INJURIES AND DISEASES THAT

AFFECT THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

By: Jenil Urianza-Moises

OBJECTIVE

Identify/ describe common ailments/diseases that affect the nervous system

The parts of the nervous system are well protected. However there may be some injuries and diseases that affect them.

CONCUSSIONA sudden blow on the head may cause the nervous system to temporarily lose its function.

CONTUSION

A hard blow causing the brain or the nerves to be bruised.

ENCEPHALITISIt is caused by the bite of a common mosquito which carries a virus. This disease is also called “sleeping sickness” because it causes the person to fall in coma.

MENINGITISIt is caused by a kind of bacteria which infect the meninges, the protective layer of the brain and the spinal cord.

RABIESWhen a person is bitten by a dog with rabies and the virus reaches the nervous system, the person will die.

EPILEPSYIt is a disorder of the nervous system. This is characterized by a violent shaking of the body which lasts from 2-5 minutes.

AMNESIA

Loss of memory due to brain injury.

POLIOMYELITISIt is caused by a virus which attacks the motor nerve cells. The infection causes the muscles to become paralyzed.

CEREBRAL PALSYIt is caused by a damaged to the central nervous system. This disease can cause difficulty in walking and speaking in a person.

PARKINSON’S DISEASEThis disease occurs in older people. It affects the nervous system causing the arms and legs to shake.

ACTIVITYDescribe a person/s suffering from the following ailments/diseases of the nervous system.

a. Epilepsy d. meningitis

b. Encephalitis e. cerebral palsy

c. contusion

EVALUATIONIdentify the disease of the nervous system described:1. A hard blow which causes the

brain to be bruised.2. Which disease of the nervous

system is caused by the bite of a certain mosquito

3. It is a nervous disorder characterized by shaking of the body.4. It is a disease of the nervous system characterized by headache, fever, chills followed by back pains and stiffness of the neck.5. This disease can cause difficulty in walking and speaking in a person.

ASSIGNMENTRelate to your parents/siblings and neighbours about the ailments of the nervous system and their symptoms. Share feedback to class tomorrow.

References: RBEEC-PELC Health and Science VI Unit 1, 4.4.4, p.4Science for Better Health and Environment, pp. 46-47 by Efrain E. Abracia