What are the three broad categories of diseases of the nervous system?

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Answer: The three broad categories of diseases of the nervous system are neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, and infections and tumors.

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01

Understanding the nervous system

The nervous system is a complex network of nerves and cells that transmit signals between different parts of the body. It consists of the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS comprises the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS includes all the nerves outside the CNS. Disorders or diseases affecting any part of this system can lead to various neurological issues.
02

Identifying the three broad categories of diseases of the nervous system

Based on the causes and the parts of the nervous system affected, the diseases of the nervous system can be divided into three broad categories: 1. Neurodegenerative diseases: These are diseases in which the nervous system's cells (neurons) progressively degenerate and die. Common examples include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). 2. Autoimmune diseases: These are diseases in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the nervous system, leading to inflammation and damage. Examples include Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Myasthenia Gravis, and Guillain-Barre Syndrome. 3. Infections and tumors: These are diseases caused by infections (such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites) or the formation of tumors affecting the nervous system. Infections include Meningitis, Encephalitis, and Neurosyphilis, while tumors can be benign or malignant, such as Gliomas, Schwannomas, and Medulloblastomas. In conclusion, the three broad categories of diseases of the nervous system are neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, and infections and tumors.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

What are the two most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases? a. Alzheimer's disease and stroke b. Parkinson's disease and brain tumor c. Alaheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease d. Huntington's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis e. Mitochondrial encephalopathy and multiple sclerosis

Which of the following statements are always correct? a. Neurodegenerative diseases can involve either the central or the peripheral nervous systems, or both. b. A familial occurrence of a neurodegenerative disease is the signature of its genetic origin. c. Cardiovascular problems exacerbate the cognitive decline in patients with dementia and vise-versa. d. Neurodegenerative diseases are associated with a shortened life-span because they eventually impair respiratory or cardiovascular functions. e. When available, symptomatic agents normalize life-span in patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases.

What is expected to occur with the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases in the forthcoming generations and why?

Which of the following statements are most correct? a. Onset of symptoms reflects the onset of the disease. b. The prominent symptoms often reveal the main site of neuropathology. c. Intercurrent infection can permanently exacerbate the symptoms. d. Neurodegenerative diseases differ from non-degenerative diseases because the latter never progress in a step-wise manner. e. \(b\) and c

What is the common method used in classifying neurodegenerative diseases and what are the difficulties inherent with this type of classification?

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