Brain and its disorders - World Class
Holistic Homeopathy Treatment
NERVOUS SYSTEM – Brain and its disorders
Man is the most intelligent of all animals. The human brain seems to have
more IQ (intelligent quotient) than any other living creature. All animals use
their brain only for continued existence, i.e., to get food, to escape from
danger, to get protected, etc. But human beings think rationally and invent new
things for leading life more comfortably. Human brain seems to be a mystery and
seems to be extraordinarily complex.
Brain is very much essential for our living, survival and communication
comfort with environments. It is the main switch of the wired network of our
body. With electrical impulses, they communicate, interact, interpret,
coordinate and function efficiently, in a very fast manner in a fraction of a
second through the cranial nerves (12 pairs) and spinal nerves (31 pairs).
Billions and billions of nerve cells are engaged in the maintenance work of our
body under the supervision of the brain. This super computer (brain) has
uniqueness of mind and memory also. They can conduct messages at the rate more
than 20 km per minute. This speed makes its functions invaluable.
All our body’s virtual functions are carried out, controlled, correlated
and regulated by the brain. Due to its importance, nature has placed it in a
high position and in a safe vault (skull). Really, one needs to bow one’s head
before Nature’s mystery.
Human brain
weighing less than 1.5 kg, is the boss of the body. It weighs approximately
2 per cent of the total body weight. This is the highest proportion among all
living creatures comparing
brain and body weight. The richness of connection accounts for human
intellect and talent. IQ and ability of brain varies from person to person and
also from male to female. Here experiences and interest of the person also
count. At a young age, it is highly adaptable and good in learning things
easily. For moulding it perfectly to lead a good future, education in early
life is thus very important.
Brain consists of an inner white and outer grey matter. Human brain has
many folds with bulges and grooves for having more extended surface for
recording. But, of course, all the theories say that human beings do not use
more than 50 per cent of their brain’s capacity. The bulges are called gyri and
grooves are called sulci. Brain has rich blood supply from carotid and
vertebral arteries. In addition, it has been nourished through cerebrospinal
fluid which circulates from ventricles of the brain to the entire spinal
column.
Brain can be divided into three divisions:
·
Fore brain – consists of cerebrum, thalamus, hypothalamus
and glands (pineal and pituitary)
·
Mid brain – Reticular formation, i.e., connecting area of
forebrain and brain stem
·
Hind brain – consists of cerebellum and brain stem
(medulla oblongata and pons)
Fore brain and its functions Cerebrum – covers 80 per cent of the brain’s weight and volume. Cerebrum has
two symmetrical hemispheres separated by a deep fissure. Even though they can
mimic attributes, their functions seem to be entirely different. Each area has
specific responsibility and function. Two hemispheres are interrelated with
connecting fibres called corpus callosum.
Crossing over of nervefibres occurs in brain stem, so that the right side
of the body is controlled by the left cerebral hemisphere and the left side of
the body is controlled by the right side brain (cerebral hemisphere). The
reason for crossing over is less understood. For human beings, commonly (for
right handed persons – most common), the left hemisphere of the brain seems to
be dominant and has the speech area (Broca’s area). Due to the left
hemisphere’s dominance, every day- to-day activities will be taken care of with
the right hand and leg in a more powerful manner than the left.
Cerebrum is an authority for development of personality, behaviour,
intelligence, memory, emotions, etc. It also controls the voluntary muscles
engaged in speech, breathing and swallowing. Cerebrum is covered by cerebral
cortex and meninges (insulation layer). Cerebral cortex is the registry for
memories, plans, ambition, etc. Unless otherwise this area is kept perfect, one
cannot remember anything even about himself. In gist,
·
Left cerebral hemisphere is responsible for thoughts,
speech, words, etc.
·
Right cerebral hemisphere is responsible for cognitive
processing, rational thinking, fine skills, creativity, etc.
Further, cerebrum can be divided into four lobes and named after their
covering bones
·
Frontal lobe – responsible for planning, rational
thinking and memories
·
Parietal lobe – responsible for vision and understanding
·
Temporal lobe – responsible for auditory
·
Occipital lobe – responsible for vision
Thalamus – it is the base of the fore brain and the roof of
the mid brain. It works more with sensory organs, i.e., eyes, ears, nose,
tongue, fingers, etc.
Hypothalamus – controls emotions, body temperature, thirst,
sleep, appetite, pulse, etc.
Pituitary and pineal glands with thalamus and hypothalamus
work for growth and controlling body hormones for maintaining good body
functions.
Mid brain and its functions – It is a very small connecting area of fore brain and brain stem. It
is called as reticular formation. It controls and coordinates all the actions
of brain. It filters impulses and gives importance and value according to
urgency and interest, for example – one who sleeps in
the midst of TV sound wakes up for a calling bell. Here all the TV
sounds have been filtered by this reticular formation and calling bell has been
given importance and allowed to wake up the brain.
Hind brain and its functions
Cerebellum is a Latin word which means little brain
(cerebellum itself resembles brain). It is placed in the back end of the head
(occipital region) and it is also divided into two hemispheres like the
cerebrum. It is the authority for coordination and balancing during movement
and while changing body posture, for example during drawing, playing, running,
etc.
Brain stem consists of medulla oblongata and pons. It is the
collection of nerve fibres that ascend from the body and descends from the
brain. It coordinates all the body impulses and brain’s messages. It also
controls automatic functions, like breathing, heart beat / rate, blood
pressure, swallowing, digestion, blinking, etc.
Brain problems
There are innumerous complaints that can arise from brain – starting from
simple tiredness to coma, i.e., dizziness, drowsiness, sleeplessness, sleepiness,
lack of concentration, loss of memory, headache, migraine, fits / seizure /
epilepsy, paresis, paralysis, cerebrovascular disorders ( stroke ), brain
tumours, meningitis, encephalitis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease,
brain atrophy, etc.
Prevention of brain problems – brain cannot be replaced, so
prevention is most important. Also prevention is simple, i.e. need to care for
head against any injury or disease. If any disease is not treated properly, it
can end life ultimately by spreading to / attacking brain. For example – coma
arises due to uncontrolled diabetes , hypertension, liver disorders, kidney
disorders, heart disorders, etc.
Do’s
·
Physical as well as mental exercises (reading, thinking,
solving puzzles / problems)
·
Wear helmet while riding bike or working in mines or
industry to avoid head injury
·
Keep diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol level under
control
·
Proceed to treatment as early as possible in all
complaints
·
Avoid
·
Narcotics, sedatives, smoking, alcohol and unnecessary
drugs
·
Unnecessary anxiety, fear, tension and worries
Diagnostic techniques
Brain functions and diseases are
usually analysed with weakness, coordination of movement(s), reflexes,
spasticity, alteration in sensations and functions, etc., to plan for
treatment. The common tests required to detect brain disorders are
·
Routine blood tests and urine tests
·
X-ray skull (in AP view and lateral view)
·
CT / MRI scan
·
Electroencephalography (EEG)
·
Analysing cerebrospinal fluid with spinal puncture
for new hope
Dr. S.
Chidambaranathan, BHMS, MD (Homeo)
Laxmi
Homeo Clinic
24 E.
New Mahalipatti Road
Madurai,
TN 625 001
India
Tel: +91-452-233-8833 | +91-984-319-1011
(Mob)
Fax:
+91-452-233-0196
E-mail:
drcheena@yahoo.com
www.drcheena.com / www.drcheena.in
(Disclaimer
- The contents of this column are for informational purpose only. The content
is not intended to be a substitute for professional healthcare advice,
diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of healthcare professional for
any health problem or medical condition.)