Chapter 6 The Nervous System 227
Researchers are also working to advance our
understanding of which rehabilitation
approaches will be optimally successful at
restoring lost function. Promising new
rehabilitation techniques are helping patients
with spinal cord injury become more mobile.
Common Diseases and
Disorders of the CNS
In this section we will explore some of the
common diseases and disorders that affect the
central nervous system (CNS).
Meningitis
Meningitis (MEHN-in-JIGH-tis) is an
infl ammation of the meninges surrounding the
brain and spinal cord. Swelling of these tissues,
which is caused by an infection, often produces
the signature symptoms of headache, fever, and
a stiff neck.
Most infections that cause meningitis are
viral, but bacterial and fungal infections can
also lead to meningitis. Viral meningitis, the
milder form, can resolve on its own. Bacterial
meningitis is much more serious and potentially
life threatening. Fortunately, bacterial meningitis
can be treated with antibiotics. In either case, a
person should seek immediate medical attention
if meningitis is suspected.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune
disease in which the body’s own immune system
causes infl ammation that destroys the myelin
sheath of nerve cell axons. This damage to the
1. Evaluate the causes of traumatic brain
injury (TBI).
2. List the conditions that can cause
cerebral palsy (CP).
3. What is the usual result of a spinal cord
injury that occurs at each of the following
levels? C
1
–C
3
; C
1
–C
4
; C
5
–C
7
; and T
1
–L
5
.
Check Your Understanding
myelin sheath, which can occur in any part of
the brain or spinal cord, impairs the ability of
the affected nerves to transmit impulses. MS
can occur at any age, but it is most commonly
diagnosed between 20 and 40 years of age and
occurs with greater frequency in women. The
cause of MS is unknown.
An active attack of MS can last for days,
weeks, or months. Periods during which
the symptoms vanish or diminish are called
remissions. Exposure to heat and stress can trigger
or worsen attacks.
The symptoms of MS vary widely,
depending on location within the CNS and
severity of each episode.
• Impairments in motor function may include
diffi culties with balance, coordination,
movement of the arms and legs, tremors,
weakness, muscle spasms, and diffi culty
with speaking or swallowing.
• Sensory impairments may involve
numbness, tingling, pain, double vision,
uncontrollable eye movements, and loss of
vision or hearing.
• Autonomic functions related to urination,
defecation, and sexual function can also be
affected.
• Associated cognitive issues may include
decreased attention span, diffi culty with
reasoning, loss of memory, and depression.
There is no known cure for multiple
sclerosis, so treatments are designed to help
control symptoms and maintain quality of
life. Exercise is often benefi cial during the
early stages. General recommendations for
the MS patient include suffi cient rest, sound
nutrition, avoidance of hot temperatures,
and minimization of stress. Although MS is a
chronic condition, life expectancy can be normal.
Many individuals with MS are able to continue
functioning well in their jobs until retirement.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy (EHP-i-LEHP-see) is a group
of brain disorders characterized by repeated
seizures over time. A seizure is triggered by
abnormal electrical activity in the brain that