Disease Focus: Brain Conditions

Perhaps some of the most serious injuries or disorders that a person can suffer from are those that affect the brain. The brain controls everything we do. Every move we make, every emotion we feel, every thought we have. So when the brain is damaged, it can have a severe impact on a person's life. For examples, I will talk about concussions and epilepsy.

We all know someone who has suffered from a concussion. They are extremely common, especially among athletes. While they may seem like no big deal, they are actually quite serious. A concussion is caused by a blow to the head, or violent shaking of the head and body. Symptoms can include headaches, neck pain, nausea, ringing in the ears, dizziness, tiredness, and trouble concentrating. It is extremely important to rest after suffering a concussion. It is the best possible treatment there is, which is why athletes are not allowed to participate in sports until after their symptoms are gone. While the brain will eventually heal, brain damage is harmful no matter the severity, so it is very important to wear protective gear while participating in sports.

Another serious type of brain condition is epilepsy. It is a neurological condition in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures. It can be caused by illness, brain injury, or abnormal brain development. While not always caused by a trauma, it is still a very severe brain condition and can cause a lot of problems for those who suffer from it. Most people with epilepsy can take anti-seizure medications, but they are not always effective. In some cases, surgery can be used to repair the brain.

https://medlineplus.gov/epilepsy.html#cat51
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/concussion/basics/treatment/con-20019272