Neuroscience - Major Disorders of the Nervous System

Alzheimer’s disease

A progressive degenerative disease of the brain, characterized by dementia and always fatal

Autism

A disorder emerging in early childhood characterized by impairments in communication and social interactions, and restricted and repetitive behaviors

Cerebral Palsy

A motor disorder caused by damage to the cerebrum before, during, or soon after birth

Depression

A serious disorder of mood, characterized by insomnia, loss of appetite, and feelings of dejection

Epilepsy

A condition characterized by periodic disturbances of brain electrical activity that can lead to seizures, loss of consciousness, and sensory disturbances

Multiple sclerosis

A progressive disease that affects nerve conduction, characterized by episodes by weakness, lack of coordination, and speech disturbance

Parkinson’s disease

A progressive disease of the brain that leads to difficulty in initiating voluntary movement

Schizophrenia

A severe psychotic illness characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and bizarre behavior

Spinal paralysis

A loss of feeling and movement caused by traumatic damage to the spinal cord

Stroke

A loss of brain function caused by disruption of the blood supply, usually leading to permanent sensory, motor, or cognitive deficit