The Nervous System and Some of the Medical Conditions Associated
1. Central Nervous System (CNS):
Brain: The brain is the command center of the nervous system. It processes information received from sensory organs, interprets that information, and sends out instructions to the rest of the body.
Spinal Cord: The spinal cord is a long, tubular structure that extends from the base of the brain down the back. It serves as a pathway for information to travel between the brain and the peripheral nervous system. The spinal cord also plays a role in reflex actions.
2. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS):
Somatic Nervous System: This division of the PNS is responsible for voluntary movement and sensory information. It controls skeletal muscles and is involved in activities such as walking and talking.
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): The ANS regulates involuntary bodily functions, including heartbeat, digestion, respiratory rate, and glandular activity. It is further divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Sympathetic Nervous System: Activated in "fight or flight" situations, it prepares the body for intense physical activity by increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and redirecting blood flow.
Parasympathetic Nervous System: Activated during rest and relaxation, it promotes activities that occur when the body is at rest, such as digestion and energy storage.
3. Neurons:
Neurons are the basic building blocks of the nervous system. These specialized cells transmit electrical and chemical signals.
Cell Body (Soma): Contains the nucleus and other organelles.
Dendrites: Branch-like extensions that receive signals from other neurons or sensory receptors.
Axon: A long, slender projection that transmits signals away from the cell body toward other neurons, muscles, or glands.
Synapse: The junction between two neurons, where signals are transmitted through the release of neurotransmitters.
4. Glial Cells:
Glial cells provide support and protection to neurons. They include astrocytes, oligodendrocytes (CNS), Schwann cells (PNS), and microglia. Oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells are involved in the formation of myelin, a fatty substance that insulates axons and speeds up signal transmission.
5. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF):
CSF is a clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning and support.
The nervous system enables communication and coordination throughout the body, allowing for voluntary and involuntary actions, perception of the environment, and the ability to respond to stimuli. It is a dynamic system that constantly adapts to changes in the internal and external environment to maintain homeostasis.
The nervous system is like the body's control center, helping it do all sorts of things. It has two main parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
In simple terms the CNS includes the brain and the spinal cord. The brain is like the boss, making decisions and understanding what's happening around us. The spinal cord is like a message highway, passing information between the brain and the rest of the body.
The PNS has two parts too. The somatic nervous system helps us move voluntarily, like when we walk or talk. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) handles things our body does automatically, like heartbeat and digestion. The ANS has two teams: the sympathetic nervous system, which gets us ready for action (like when we're scared), and the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps us relax and rest.
Neurons are the building blocks of the nervous system. They send messages using electricity and chemicals. The cell body is like the neuron's headquarters, and dendrites receive messages. The axon is a long part that sends messages to other neurons, muscles, or glands. The synapse is like a bridge where messages jump from one neuron to another.
Glial cells support and protect neurons. Some make myelin, a kind of insulation that helps messages travel faster. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is like a cushion around the brain and spinal cord.
The nervous system helps us do things on purpose and without thinking, understand the world around us, and react to what's happening. It always adjusts to keep things balanced inside and outside our bodies.
SOME MEDICAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
1. Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident):
Meaning: Sudden disruption of blood supply to the brain, leading to brain damage.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired physical mobility, Ineffective cerebral tissue perfusion, Risk for impaired swallowing.
2. Alzheimer's Disease:
Meaning: Progressive neurodegenerative disorder leading to memory loss and cognitive decline.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired memory, Altered thought processes, Risk for injury.
3. Epilepsy:
Meaning: Chronic disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
Nursing Diagnoses: Risk for injury, Ineffective coping, Disturbed sensory perception.
4. Multiple Sclerosis:
Meaning: Autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system, leading to demyelination.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired mobility, Chronic pain, Risk for falls.
5. Parkinson's Disease:
Meaning: Progressive disorder affecting movement, characterized by tremors and rigidity.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired physical mobility, Disturbed sleep pattern, Risk for aspiration.
6. Migraine Headaches:
Meaning: Recurrent headaches often associated with sensory disturbances.
Nursing Diagnoses: Acute pain, Impaired comfort, Ineffective coping.
7. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS):
Meaning: Progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired mobility, Ineffective airway clearance, Risk for falls.
8. Peripheral Neuropathy:
Meaning: Damage to peripheral nerves, often causing pain and numbness.
Nursing Diagnoses: Chronic pain, Impaired physical mobility, Risk for injury.
9. Guillain-Barre Syndrome:
Meaning: Autoimmune disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system, leading to weakness.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired mobility, Ineffective breathing pattern, Risk for falls.
10. Huntington's Disease:
Meaning: Genetic disorder causing progressive motor and cognitive decline.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired verbal communication, Risk for injury, Altered thought processes.
11. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):
Meaning: Injury to the brain caused by external force.
Nursing Diagnoses: Risk for injury, Impaired physical mobility, Disturbed sensory perception.
12. Spinal Cord Injury:
Meaning: Damage to the spinal cord resulting in loss of function.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired physical mobility, Risk for impaired skin integrity, Ineffective coping.
13. Neural Tube Defects:
Meaning: Congenital malformations of the brain and spinal cord.
Nursing Diagnoses: Risk for ineffective breastfeeding, Impaired parenting, Anxiety.
14. Bell's Palsy:
Meaning: Sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of facial muscles.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired facial mobility, Disturbed sensory perception, Risk for injury.
15. Cerebral Palsy:
Meaning: Neurological disorder affecting movement and posture, often present from childhood.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired physical mobility, Risk for injury, Impaired verbal communication.
16. Myasthenia Gravis:
Meaning: Autoimmune disorder causing muscle weakness.
Nursing Diagnoses: Fatigue, Impaired physical mobility, Ineffective breathing pattern.
17. Neurogenic Bladder:
Meaning: Dysfunction of the bladder due to nervous system damage.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired urinary elimination, Risk for infection, Impaired skin integrity.
18. Tourette Syndrome:
Meaning: Neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired social interaction, Ineffective coping, Disturbed sensory perception.
19. Restless Legs Syndrome:
Meaning: Uncomfortable sensations in the legs, often relieved by movement.
Nursing Diagnoses: Disturbed sleep pattern, Chronic pain, Impaired physical mobility.
20. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
Meaning: Compression of the median nerve in the wrist, causing pain and numbness.
Nursing Diagnoses: Acute pain, Impaired physical mobility, Ineffective coping.
21. Cerebral Aneurysm:
Meaning: Weakness in a blood vessel wall in the brain, leading to the formation of a bulge.
Nursing Diagnoses: Risk for bleeding, Impaired cerebral tissue perfusion, Acute pain.
22. Encephalitis:
Meaning: Inflammation of the brain usually caused by viral infections.
Nursing Diagnoses: Hyperthermia, Altered thought processes, Risk for injury.
23. Neurofibromatosis:
Meaning: Genetic disorder causing tumors to grow on nerve tissue.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired skin integrity, Disturbed body image, Risk for injury.
24. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
Meaning: Mental health disorder characterized by obsessive thoughts and repetitive behaviors.
Nursing Diagnoses: Anxiety, Ineffective coping, Impaired social interaction.
25. Tardive Dyskinesia:
Meaning: Involuntary, repetitive movements typically caused by long-term use of certain medications.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired physical mobility, Disturbed sensory perception, Risk for injury.
26. Cauda Equina Syndrome:
Meaning: Compression of the nerve roots at the lower end of the spinal cord.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired physical mobility, Bowel incontinence, Risk for impaired skin integrity.
27. Aphasia:
Meaning: Difficulty in understanding or expressing language due to brain damage.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired verbal communication, Social isolation, Altered thought processes.
28. Central Pain Syndrome:
Meaning: Chronic pain condition caused by dysfunction in the central nervous system.
Nursing Diagnoses: Chronic pain, Impaired physical mobility, Disturbed sleep pattern.
29. Trigeminal Neuralgia:
Meaning: Intense, stabbing facial pain due to irritation of the trigeminal nerve.
Nursing Diagnoses: Acute pain, Impaired comfort, Risk for injury.
30. Akathisia:
Meaning: Restlessness and an inability to sit still, often a side effect of certain medications.
Nursing Diagnoses: Restlessness, Impaired physical mobility, Ineffective coping.
31. Dysarthria:
Meaning: Difficulty in articulating words due to weakness or lack of coordination of the muscles used in speech.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired verbal communication, Risk for aspiration, Social isolation.
32. Cluster Headaches:
Meaning: Severe headaches that occur in clusters, often around the eye.
Nursing Diagnoses: Acute pain, Impaired comfort, Ineffective coping.
33. Narcolepsy:
Meaning: Chronic sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness.
Nursing Diagnoses: Disturbed sleep pattern, Risk for injury, Impaired social interaction.
34. Spinocerebellar Ataxia:
Meaning: Genetic disorder affecting coordination and balance.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired coordination, Risk for falls, Impaired physical mobility.
35. Conversion Disorder:
Meaning: Psychological disorder where emotional distress is expressed as physical symptoms.
Nursing Diagnoses: Anxiety, Ineffective coping, Impaired social interaction.
36. Nystagmus:
Meaning: Involuntary, rhythmic eye movements.
Nursing Diagnoses: Disturbed sensory perception, Risk for injury, Impaired social interaction.
37. Dystonia:
Meaning: Involuntary muscle contractions causing repetitive or twisting movements.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired physical mobility, Risk for falls, Acute pain.
38. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD):
Meaning: Developmental disorder affecting social interaction and communication.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired social interaction, Altered family processes, Ineffective coping.
39. CNS Vasculitis:
Meaning: Inflammation of blood vessels in the central nervous system.
Nursing Diagnoses: Risk for bleeding, Impaired cerebral tissue perfusion, Altered thought processes.
40. Myelitis:
Meaning: Inflammation of the spinal cord.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired physical mobility, Acute pain, Risk for infection.
41. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS):
Meaning: Persistent, unexplained fatigue often accompanied by other symptoms.
Nursing Diagnoses: Fatigue, Impaired physical mobility, Ineffective coping.
42. Brachial Plexus Injury:
Meaning: Damage to the network of nerves controlling the arm and hand.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired physical mobility, Risk for injury, Disturbed sensory perception.
43. Hydrocephalus:
Meaning: Accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired cerebral tissue perfusion, Risk for injury, Disturbed sensory perception.
44. Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD):
Meaning: Rare, degenerative, and fatal brain disorder.
Nursing Diagnoses: Altered thought processes, Risk for injury, Impaired communication.
45. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV):
Meaning: Brief episodes of dizziness caused by specific head movements.
Nursing Diagnoses: Risk for falls, Disturbed sensory perception, Impaired balance.
46. Nerve Entrapment Syndromes:
Meaning: Compression of nerves at specific sites, leading to pain and dysfunction.
Nursing Diagnoses: Chronic pain, Impaired physical mobility, Ineffective coping.
47. Cranial Nerve Disorders:
Meaning: Dysfunction of one or more of the twelve cranial nerves.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired verbal communication, Disturbed sensory perception, Risk for aspiration.
48. Neurogenic Shock:
Meaning: Circulatory failure due to loss of sympathetic tone after a spinal cord injury.
Nursing Diagnoses: Ineffective tissue perfusion, Risk for autonomic dysreflexia, Risk for impaired skin integrity.
49. Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency:
Meaning: Reduced blood flow to the posterior part of the brain.
Nursing Diagnoses: Risk for falls, Impaired cerebral tissue perfusion, Altered thought processes.
50. Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome:
Meaning: Neurological disorder resulting from thiamine deficiency, often seen in chronic alcoholics.
Nursing Diagnoses: Altered thought processes, Impaired memory, Risk for injury.
51. Hemiplegia:
Meaning: Paralysis of one side of the body.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired physical mobility, Risk for injury, Impaired verbal communication.
52. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS):
Meaning: Life-threatening reaction to certain medications, causing fever and muscle rigidity.
Nursing Diagnoses: Hyperthermia, Impaired thermoregulation, Risk for injury.
53. Radiculopathy:
Meaning: Compression or irritation of spinal nerve roots.
Nursing Diagnoses: Chronic pain, Impaired physical mobility, Risk for falls.
54. Selective Mutism:
Meaning: Consistent inability to speak in certain situations.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired verbal communication, Social isolation, Anxiety.
55. Neurocysticercosis:
Meaning: Infection of the brain with the larvae of the pork tapeworm.
Nursing Diagnoses: Risk for infection, Impaired cerebral tissue perfusion, Altered thought processes.
56. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA):
Meaning: Brief episodes of neurological dysfunction due to temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain.
Nursing Diagnoses: Risk for impaired cerebral tissue perfusion, Risk for falls, Altered thought processes.
57. Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome):
Meaning: Chronic pain condition affecting the limbs.
Nursing Diagnoses: Chronic pain, Impaired physical mobility, Ineffective coping.
58. Spinocerebellar Degeneration:
Meaning: Progressive degeneration of the spinal cord and cerebellum.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired coordination, Impaired physical mobility, Risk for falls.
59. Trichotillomania:
Meaning: Compulsive hair-pulling disorder.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired social interaction, Anxiety, Ineffective coping.
60. Somatization Disorder:
Meaning: Chronic and varied physical symptoms without apparent medical cause.
Nursing Diagnoses: Chronic pain, Anxiety, Ineffective coping.
61. Amyloidosis:
Meaning: Accumulation of abnormal proteins in tissues, including the nervous system.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired tissue integrity, Altered thought processes, Risk for infection.
62. Central Sensitization Syndrome:
Meaning: Heightened sensitivity to pain due to changes in the central nervous system.
Nursing Diagnoses: Chronic pain, Impaired physical mobility, Ineffective coping.
63. Dandy-Walker Syndrome:
Meaning: Congenital brain malformation affecting the cerebellum and fluid-filled spaces.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired cerebral tissue perfusion, Risk for injury, Altered family processes.
64. Fibromyalgia:
Meaning: Chronic pain disorder with widespread musculoskeletal pain and tenderness.
Nursing Diagnoses: Chronic pain, Fatigue, Ineffective coping.
65. Landau-Kleffner Syndrome:
Meaning: Childhood disorder affecting language and speech development.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired verbal communication, Altered thought processes, Risk for injury.
66. Moyamoya Disease:
Meaning: Rare, progressive blood vessel disorder leading to blocked arteries in the brain.
Nursing Diagnoses: Risk for impaired cerebral tissue perfusion, Risk for stroke, Altered thought processes.
67.Neurofibrosis:
Meaning: Genetic disorder causing the growth of tumors along nerves.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired skin integrity, Altered body image, Risk for injury.
68. Phantom Limb Pain:
Meaning: Pain felt in a missing limb after amputation.
Nursing Diagnoses: Chronic pain, Disturbed sensory perception, Impaired physical mobility.
69. Reye's Syndrome:
Meaning: Rare but serious condition affecting the liver and brain, often linked to aspirin use in children.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired liver function, Risk for cerebral edema, Altered thought processes.
70. Sleep Paralysis:
Meaning: Inability to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up.
Nursing Diagnoses: Disturbed sleep pattern, Anxiety, Risk for injury.
71. Tic Disorders:
Meaning: Involuntary, repetitive movements or vocalizations, including conditions like Tourette's syndrome.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired social interaction, Altered thought processes, Risk for injury.
72. Vestibular Neuritis:
Meaning: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, causing vertigo and balance issues.
Nursing Diagnoses: Risk for falls, Impaired balance, Disturbed sensory perception.
73. Williams Syndrome:
Meaning: Genetic disorder causing developmental delays and intellectual disability.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired social interaction, Altered thought processes, Risk for injury.
74. Orthostatic Hypotension:
Meaning: Drop in blood pressure upon standing, leading to dizziness or fainting.
Nursing Diagnoses: Risk for falls, Ineffective cerebral tissue perfusion, Altered thought processes.
75. Conversion Aphonia:
Meaning: Loss of voice without physical cause, often associated with psychological stress.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired verbal communication, Anxiety, Ineffective coping.
76. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS):
Meaning: Dysautonomia disorder causing an abnormal increase in heart rate upon standing.
Nursing Diagnoses: Altered cardiac output, Risk for falls, Impaired cerebral tissue perfusion.
77. Cortical Blindness:
Meaning: Visual impairment due to damage to the visual cortex of the brain.
Nursing Diagnoses: Disturbed sensory perception, Risk for injury, Impaired social interaction.
78. Erb's Palsy:
Meaning: Paralysis of the arm due to injury to the brachial plexus during childbirth.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired physical mobility, Risk for injury, Impaired parenting.
79. Hemifacial Spasm:
Meaning: Involuntary contractions of facial muscles on one side of the face.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired facial mobility, Disturbed sensory perception, Risk for injury.
80. Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder:
Meaning: Circadian rhythm disorder causing the sleep-wake cycle to shift daily.
Nursing Diagnoses: Disturbed sleep pattern, Fatigue, Ineffective coping.
81. Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease:
Meaning: Inherited disorder affecting peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired physical mobility, Risk for falls, Ineffective coping.
82. Mal de Debarquement Syndrome:
Meaning: Persistent sensation of rocking or swaying after a period of motion, such as a boat or plane ride.
Nursing Diagnoses: Disturbed sensory perception, Risk for falls, Anxiety.
83. Cataplexy:
Meaning: Sudden, temporary loss of muscle strength triggered by strong emotions.
Nursing Diagnoses: Risk for falls, Impaired physical mobility, Anxiety.
84. Chiari Malformation:
Meaning: Structural defect in the base of the skull and cerebellum, affecting the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.
Nursing Diagnoses: Risk for impaired cerebral tissue perfusion, Risk for injury, Acute pain.
85. Hemiparesis:
Meaning: Weakness on one side of the body, often due to a stroke or brain injury.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired physical mobility, Risk for falls, Self-care deficit.
86. Klüver-Bucy Syndrome:
Meaning: Rare behavioral disorder caused by damage to the temporal lobe, characterized by hyperorality and hypersexuality.
Nursing Diagnoses: Altered thought processes, Risk for injury, Disturbed sensory perception.
87. Neuroleptic-Induced Parkinsonism:
Meaning: Parkinson's-like symptoms caused by certain antipsychotic medications.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired physical mobility, Altered thought processes, Risk for injury.
88. Tethered Cord Syndrome:
Meaning: Abnormal attachment of the spinal cord to surrounding tissues, causing stretching and potential damage.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired physical mobility, Risk for falls, Altered sensory perception.
89. Hyperekplexia:
Meaning: Genetic disorder causing an exaggerated startle response.
Nursing Diagnoses: Risk for injury, Impaired social interaction, Anxiety.
90. Sleep-Related Eating Disorder (SRED):
Meaning: Consuming food while asleep, often associated with other sleep disorders.
Nursing Diagnoses: Disturbed sleep pattern, Risk for injury, Altered nutrition.
91. Arachnoid Cyst:
Meaning: Fluid-filled sac within the arachnoid layer of the meninges.
Nursing Diagnoses: Risk for increased intracranial pressure, Impaired cerebral tissue perfusion, Altered thought processes.
92. Ondine's Curse (Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome):
Meaning: Rare disorder affecting automatic control of breathing, often worsening during sleep.
Nursing Diagnoses: Ineffective breathing pattern, Risk for impaired gas exchange, Anxiety.
93. Brachioradial Pruritus:
Meaning: Intense itching on the forearms, often associated with cervical spine disorders.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired skin integrity, Disturbed sensory perception, Altered comfort.
94. Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome:
Meaning: Structural defect in the inner ear, causing sensitivity to certain sounds and balance issues.
Nursing Diagnoses: Risk for falls, Disturbed sensory perception, Anxiety.
95. Visual Snow Syndrome:
Meaning: Persistent visual disturbance characterized by flickering dots or static.
Nursing Diagnoses: Disturbed sensory perception, Anxiety, Altered thought processes.
96. Chorea:
Meaning: Involuntary, jerky movements often seen in conditions like Huntington's disease.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired physical mobility, Risk for injury, Altered thought processes.
97. Mononeuritis Multiplex:
Meaning: Inflammation or damage to multiple nerves in different areas of the body.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired physical mobility, Risk for falls, Chronic pain.
98. Scapuloperoneal Syndrome:
Meaning: Genetic disorder affecting the scapula and peroneal muscles.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired physical mobility, Risk for falls, Altered comfort.
99. Lumbar Radiculopathy:
Meaning: Compression or irritation of the spinal nerve roots in the lower back.
Nursing Diagnoses: Chronic pain, Impaired physical mobility, Risk for falls.
100. Lewy Body Dementia:
Meaning: Progressive dementia with the presence of abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in the brain.
Nursing Diagnoses: Altered thought processes, Impaired memory, Risk for falls.
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