The brain is the central organ that regulates all interactions that occur in the body. However, performance brainwill not be optimal without the help of the nervous system. The nervous system which is spread to all parts of the body plays an important role in human daily life. So it is important to be aware of damage to the body's nervous system.
The nervous system is in charge of delivering messages from all parts of the body to the brain and vice versa. For example, the brain gets a message from one part of the body, such as a sore hand from touching a hot pot. Then, the nerves in the skin of the hand send a message in the form of pain to the brain. After that, the brain sends a message back to the muscles to pull the hand from the pot.
Kinds of the Nervous System and Their Damage
The body has billions of nerves, scattered all over the body. These nerves are grouped into three parts, namely:
- Sensory nerves
Thanks to the sensory nerves, you can feel all the sensations that occur in the body, such as pain when pinched, as well as taste the sweetness of candy, the spiciness of chili peppers, or the bitterness of medicine.
- Motor nerves
You can control the movement of your limbs because of the help of these nerves.
- Nerve autonomous
These nerves control activities that occur without us realizing it in the body, such as blood pressure, digestion, heart rate, and body temperature.
Unfortunately, the nervous system can be damaged or impaired. Damage to the nervous system, even if it is mild, can still affect your quality of life.
Below are some of the symptoms that can appear if the nervous system is damaged:
- Sensory nerves
Symptoms that you may experience if this nerve is damaged include numbness, tingling, burning skin, body pain, or sensitivity, and impaired awareness of body position.
- Motor nerves
Damage to the motor nerves may cause weakness, muscle atrophy (shrink muscles), paralysis or paralysis (you can't move certain parts of your body), or twitch.
- Nerve autonomous
If this nerve is damaged, you may experience dry eyes, constipation or difficulty passing stools, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), dry mouth, dizziness, inability to feel chest pain, bladder problems, or sexual dysfunction.
Causes of Damage to the Nervous System
There are many conditions that can damage the nervous system. This relates to several health problems that you may experience, such as:
- Diabetes
- Vitamin deficiency
- Electrolyte disturbance
- Addiction to alcohol or drugs
- Impaired blood supply
- Have you ever had head and spine injuries?
- Carbon monoxide or arsenic poisoning
- brain infection
- Parkinson
- Alzheimer
- Hepatitis
- Cancer
- stroke
Damage to the nervous system may occur slowly and gradually. However, there are also things that happen suddenly and can be life-threatening.
Can a Damaged Nervous System Be Repaired?
Unlike other cells in the body, nerves that have been damaged or died are not easy to repair or regenerate. Even so, doctors can provide treatment that can reduce the symptoms experienced.
The first way that can be done is to treat the health conditions that are causing the damage to the nervous system. For example, if you are deficient in a certain vitamin, then you should increase your intake of that vitamin. Another example, if you have diabetes, you must control your blood sugar, either through your lifestyle, or by taking medication from your doctor.
Your doctor may also give you medicine to minimize the pain you are experiencing. In addition, several other options to help relieve the discomfort you feel are through acupuncture, meditation, or hypnosis.
Sometimes there is no known cause of nervous system damage, even though doctors have undergone various tests. This condition is called idiopathic neuropathy. For those who experience idiopathic neuropathy, Steps that can be taken to reduce the symptoms that appear are to change the lifestyle you live.
The trick is to maintain weight and adopt a healthy and balanced diet. Balance also with adequate rest and exercise to reduce symptoms while strengthening your body muscles. For those who smoke and often consume alcoholic beverages, stop as soon as possible.
If you experience symptoms related to nervous system damage, you should immediately see a doctor. The doctor will conduct an examination to determine the cause as well as the appropriate treatment to overcome it.
