Everything You Need To Know About Brain Disorders

Our brain is responsible for controlling our entire body. It is the control center of our body. It is also a part of the nervous system, along with a large network of neurons and nerves, and the spinal cord. 

Altogether, the nervous system controls everything, whether it is the senses or the muscle’s movement throughout our body. That means in case anything affects our brain; it will also damage other functions as well. 

There are different types of brain disorders. And all these can be the result of anything from an injury to genetics or any particular illness. Everyone comes with different types of risks, diagnoses, and treatments. 

When it comes to brain disorders, many of us do not have enough knowledge about them. That is why, here, in this article, I am going to help you with all the necessary information you need to know about brain disorders. 

What Are Brain Disorders? 

What Are Brain Disorders?

When your brain gets damaged, it might affect several different things, such as your sensations, memory, and even your overall personality. Brain disorders also include any type of disability or condition which affects your brain.

It typically includes conditions that are caused by the following. 

  • Genetics.
  • Illness.
  • Traumatic injury. 

Honestly, brain disorder is a wide category of disorders that vary massively in symptoms and also the severity. 

Different Types Of Brain Disorders

Now as you know about what is considered brain disorders, here are the different types of brain disorders and their details. 

1. Brain Injuries

Brain Injuries

Often, blunt trauma is the reason behind brain injuries. Trauma might damage your nerves, neurons, and brain tissues. As a result, your brain’s ability to communicate with the rest of the body gets hampered. Here are some examples of brain injuries. 

  • Blood clots.
  • Hematomas.
  • Strokes.
  • Concussions.
  • Cerebral edema, or swelling in the brain. 
  • Contusion or bruising of the brain tissues. 

Here are some common symptoms of brain injury. 

  • Nausea. 
  • Vomiting.
  • Headache.
  • Numbness.
  • Bleeding from the year. 
  • Speech difficulty. 
  • Memory loss.
  • Paralysis. 
  • Problems with concentration. 

These are the initial symptoms; later, you might also experience the following. 

  • Irregular breathing. 
  • Pupil dilation. 
  • A low heart rate.
  • High blood pressure. 

Now, come to the treatment part. On the basis of your injury and the severity of the injury, the treatment can be anything from the below. 

  • Brain surgery. 
  • Rehabilitation. 
  • Medication. 

There are a lot of people who have to undergo surgery in order to repair or remove the damaged tissue or to relieve pressure. Individuals with minor brain injuries might not require any treatment apart from pain medication. 

In most cases, people with brain injuries need rehabilitation, and that can include the following.

  • Psychiatric services.
  • Speech and language therapy.
  • Physical therapy. 

2. Brain Tumors

Brain Tumors

Almost every one of us is aware of this medical condition. But many of us do not know that sometimes, tumors can form in the brain, and they can be really dangerous. All of these are termed primary brain tumors. 

In some other cases, cancer that has occurred somewhere else in your body can also spread to your brain. And these are termed metastatic or secondary brain tumors. Brain tumors can be both benign or noncancerous or cancerous or malignant. 

When it comes to brain tumors, healthcare professionals grade them ad 1,2,3 or lastly, 4. The higher the number is, the more aggressive the tumors are. On the basis of the location and size of the tumor, symptoms of brain tumors vary. Here are some most common ones. 

  • Vomiting. 
  • Nausea. 
  • Tingling or numbness in your legs or arms. 
  • Seizures.
  • Headaches.
  • Changes in your speech, vision, or hearing. 
  • Difficulty with balance or movement. 
  • Changes in personality. 

Now, if you are thinking about the treatment, let me tell you that it also depends on several factors, like your age, overall health condition, and the size of the tumor. Here are some main treatment types for brain tumors. 

  • Radiation therapy. 
  • Chemotherapy. 
  • Surgery. 

3. Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative Diseases

In this particular type of disease or brain disorder, your nerves and brain start to deteriorate over time. As a result, your personality can change and also result in confusion. They are also capable of destroying your nerves and brain tissue. 

There are some specific brain disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease, which might develop as you age. These can impair not only your thought process but also your memory over time slowly. There are other diseases, as well, like Tay-Sachs disease, which is genetic and also begins at an early age. 

Here are some other neurodegenerative diseases.

  • All forms of dementia.
  • Parkinson’s disease. 
  • ALS or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. 
  • Huntington’s disease. 

Here are some most common symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases. 

  • Mood changes. 
  • A loss of inhibition.
  • Agitation.
  • Anxiety.
  • Apathy.
  • Forgetfulness. 
  • Memory loss. 

Neurodegenerative diseases can result in permanent damage, which means the symptoms tend to get worse with the progression of the disease. Over time, the individual also can expect some new symptoms. 

The worst part is that in case it is a neurodegenerative disease, there’s no cure. However, treatment can help to improve the condition. The main goal of these types of treatments is to try to reduce the major symptoms along with helping the individual maintain a basic quality of life. 

Often, these treatments involve the use of medications in order to manage the symptoms much better. 

4. Mental Health Disorders

Mental Health Disorders

Mental health conditions or mental health disorders are a diverse and large group of issues that affect the behavior patterns of an individual. Here are some of the most frequently diagnosed mental health issues. 

  • Schizophrenia
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Phobias
  • Panic Disorder
  • PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder

On the basis of the condition, the symptoms of mental health disorders vary. Although different individuals are suffering from the same disorder, the symptoms can be different for them. 

That is why it is always advised to consult with your doctor in case you notice any kind of change in your behavior, moods, or thought patterns. 

Now, let’s have a look at the treatment options. The major types of treatment for mental health conditions are psychotherapy and medication. For different conditions, different methods work. A lot of individuals find that a combination of these two is the most effective. 

In case you doubt that you have a mental health disorder, it is really crucial to work actively with your doctor and develop a treatment plan which will work for you. Honestly, you will get several resources, so there is no need to self-medicate without consulting a professional. 

Risk Factors Of Brain Disorders

When you are searching for brain disorders, you should have proper knowledge about the risk factors of it as well. Brain disorders can affect almost anyone. But for different individuals, the risk factors or brain disorders vary. 

If a traumatic brain injury is being considered, it is really common among children under the age of 4 years, older adults of age 65 years and older, and young adults who are aged between 15 years to 25 years. 

This is said by the United States Department of HHS or Health and Human Services and also the CDC or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Now, come to the brain tumors. It can affect individuals of any age. Your exposure to environmental risk factors, such as radiation, and your genetics play a huge role here. Apart from that, family history and also older age are the most significant risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases. 

Also, we know that mental health disorders are too common. NAMI, or the National Alliance on Mental Illness, reports that around 1 out of 5 American adults have suffered from a mental health condition. 

Due to the following, your risk might be higher. 

  • Have you had or have any stressful or traumatic life experiences? 
  • Have a family history of mental health issues or conditions. 
  • Have had or have a traumatic brain injury.
  • Have a history of misusing drugs or alcohol. 

Brain Disorder: The Diagnosis

Brain Disorder: The Diagnosis

When it comes to brain disorders, a neurological specialist or a primary care physician can diagnose possible brain disorders. Usually, a neurological exam is performed in order to check your balance, hearing, and vision. 

The professional might also get images of your brain for making the diagnosis easier and more accurate. Here are some most common diagnostic imaging tools. 

  • PET Scans.
  • MRI scans.
  • CT Scans. 

At the same time, your doctor might also require you to study fluid from your spinal cord and brain. This assists them in finding any type of infection, bleeding in the brain, and any other abnormalities. 

But, when it is any kind of mental health disorder, they are mostly diagnosed on the basis of an evaluation of your history and symptoms. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Here are some most common questions that you might have in your mind when you are searching about brain disorders. 

Q1: Is Autism A Neurological Disorder?

Ans. ASD or autism spectrum disorder is a developmental and neurological disorder that affects how an individual interacts with others, behaves, learns, and communicates. Usually, it is considered a “development disorder” as the symptoms generally appear during the first 2 years of life. 

Q2: Is ADHD A Neurological Disorder? 

Ans. ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a neurobehavioral disorder that is marked by trouble controlling impulsive behavior, overactivity, and difficulty in paying attention. ADHD is among the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. 

Q3: What Is A Functional Neurological Disorder?

Ans. FND, or functional neurological disorder, is a problem with how one’s brain receives and also sends information to the rest of the body. Think of your brain as a computer. Now, in FND, the hardware or structure part of it works properly fine. But, it is the program or software running on the computer that does not work properly. 

Q4: What Are The Functional Neurological Disorder Symptoms? 

Ans. Here are the most common symptoms of FND. 

  • Persistent fatigue.
  • Migraines and other types of headache and facial pain. 
  • Depression. 
  • Anxiety and panic attacks. 
  • Irritable bowel syndrome and other issues with stomach-related functions. 
  • Chronic pain, including back and neck pain, complex regional pain syndrome, and fibromyalgia. 
  • Sleep issues, like hyper insomnia or insomnia. 
  • Chronic urinary retention. 
  • Dysfunctional breathing.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Final Thoughts

I believe after going through this article, you get to know everything that you need to know about brain disorders. Still, in case you have any questions or queries, feel free to ask in the comment section. I will try to get back to you as soon as possible. 

Also, in case you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, I will ask you to consult with your doctor as soon as possible.

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