Brain and Nerves Archives - Healthhype

Brain Herniation – Causes of Different Types of Hernias

Dr. Chris — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:28:43 +0000

The cranial cavity houses the brain and related structures but it is a rigid compartment that will not accommodate expansion of the tissues and fluid within. The dural folds are also rigid dividers that compartmentalize the different parts of the brain. The softer tissue of the brain therefore presses against the bone or dural folds or protrudes through any openings should there be swelling or bleeding within the parenchyma or cranial cavity. Read more on swelling of the brain and bleeding in the brain. What is a brain herniation? A brain herniation syndrome is when the brain tissue is pushed from its normal position and protrudes into adjacent compartments or may even push out of the skull if there is an opening present. In order to understand how a herniation develops and the different types of brain herniation syndromes, it is important to have a basic knowledge of intracranial anatomy. The brain is housed in the hard and bony cranial cavity of the skull. The opening at the base of the skull through which the medulla oblongata, an extension of the spinal cord, exits the skull is known as the foramen magnum. It is one opening for brain tissue to [...]

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Brain Abscess Location, Causes and Symptoms

Dr. Chris — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 23:30:22 +0000

An abscess may originate in multiple sites within the cranial cavity and therefore the term intracranial abscess more accurately describes it. Since the largest part of the brain, the cerebrum, is more commonly affected the term brain abscess is synonymous with cerebral abscess. An abscess may also occur in the cerebellum (cerebellar abscess) or brainstem (brainstem abscess). Another condition known as an empyema is also an accumulation of pus but this is within a naturally occurring cavity or space and in terms of the cranial cavity, it is more commonly known as pus around the brain. Both an abscess and empyema are broadly categorized under the term intracranial abscess. What is a brain abscess? A brain abscess is a localized collection of pus within the brain tissue (parenchyma). This is a consequence of pathogenic microorganisms, mainly bacteria, entering the normally sterile cranial cavity and lodging with the cerebral parenchyma. The pus contains immune cells, dead microbes, cellular debris, and tissue fluid. It is walled off by fibrous tissue which contains the infection. The infection causes inflammation of the brain tissue (encephalitis) with swelling of the brain which increases the intracranial pressure. The abscess is a mass that occupies space within [...]

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Spinal Cord Injuries Causes and Symptoms at Different Levels

Dr. Chris — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:56:26 +0000

What is a spinal cord injury? A spinal cord injury is a medical emergency which requires immediate treatment. It may occur due to direct trauma to the spinal cord itself or indirectly as a result of damage of the bones and soft tissues surrounding it. In any serious accident, a spinal cord injury should be assumed to be present, especially when the patient is unconscious. It is possible that the injury may be present despite of the spinal cord being intact. If a spinal cord injury is suspected at the accident site, the patient should be moved with extreme caution. The patient may be “log-rolled” to a semi-prone recovery position in order to provide basic life support. Anatomy of the Spinal Cord The spinal cord is the bundle of nerves which are enclosed within and protected by the vertebral column or the back bone. The vertebral or spinal column is made up of 33 bones, known as the vertebrae. The central hollow portion of the vertebrae form the spinal canal through which the spinal cord runs. The intervertebral disc between each vertebra allows flexibility of the spine and also acts as a cushion. There are 7 cervical vertebrae (in the [...]

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Meningitis in Children, Adults – Symptoms, Treatment, Vaccine

Dr. Alison — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 12:30:00 +0000

The meninges are membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord. There are 3 layers known as the dura mater, arachnoid mater and pia mater. Dura mater is the tough outer membrane. It consists of 2 layers, the periosteal layer lying just beneath the skull and vertebra, and the inner meningeal layer lying towards the brain and spinal cord. The dura is normally attached to the skull or the bones of the vertebral canal. Arachnoid mater is the thin, delicate, web-like membrane lying between the dura mater and pia mater. It is normally attached to the dura mater. Pia mater is the innermost membrane. It is firmly attached to the surface of the brain and spinal cord. All the 3 layers are composed of fibrous tissue and a sheet of flat cells which seem to be impermeable to fluid. The arachnoid and pia mater are together known as the leptomeninges. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fills the ventricles of the brain and the space between the arachnoid and pia mater, known as the subarachnoid space. The potential cavity between the dura mater and arachnoid is known as the subdural space. What is Meningitis? Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, [...]

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Seizures (Fits) Types (Partial and Generalized) and Causes

Dr. Chris — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 19:22:13 +0000

The brain is a complex organ which controls all the functions of the body. By receiving, processing and transmitting electrical impulses, the brain is able to carry out its diverse functions. At any given time, there is extensive electrical activity in the normal human brain due to the incoming, outgoing and crossing over of impulses. The brain therefore has controlling mechanisms which prevent overactivity or underactivity. However, sometimes these mechanisms may be impaired and the activity is out of control. If there is any abnormal electrical activity in the brain, it can disrupt various processes and functions of the body. This may manifest as a seizure. What is a Seizure? A seizure is a clinical event associated with abnormal electrical activity in the cortex of the brain. It usually manifests as altered sensations, convulsions, and temporary loss of consciousness, with the person often falling to the ground. Symptoms of a seizure will depend upon the part of the brain involved. There may be different types of seizures and it may be caused by various factors such as infection, head injury, brain tumor high fever, or other factors. In case of partial or focal seizures, there is paroxysmal neuronal activity limited [...]

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Stroke (CVA) – Ischemic, Hemorrhagic Types and Mini Strokes

Dr. Chris — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 20:08:15 +0000

Blood flow to the brain needs to be constant and adequate so that a sufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients can reach it. The brain is an ‘oxygen hungry’ organ accounting for about 20% of the oxygen consumption in the body although it only weighs in at 1% to 2% of the total body weight. If there is an interruption of this vital supply even for a few seconds then brain function is disrupted and may lead to a host of signs and symptoms. However, when the blood is cut off for longer periods, like several minutes, the brain cells will die at the affected area and permanently lead to some level of neurological dysfunction. What is a Stroke? A stroke is the disruption of brain activity which arises with loss of circulation to the brain leading to damage and death of brain tissue. It is also known by the now outdated term, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), although terms such as cerebrovascular disease and cerebral infarction are preferred. It is important to note that with a stroke there is death of brain cells usually in a circumscribed area (focal infarct) which is not present in a mini-stroke. The term ‘stroke’ is [...]

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Blood Clot in the Brain, Blocked Artery and Lack of Oxygen

Dr. Chris — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 22:49:27 +0000

The brain, like every part of the human body, derives its oxygen and nutrients through the the blood that reaches it. This blood is pumped from the heart and travels by way of blood vessels, specifically arteries, to the brain. Waste substances and carbon dioxide are removed from the brain by veins. Although the brain accounts for only 1% to 2% of the body weight, it requires about 20% of the oxygen available in the body. If a blood clot blocks an artery to the brain, then oxygen and nutrient-rich blood cannot reach the brain tissue. While any tissue can sustain itself for a short while with its own nutrient stores, a constant supply of oxygen is needed or tissue death will occur within minutes. Blood Supply to the Brain The blood supply to the brain is derived from the internal carotid arteries and vertebral arteries. The internal carotid arteries gives rise to the anterior cerebral arteries and middle cerebral arteries. These arteries communicate with the posterior cerebral arteries from the basilar artery formed by the joining of the vertebral arteries. Together, these arteries along with communicating arteries form the circle of Willis at the base of the brain. The [...]

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Cranial Nerve Function, Testing and Disease Symptoms

Dr. Chris — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:38:08 +0000

The Cranial Nerves The brain is the central processing point for all activity in the body. It is able to monitor and respond to changes in the body and control every organ either directly or indirectly. Nerves are like the electrical wiring that carry signals to and from the brain. Most of these nerves emerge pass through the spinal cord and are known as the spinal nerves. However, there are 12 pairs of nerves that emerge directly from the brain and are therefore known as cranial nerves. Some of these nerves are sensory or motor only while others are mixed containing a combination of sensory and motor fibers. Names of the Cranial Nerves Each pair of cranial nerves is numbered from one to twelve Roman numerals) and designated as CN. CN I – Olfactory nerve CN II – Optic nerve CN III – Oculomotor nerve CN IV – Trochlear nerve CN V – Trigeminal nerve CN VI – Abducens nerve CN VII – Facial nerve CN VIII – Vestibulocohclear nerve CN IX – Glossopharyngeal nerve CN X – Vagus nerve CN XI – Accessory nerve CN XII – Hypogloassal nerve Functions of Cranial Nerves In order to understand that nature [...]

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Peroneal Nerve Location, Injury, Causes of Pain and Palsy

Dr. Chris — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:48:27 +0000

Overview The peroneal nerve, also known as common fibular nerve, is one of the branches of the sciatic nerve. It is the most commonly injured nerve of the lower leg due to its location. Peroneal nerve injury and disease may arise due to various possible causes ranging from trauma, compression or infection. Apart from sensory symptoms such as pain, tingling and numbness with peroneal nerve disease there are other major motor symptoms since the peroneal nerve supplies the muscles that control the movement of the foot. These motor symptoms are known as foot drop. The Peroneal Nerve The peroneal nerve is the smaller terminal branch of the sciatic nerve, which arises from the lumbar and sacral spinal nerves (L4 to S2). The other terminal branch of the sciatic nerve which is much larger is the tibial nerve. It has two branches – superficial peroneal nerve and deep peroneal nerve. The proper term for the peroneal nerve before it terminates into the superficial and deep branches is the common peroneal nerve. It also gives off another branch which is known as the lateral sural cutaneous nerve. Location of the Peroneal Nerve The peroneal nerve begins at the top of the popliteal [...]

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Viral Encephalitis (Brain Infection Virus) Disease Information

Dr. Chris — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:10:21 +0000

What is viral encephalitis? Encephalitis is the medical term for inflammation of the brain. It is most commonly due to infections and the majority of these cases is due to a viral infection. Therefore the term encephalitis is almost always taken to mean viral encephalitis – infection of the brain tissue with a virus. It should not be confused with meningitis which is inflammation of the linings around the brain and spinal cord. Both conditions, encephalitis and meningitis, can present with similar symptoms despite being two separate conditions. Encephalitis can however present with meningitis in which case it is known as meningoencephalitis. Encephalitis is not a common condition but is a serious infection that needs to be monitored. Most cases, however, resolve on its own with little or no treatment if a person is healthy and not immune deficient. Causes of Viral Encephalitis Viral encephalitis is caused by a number of different types of viruses. These viruses enter the body through various ways. It replicates in tissues throughout the body and multiplies in large numbers outside the brain. The viruses then reach the brain by traveling via the : bloodstream – hematogenous dissemination. nerve pathways – retrograde neuronal dissemination. The [...]

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