Let's learn about brain diseases and their symptoms in simple terms (Brain Diseases)

The most complex and amazing organ in our body is the brain. Just think about how much happens in that small space every second. This brain controls everything we think, feel, see, and hear. But just like a machine, sometimes the functioning of this brain can be affected by various diseases, infections, and accidents. So today, let's talk about the main diseases that can affect our brain and their symptoms .

Infections affecting the brain

Sometimes, various germs can enter our brain and cause infections. Here are some of them.

• Meningitis: Simply put, this is an inflammation of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. The most common symptoms include a stiff neck, severe headache, fever, and confusion .
• Encephalitis: This is an inflammation of the brain tissue. It can be caused by viruses transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks. There are also other causes. Early symptoms include fever, muscle aches , joint pain, fatigue, and headache . Some people may also experience confusion or personality changes.
• Brain abscess: This is a lump of pus that forms inside the brain tissue. When this happens, blood flow to the brain can be reduced and the area can swell. Sometimes emergency surgery is needed to remove the pus . Symptoms may include numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or walking, vision changes, and stiffness in the neck or back.

Seizures

The nerve cells in our brain communicate with each other through very subtle electrical signals. Imagine what would happen if something were to interrupt this electrical process. That's when we experience a condition called a "seizure."

The main cause of seizures is epilepsy . This can sometimes be hereditary. However, conditions such as brain infections, head injuries, and strokes can also cause epilepsy.

A person with epilepsy can show a variety of symptoms. Some are very subtle, like just staring at you. Some are severe, like uncontrollable shaking or blacking out . At times like these, there is a high risk of harming yourself or others.

Head injuries (Trauma)

A serious head injury (head trauma) can also cause brain damage .

Concussion

This is like a concussion. It can cause a short-term change in brain function. It can be caused by something like a car accident or a fall. Sometimes the symptoms start right away, but sometimes they can appear a few days later.

If your child hits their head, it is very important to notify your doctor immediately.

Serious head injuries (Traumatic Brain Injury - TBI)

A concussion is a type of TBI. However, other causes, such as gunshots and explosions, can also cause severe brain injuries. In such cases, permanent brain damage can occur. If you have symptoms such as persistent headache, vomiting, enlarged black eyes, clear fluid from the ears or nose, or seizures, it may be a serious condition. It is wise to seek medical advice after a head injury.

Brain tumors, and increased pressure

The following diseases belong to this category.

• Brain Tumors: These can be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). But regardless of the type, this abnormal tissue growth can put pressure on healthy parts of the brain and cause problems. Symptoms can include headaches that last for days, loss of balance , numbness in one arm or leg, vision problems, and personality changes .
• Hydrocephalus: A fluid called cerebrospinal fluid flows inside our brain. This is what nourishes the brain. If the flow of this fluid is blocked, the pressure inside the brain increases. In a small baby, the soft spot on the top of the head may appear swollen and the head may become enlarged. In an elderly person, walking and memory problems may occur.

Vascular Conditions

The brain is supplied with oxygen by blood. If there is a problem with the blood vessels that carry this blood, the brain can quickly become damaged.

• Stroke: If blood flow to a part of the brain is suddenly cut off, cells in that part begin to die. The part of the body controlled by that part of the brain (e.g., an arm or leg) may become paralyzed.
• Sudden, severe headache
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
• Vision changes
• Loss of balance in the body

If any of these symptoms are seen, the patient should be taken to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) without delay. The sooner the treatment is received, the better the chance of recovery.

• Brain aneurysm: This is when a weak spot in a blood vessel in the brain bulges like a balloon. If it bursts, bleeding into the brain can occur, causing a severe stroke.

Neurodegenerative Conditions

There are some diseases that, over time, gradually damage the brain and nervous system, becoming more severe.

• Parkinson's disease: This disease is caused by the gradual destruction of nerve cells in the brain that control movement. Early symptoms include tremors in the hands, stiffness in the body, and slowness of movement .
• Dementia: This is more of a disease than a symptom, but rather a collection of symptoms that cause problems with thinking and memory. These include difficulty finding the right words, forgetting recent events, and difficulty making plans .
• Alzheimer's disease: This is the leading cause of dementia among older people. It is believed to be caused by abnormal protein deposits in the brain. One of the first symptoms may be complete forgetting of recent conversations or events .

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