiotic therapy. Without treatment, paralysis, disability, and even death can develop.

Meningitis is a whole group of diseases. They are distinguished by the localization of inflammation, which can affect both the membrane of the brain and the spinal cord of the patient. Pathology can be due to various reasons - from inflammatory processes in the middle ear before tuberculosis and trauma. This disease causes severe headache, symptoms of intoxication, and weakening of the neck muscles. The disease can be triggered by a virus and then there is a high probability of infecting others upon contact. Such infections of the nervous system develop very rapidly. Without timely treatment, the likelihood of death is very high.

Poliomyelitis is a virus that can infect the entire human nervous system. This so-called childhood disease, which is characterized by the ease of transmission of the virus by airborne droplets. The virus quickly infects the entire body, causing symptoms ranging from fever at the onset of infection to paralysis. Very often the consequences of poliomyelitis do not pass without a trace and a person remains disabled for life.

Congenital pathologies

Pathologies of the nervous system in a child can be caused by a genetic mutation, heredity, or birth trauma.

The causes of pathology can be:

hypoxia;
taking certain medications early dates pregnancy;
trauma during passage through the birth canal;
infectious diseases transferred by a woman during pregnancy.

As a rule, children's diseases of the nervous system appear from birth. Genetically determined pathologies are accompanied by physiological disorders.

Among the genetically determined pathologies:

epilepsy;
spinal muscular atrophy;
Canavan syndrome;
Tourette syndrome.

Epilepsy is known to be chronic disease which is inherited. This disease is characterized by convulsive seizures, which cannot be completely eliminated.

Spinal muscular atrophy is a severe and often fatal disease associated with damage to the neurons in the spinal cord that are responsible for muscle activity. Muscles in patients are not developed and do not work, movement is impossible.

Canavan syndrome is a brain cell lesion. The disease is characterized by an increase in the size of the skull and mental retardation. People with this pathology cannot eat due to impaired swallowing function. The prognosis is usually unfavorable. The disease is not treatable.

Huntington's chorea is characterized by dysmotility, tics, and progressive dementia. Despite the genetic prerequisites for development, the disease manifests itself at an older age - the first symptoms occur in 30-60 years.

Tourette's syndrome is a disorder of the central nervous system that is accompanied by involuntary movements and yelling (tics). The first symptoms of pathology appear in preschool age. In childhood, this disease causes a lot of discomfort, but with age, the symptoms appear less.

It is possible to suspect a violation of the function of the central nervous system in an infant if you carefully monitor the development of the child. The reason for contacting a neurologist is a delay in mental and physical development, vision problems or weakening of reflexes.

Peripheral disorders

Peripheral diseases of the nervous system can occur as a complication of other pathologies, as well as due to tumors, surgical interventions or injury. This group of disorders is very extensive and includes such common diseases as:

neuritis;
polyneuritis;
radiculitis;
neuralgia.

All these diseases develop as a result of damage to peripheral nerves or nerve roots, as a result of exposure to some negative factor.

As a rule, such disorders develop as a secondary disease against the background of infectious or viral lesions of the body, chronic diseases or intoxication. These pathologies often accompany diabetes, are observed in drug and alcohol addicts due to intoxication of the body. Separately, vertebrogenic syndromes are distinguished, which develop against the background of diseases of the spine, for example, osteochondrosis.

Treatment of pathologies of peripheral nerves is carried out using drug therapy, less often by surgery.

Tumor pathologies

Tumors can be localized in any organ, including the brain and spinal cord.

Oncological disease of the human nervous system develops between the ages of 20 and 55 years. Tumors can affect any part of the brain.

Tumors can be either benign or malignant. Lymphoma of the central nervous system is common.

The presence of a neoplasm of the brain is accompanied by various symptoms. To diagnose the disease, it is necessary to conduct an MRI examination of the brain. Treatment and prognosis largely depend on the location and nature of the neoplasm.

Psycho-emotional disorders

There are a number of diseases of the nervous system, accompanied by psycho-emotional disorders. Such diseases include dystonia, chronic fatigue syndrome, panic disorders and other disorders. These diseases develop as a result of the negative effects of stress, lack of nutrients and nervous strain, and are characterized by the depletion of the human nervous system.

As a rule, the inert nervous system, which is characterized by excessive sensitivity, is more susceptible to such disorders. This type is characterized by low mobility of nervous processes. Inhibition in the central nervous system is slowly replaced by excitation. People with such a nervous system are often prone to melancholy and hypochondria. This type of nervous activity is inherent in people who are slow, sensitive, easily irritated and also easily discouraged. Inhibition in the central nervous system in this case is weakly expressed, and excitation (reaction to a stimulus) is distinguished by an inhibitory character.

Treatment of psycho-emotional disorders that accompany somatic symptoms involves relieving tension in the nervous system, stimulating blood circulation and normalizing lifestyle.

Symptoms of diseases of the nervous system

In diseases of the nervous system, the symptoms are divided into several groups - signs of motor disorders, autonomic symptoms and general signs. With damage to the PNS characteristic symptom is a violation of the sensitivity of the skin.

Nervous diseases are characterized by the following general symptoms:

pain syndrome localized in different parts of the body;
speech problems;
psychoemotional disorders;
motor disorders;
paresis;
tremor of fingers;
frequent fainting;
dizziness;
fast fatiguability.

Motor disorders include paresis and paralysis, convulsive states, involuntary movements, a feeling of numbness of the extremities.

Symptoms of an autonomic disorder include changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, headache, and dizziness.

Common symptoms are psycho-emotional disorders (apathy, irritability), as well as sleep problems and fainting.

Diagnosis and treatment of disorders

Finding any alarming symptoms, you should visit a neurologist. The doctor will examine and check reflex activity patient. Then you may need an additional examination - MRI, CT, dopplerography of the vessels of the brain.

Based on the results of the examination, treatment is prescribed, depending on which disorder is diagnosed.

Pathology of the central nervous system and PNS are treated with drugs. These may be anticonvulsants, drugs to improve cerebral circulation and improve vascular permeability, sedatives and neuroleptics. Treatment is selected depending on the diagnosis.

Congenital pathologies are often difficult to treat. In this case, treatment involves measures aimed at reducing the symptoms of the disease.

It should be remembered that the chances of getting rid of an acquired disease at the beginning of its development are much higher than in the treatment of an ailment in the last stages. Therefore, having discovered the symptoms, you should visit a specialist as soon as possible and not self-medicate. Self-medication does not bring the desired effect and can greatly aggravate the course of the disease.