Are you aware of brain diseases? (Brain Diseases) - Let's talk about this simply!

Our brain is the main center that controls our entire body and makes us who we are. Just think, what a complex and amazing organ it is. Our brain, which processes millions of pieces of information per second, is like a supercomputer. However, like every other organ in the body, our brain can be affected by various diseases, infections, accidents, and other conditions. So today, let's talk about the diseases that affect this brain and their symptoms .

Types of brain infections

Sometimes, various germs, such as bacteria and viruses, can enter our brain and cause infections. There are several main types of these.

• Meningitis: Simply put, this is a brain infection. It is an inflammation of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by a virus (such as mumps), bacteria, fungus, or parasite. Symptoms include a severe headache, stiff neck, fever, and confusion .

• Encephalitis: This is an infection of the brain tissue. Viruses transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks can be the main cause. Early symptoms include fever, muscle aches, joint pain, fatigue, and headache. Some people may also experience memory loss or personality changes .

• Brain Abscess: This is a condition where a pus-filled lump forms inside the brain. This is very dangerous because it can cut off blood flow to the brain and cause the brain to swell. This may require emergency surgery to remove the pus. Symptoms include numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or walking, vision changes, and severe headaches .

Seizures and epilepsy

Our brain cells communicate with each other through very subtle electrical signals. If this electrical process is disrupted for some reason, a person can have a 'fit', or seizure.

The main condition that causes frequent seizures in this way is epilepsy . This can sometimes be hereditary. Epilepsy can also be caused by brain infections, strokes , or severe head injuries.

The symptoms of epilepsy vary. Sometimes it can be as subtle as just staring blankly . Other times, it can be more severe, such as uncontrolled body movements, twitching, or loss of consciousness . There are now good treatments for this condition, so seeing a doctor and getting proper treatment can help control this condition.

Head injuries (Trauma) and effects on the brain

A severe head injury (head trauma) can cause various types of damage to the brain.

• Concussion : This is like a bruise to the brain. It can be caused by a car accident, a fall, or a blow to the head while playing sports. Sometimes symptoms appear right away, other times they may not appear until a few days later.

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A concussion is also a type of TBI. However, it can be caused by more severe injuries, such as a gunshot or a bomb blast. Severe TBI can cause symptoms such as persistent headache, vomiting, dilated pupils, watery discharge from the ears or nose, and seizures .

Brain tumors, masses, and increased pressure

This category includes conditions related to abnormal growths within the brain and the resulting pressure.

• Brain Tumors: These can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). Even if they are not cancerous, when a tumor grows in the limited space inside the skull, it can cause serious problems by pressing on healthy brain tissue. Symptoms can include headaches that last for days, difficulty walking, numbness in one arm or leg, changes in vision, and personality changes . Glioblastoma is a very fast-growing, aggressive type of brain cancer.

• Hydrocephalus: Our brain is surrounded by a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid . This is what nourishes the brain and removes waste products. When the flow of this fluid is blocked, it builds up inside the skull and increases pressure. In a small baby, you may notice symptoms such as an enlarged head or a bulging soft spot on the forehead . In an older person, you may have difficulty walking and memory loss .

Vascular Conditions

The brain receives oxygen and nutrients from the blood. If there is a problem with the blood vessels that supply these blood vessels, it can severely affect brain function.

• Stroke: This occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is suddenly interrupted. This causes damage to brain cells in that part. Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain. Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and bleeds.

• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): This is also known as a 'mini-stroke'. This is when a blood clot temporarily blocks a blood vessel in the brain. Although symptoms are similar to those of a stroke, they usually resolve within 24 hours. However, a TIA is a precursor to a major stroke.

• Brain aneurysm: This is when the wall of a blood vessel in the brain weakens and bulges like a balloon. If this bursts, it can cause a hemorrhagic stroke.

When the body's own defense system attacks the brain (Autoimmune Conditions)

Our body's immune system is designed to protect us from germs. But sometimes, this system mistakenly starts attacking our own healthy cells. This is called autoimmune diseases.

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): In this disease, the immune system damages the protective covering (myelin) around nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. This disrupts the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Symptoms may include numbness or weakness in an arm or leg, difficulty walking, double vision, and slurred speech .

Neurodegenerative conditions (diseases in which the brain gradually weakens over time)

This refers to a group of diseases in which brain cells are gradually destroyed over time, weakening brain function.

• Parkinson's Disease: A progressive loss of nerve cells in a specific area of ​​the brain that affects movement and coordination. Early symptoms may include tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement .

• Dementia: This is not a disease in itself, but a collection of symptoms. It mainly affects the ability to think and remember. You may experience things like forgetting recent events, difficulty finding the right words, difficulty planning, and personality changes .

• Alzheimer's Disease: This is the leading cause of dementia among older people. Abnormal protein deposits in the brain cause brain cells to begin to die.

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): This disease destroys the nerves that control muscles. Over time, the body can become paralyzed and unable to breathe on its own.