Nervous disorders

Following are some of the common disorders of the nervous system in humans:

  • Parkinson's disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Alzheimer's diseases

Parkinson's disease

Symptoms

It is a nervous disorder, characterized by involuntary tremors, diminishes motor power, and rigidity. The mental faculties capabilities are not affected.

Cause

The disease is believed to be caused by cell death in a brain area (region/sector) that produces dopamine (neurotransmitter). The disease may result from head trauma (shock/abrasion).

The onset of disease

The commencement (onset/beginning) of the disease is usually in the '50s and '60s. The disease is slowly (gradually/not quickly) progressive; the patient may live for many years.

Cure

Effective drugs are also within easy reach/available such as L-dopa. A naturally occurring (existing) protein called glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), which has been shown in boost uptake of dopamine when delivered to the lab. Rats and monkeys.

Epilepsy

Symptoms

It is one of the convulsive disorder of nerves, which are characterized by abrupt transient symptoms of motor, sensory, psychic or autonomic nature, frequently associated with changes in consciousness. These changes are believed to be secondary to sudden transient alternations in brain function associated with excessive rapid electric discharges in the grey matter.

The onset of disease

The onset of epilepsy is usually before age thirty years (beginning/initiation). Later age onset suggests organic disease. 

Trigger factors

In some patients, emotional disturbances play a significant "trigger" role.

Test

Electroencephalography (EEG) is the most important test in the study of epilepsy.

Treatment

Anticonvulsant drugs are used. Alcohol aggravates epilepsy, so persons suffering from epilepsy should avoid alcohol.

Alzheimer's disease

Discovery

Alois Alzheimer first described Alzheimer's disease in 1907.

Symptoms

It is characterized by a decline in brain function. Its symptoms are similar (indistinguishable/alike) to those diseases that cause dementia (memory loss).

Genetic predisposition

There is a genetic predisposition to the disease in some people, so it tends to run in families.

The onset of disease

There is also evidence (confirmation/proof) that a high level of aluminum may contribute to the onset of this disease. There is also a decline fall off in brain function with age.