Nervous system disorders

Nervous System Disorders

Nervous system disorders are a group of conditions that affect the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. These disorders can disrupt the normal functioning of these structures, leading to a variety of symptoms.

Pronunciation

Nervous system disorders: /ˈnɜːrvəs ˈsɪstəm dɪsˈɔːrdərz/

Etymology

The term "nervous system" comes from the Latin "nervus" meaning "sinew, nerve" and the Greek "systema" meaning "organized whole". The term "disorder" comes from the Old French "desordre" meaning "lack of order or sequence".

Related Terms

• Neurology: The branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the nervous system.
• Neuropathy: A term for disease or dysfunction of one or more peripheral nerves.
• Neurodegenerative diseases: Diseases characterized by the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons.
• Neurological examination: A series of tests used to assess function and pathology of the nervous system.

Types of Nervous System Disorders

There are many different types of nervous system disorders. Some of the most common include:

• Alzheimer's disease: A progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking skills, and the ability to carry out simple tasks.
• Parkinson's disease: A neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain.
• Multiple sclerosis: A chronic disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, causing problems with muscle control, balance, and vision.
• Epilepsy: A neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

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