Your nervous system controls activities in your mind and body. It consists of two main parts: your central nervous system consists of your brain and spinal cord, and your peripheral nervous system includes the many nerves located throughout your body that carry signals to and from your brain.
Problems with your nervous system can lead to changes in your senses, movement, digestion, breathing, speaking, thinking, memory, or other processes. There are more than 600 different brain and nervous system disorders, also known as neurological disorders.
Symptoms of brain and nervous system disorders vary between different conditions. Some common issues experienced by people with these disorders include:
Each of these symptoms may be a possible sign of multiple different nervous system disorders. Symptoms of different conditions overlap, and each person with a given condition may experience slightly different symptoms. Your doctor can help you determine which brain or nervous system disorder might be responsible for your specific symptoms.
Many factors can cause problems with your nervous system. You may be born with issues that were caused by genetics or by changes during your development. You could also develop nervous system disorders throughout your life as a result of injuries, infections, tumours, autoimmune disorders, problems with the blood vessels that carry oxygen to your brain, or other medical conditions. Finally, your nervous system may become damaged or nerve cells may die as part of the ageing process, leading to degeneration.
To diagnose a brain or nervous system disorder, you may have to see a specialist called a neurologist. This doctor may use multiple types of diagnostic tools, such as:
Some disorders can be successfully treated with medication or surgery. Certain brain and nervous system disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease can’t be cured. However, treatments may be available that can help lessen symptoms.
If an underlying medical condition such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis is causing nervous system symptoms, treating that condition may also help improve the health of your nervous system.
Brain and nervous system disorders often lead to other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. You can work with mental health professionals such as a psychiatrist or therapist to diagnose and treat these issues as well as manage stress levels and live with issues caused by your condition.
You may benefit from physical therapy, which can help you manage pain, build strength, and improve your ability to move, or from occupational therapy, which can teach you how to perform your usual activities despite changes in your physical or mental abilities. A speech therapist or language pathologist can also help you manage speech or communication issues.
Living a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of brain and nervous system disorders. This includes eating a balanced diet, staying away from drugs, not drinking heavily, and going to your doctor’s office for regular check-ups.