The central nervous system controls the body and can be affected by diseases such as Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Tourette’s syndrome, and meningitis. Each disease has different causes and symptoms, and there is no known cure for most of them.
Made up of the brain and spinal cord, the central nervous system functions as the body’s primary control center, the site where all neural messages are processed. Occasionally, this system can become diseased, resulting in impaired neural activity. There are many diseases of the central nervous system, each with a different cause and combination of symptoms. Among these central nervous system diseases are Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome and meningitis.
Of all diseases of the central nervous system, Alzheimer’s is perhaps the most familiar, affecting approximately 10% of all individuals over the age of 65. While the exact cause of this condition remains unknown, researchers have determined that it affects parts of the nerves in the brain, leading them to become entangled or tangled in clusters. This phenomenon leads to a series of cognitive and behavioral changes that can radically alter the personality, judgment and actions of an affected individual. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s, although some of its symptoms can be managed with medication.
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the central nervous system’s myelin, the substance that coats the part of the neuron known as the axon, speeding up neural messages. Damage to myelin causes delays in the transmission of neural messages, which can lead to impaired vision, speech and movement. The causes of multiple sclerosis are not yet understood and no cure has been established.
Parkinson’s disease is a condition that can cause symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slurred speech, balance difficulties, and dementia. As with many other central nervous system diseases, researchers aren’t yet certain what causes Parkinson’s disease, but it is believed to be related to the gradual death of brain cells that produce the chemical dopamine. There is no known cure for Parkinson’s, but many of its symptoms can be treated with medication.
Tourette’s syndrome is a disease of the central nervous system that causes tics in those affected. These tics may include sounds or movements such as unexpected vocalizations, repetitive eye blinking, or sudden jerks of the limbs or facial muscles. Many researchers believe that Tourette’s syndrome results from impairment of certain brain chemicals that normally aid nerve function. No cure has been established for the condition, although some tics can be managed with medication.
Finally, meningitis is a disease of the central nervous system in which the membranes of the brain become swollen. Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection, both of which are contagious. Symptoms of this condition can include fever, neck stiffness, nausea, sensitivity to light, disorientation, and fatigue. Bacterial meningitis can be fatal, but if caught early, it can often be treated successfully with antibiotics. While there is no specific treatment for viral meningitis, most infected people recover completely from the condition.
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