Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system. It encompasses both the structure and the function of the brain, spinal cord and all of the nerves in our body. Neuroscience covers the development and degeneration of the nervous system, as well as its impact on our cognition and behaviour.
The term “neurosciences” in the plural form is often used because the complexity of the human brain means that the field has several more subspecialties.
Neurosciences focus on the nervous system, which consists of two main parts. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, and the rest of the nerves in our body comprises the peripheral nervous system.
Both parts of the nervous system can suffer damage through trauma or injury, degeneration, infection, cancer or other conditions. Some of the common neurological diseases include:
Neurological degenerative diseases include Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, MS, and ALS. These are types of neurological disorders that progress in severity over time as nerve cells slowly deteriorate and eventually die.
Because the nervous system controls both motor and cognitive functions, neurological diseases will have different signs and symptoms, depending on the part that is affected.
In general, people who experience neurological disorders symptoms – whether motor, cognitive or behavioural – should see a doctor for testing. Some of the common neurological disorders symptoms include a persistent or sudden onset of headache, loss of sensation, weakness, memory loss, impaired mental ability, seizures, slurred speech, and impaired language, among others.
Laboratory tests and imaging tests can be used in diagnosing common neurological diseases. In some cases, a spinal tap or lumbar puncture is used to collect cerebrospinal fluid from the lower vertebrae to check for inflammation or infection. A biopsy can also be performed on the brain, nerve, skin or muscle.
Treatments for various types of neurological disorders are specialised and varied. Brain and spinal surgery, radiation therapy, embolisation, medications, deep brain stimulation and rehabilitation or other forms of therapy are some of the treatments used for neurological diseases.
In medicine, neurologists specialise in neurological diseases and disorders. Neurosurgeons, meanwhile, specialise in surgical treatments of brain and neurological disorders.
Some of the other healthcare providers in the neurosciences include:
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