Definitions of Nervous System Diseases 1. Multiple Sclerosis: This disease is caused by a destruction of the myelin sheath.

If the myelin sheath is damaged, the connection between the brain, spinal cord and the rest of the body is disturbed. If not treated correctly, the nerves will deteriorate, causing many problems (i.e. speaking and walking correctly). 2. Alzheimers disease: It is a degeneration of the cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex controls the thought process of humans. The minds function (memory, necessary life functions, etc.) are affected because of the death of brain cells. The disease is not confirmed until a person has deceased. 3. Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a seizure disorder in the central nervous system. The brains nerve cell activity is interrupted. This can cause many odd behaviors (i.e. loss of consciousness, blank staring, twitching, etc.) 4. Meningitis: Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges. The meninges surround the brain and spinal cord. They act as a covering. 5. Parkinsons disease: Parkinsons disease is when the bodys part of the nervous system that controls movement is affected. It worsens gradually as time progresses. The cause is unknown. 6. Carpal tunnel syndrome: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition where there is a pinched nerve in the wrist. It is very painful and is dangerous because it protects the main nerve that leads to your hand. It can be caused by repetitive patterns of the hand. 7. Hydrocephalus: Hydrocephalus is when there is a lot of cerebrospinal fluid buildup in the brains ventricles. In simpler terms, it means water on the brain. As the ventricles become enlarged, pressure occurs and causes long-term problems with the brains function. 8. Cerebral palsy: Posture, muscle tone, or movement is affected by cerebral palsy. These are motor skills of the body. The brain has not developed fully or there is immature growth of the brain. 9. Bells palsy: Bells palsy is when the muscles of the face are weakened. Although it is assumed that its the result of inflamed nerve(s) that control the muscles, the actual cause is unknown. Most of the time, Bells palsy is a temporary disorder. 10. Myoclonus: Myoclonus is the (involuntary) movement or jerk of a muscle or muscles. It mainly affects the arms and the legs. Most of the time, this condition is normal (i.e. hiccups or the falling feeling before you fall asleep). However, they may be caused by neurological disorders. *from http://www.mayoclinic.com