What is the central nervous system?
The central nervous system is essential for the proper functioning of the organism and begins to form as early as day 16 after fertilization. It is composed of the brain and the spinal cord: both are immersed in a protective fluid, enveloped in membranes called meninges and protected by a bony covering. The tissues that make up the central nervous system are called neurons and are divided into gray matter and white matter.
The central nervous system regulates every function and activity of the body.
Functions of the central nervous system
The central nervous system is responsible for the control and regulation of every activity and function of the human body. It performs the function of reprocessing all the information collected by the peripheral nervous system and distributes it through the same system. Specifically, it is responsible for psychic and intellectual functions, such as memory, consciousness and cognition, but also breathing and heartbeat.
Pathologies that can affect the central nervous system
The main pathologies affecting the central nervous system are:
- Alzheimer’s
- Schizophrenia
- Multiple sclerosis
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson’s disease
Treatments for central nervous system pathologies
Treatments for central nervous system pathologies depend on the type of pathology:
- Alzheimer’s disease: a pharmacological treatment and treatments acting on emotional, social, behavioral and psychological fields are applied;
- Schizophrenia: pharmacological treatment, psychological treatments and, above all, family support;
- Multiple sclerosis: there is still no therapy capable of definitively curing multiple sclerosis, but thanks to drugs and other multidisciplinary therapies, it is possible to slow down the progression of the pathology;
- Epilepsy: pharmacological treatments, brain surgery, vagus nerve stimulation or a ketogenic diet, i.e. low in carbohydrates and high in fats, can be applied;
- Parkinson’s disease: pharmacological treatments are applied.
Specialist treating pathologies of the central nervous system
In the case of diseases of the central nervous system, it is advisable to see a neurologist or a specialist in Neurosurgery.