Nervous System Disorders

Inflammation of the meninges of the brain and spinal cord;

can be bacterial or viral; vaccine available.

This disorder results from a degeneration of the dopamine-releasing neurons. Afflicted individuals have a persistent tremor at rest, a forward walking posture, and a stiff facial expression.

A group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. Signs and symptoms vary among people and over time. Often, symptoms include poor coordination, stiff muscles, weak muscles, and tremors. There may be problems with sensation, vision, hearing, swallowing, and speaking.

"Inflammation of the brain" , often due to infection.

The infection may be bacterial or viral. In some cases, the disorder may be the result of an immune system disorder.

Mild cases may cause no symptoms or mild flu-like symptoms. Severe cases can be life-threatening.

A disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures. The disorder may occur as a result of a genetic disorder or an acquired brain injury, such as a trauma or stroke.

A virus that may cause paralysis and is easily preventable by the a vaccine. It is transmitted through contaminated water and food or contact with an infected person.

Many people who are infected with the virus don't become sick and have no symptoms. However, those who do get sick develop paralysis, which can sometimes be fatal.

A build-up of fluid in the cavities deep within the brain.

The extra fluid puts pressure on the brain and can cause brain damage. It's most common in infants and older adults. It is characterized by head enlargement in infants.

Treatment is often a tube (shunt) inserted surgically into a ventricle to drain excess fluid.

A disease in which the immune system eats away at the protective covering of nerves- resulting nerve damage disrupts communication between the brain and the body.

The disorder causes many different symptoms, including vision loss, pain, fatigue, and impaired coordination. The symptoms, severity, and duration can vary from person to person.

An infectious disease that first appeared in the United States in 1999. Infected mosquitoes spread the virus that causes it. People who get the disorder usually have no symptoms or mild symptoms. The symptoms include a fever, headache, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph glands. They can last a few days to several weeks, and usually go away on their own.

A group of conditions characterized by impairment of at least two brain functions, such as memory loss and judgment. Symptoms include forgetfulness, limited social skills, and thinking abilities so impaired that it interferes with daily functioning.