Brain

The brain is the body’s control center. It forms the core of the central nervous system by creating, sending, and processing nerve impulses, thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and more. The skull encloses the brain, protecting it from injury.

Neurologists are doctors who study the nervous system. Over time, they have identified numerous parts of the brain, including systems within the brain that function similarly to independent organs.

The brain is made up of three main subparts: the cerebrum, the cerebellum, and the brainstem. Within these areas, there are several key components of the brain that, together with the spinal cord, comprise the central nervous system.

Central Nervous System

The major areas of the central nervous system include:

The medulla: This is the lowest part of the brainstem. It helps control heart and lung function.

The pons: Located above the medulla in the brainstem, this area helps control eye and facial movement.

The spinal cord: Extended from the base of the brain and down the center of the back, the spinal cord helps with many automatic functions, such as reflexes. It also sends messages to and from the brain.

The parietal lobe: Situated in the middle of the brain, the parietal lobe supports the identification of objects and spatial reasoning. It also plays a role in interpreting pain and touch signals.

The frontal lobe: The frontal lobe, which is located in the front of the head, is the largest section of the brain. It plays a role in many conscious functions, including personality and movement. It also helps the brain interpret smells.

The occipital lobes: Positioned near the back of the brain, the occipital lobe primarily interprets vision signals.

The temporal lobes: Located on either side of the brain, the temporal lobes play a role in numerous functions, including speech, scent recognition, and short-term memory.

The brain’s two halves are called the right and left hemispheres. The corpus callosum connects these two hemispheres.

Symptoms of Brain Disease:

The following symptoms are early warning signs of developing Brain disease:

Headaches

Vision problems

Movement problems

Memory problems

Personality changes

Nausea and vomiting

Seizures

Sleep problems

Are You at Risk of Brain Disease?

The major risk factors for Brain disease are:

High Blood Pressure

The leading risk factor for stroke, as it can damage arteries leading to the brain.

Diabetes

Increases the risk due to its impact on blood vessels.

Smoking

Contributes to the narrowing of arteries and increases blood clot formation.

High Cholesterol

Can lead to the build-up of plaques in arteries, increasing stroke risk.

Obesity

Particularly abdominal obesity, is linked with increased stroke risk.

Age

Risk increases with age, especially after 55.

Family History

Genetics can play a role in stroke susceptibility.

Types of Brain Disease

Brain tumors

There are more than 120 types of brain tumors, which can be benign or malignant. They can press on nerves and affect brain function.

Degenerative nerve diseases

These diseases can affect many activities, including movement, balance, talking, breathing, and heart function. Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are examples of degenerative nerve diseases.

Encephalitis

This is an inflammation of the brain that can cause vision loss, weakness, and paralysis.

Strokes

This is a common type of cerebrovascular disease that can cause loss of brain cells and affect your ability to think clearly.

Dementia-type diseases

These diseases cause progressive damage to various areas of the brain, causing neurons to die.

Demyelinating diseases

These diseases involve damage or loss of myelin, which affects the sending and relaying of nerve signals.

Multiple sclerosis

This is an immune and inflammatory condition.

Intracranial aneurysm

This is a swelling that can leak or burst, leading to complications, including death.

Vascular malformations

These are congenital abnormalities in the blood vessels located in the brain.