When the nervous system is damaged
Because the nervous system controls almost everything the body does, damage to it can affect movement, senses, memory and thought. Nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord recover very poorly once destroyed, so protecting them matters. This is why doctors treat head and spine injuries as emergencies and why prevention is stressed so strongly.
Some common conditions
- Stroke — the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or a vessel bursts, so brain cells die from lack of oxygen. It can cause paralysis, slurred speech or memory loss.
- Parkinson's disease — certain brain cells that help control movement are lost, leading to tremors, stiffness and slow movement.
- Spinal cord injury — a broken back can cut nerve pathways, causing loss of movement and feeling below the injury (paralysis).
- Meningitis — infection and inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord.
Key idea
Nervous tissue heals poorly, so prevention — protection, healthy blood vessels and avoiding harmful substances — is the best strategy.
Protecting the nervous system
Several everyday choices lower the risk of nervous-system harm:
- Wear a helmet and seatbelt to protect the brain and spinal cord from injury.
- Eat a balanced diet and exercise to keep blood vessels healthy and reduce stroke risk.
- Avoid alcohol misuse and illegal drugs, which can damage neurones.
- Get enough sleep, which the brain needs to work well.
Example
A motorcyclist who wears a proper helmet is far less likely to suffer a serious brain injury in a crash, because the helmet absorbs much of the force that would otherwise reach the skull and brain.
Remember
Healthy blood vessels protect the brain from stroke; physical protection guards the brain and spinal cord from injury. Prevention is far more effective than cure for nervous tissue.