The Central Nervous System (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord. Both are protectively wrapped in three membranes known as the meninges:
- Dura mater
- Arachnoid
- Pia Mater
The CNS receives information from sensory organs and processes that information sending a response to the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). The PNS consists of various nerve processes that connect the brain and spinal cord with receptors, muscles, and glands.
The brain is divided into four areas:
- Cerebrum
- Diencephalon
- Brain Stem
- Cerebellum
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Cerebrospinal fluid is clear and circulates in and around the brain and the spinal cord. It has several functions, two of which are to: cushion and transport nutrients and remove cellular waste products from the brain and spinal cord.
Infection-Inflammation of the Brain
The brain is housed in the cranial cavity, which is protected by the skull. At birth, the skull is soft and moveable to provide for brain growth. The skull plates, called sutures close at different times during infancy with the last closing by two years of age.
Infection and other conditions trigger the inflammatory response resulting in a build-up of pressure in the brain. The swelling brain has little room to expand since the skull is closed, the implications of this can be disastrous.
Meningitis
One serious condition called Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection originating in one of several portals of entry: ear, nose, throat, or blood.
Symptoms
Meningitis usually comes on suddenly and is often confused with other less critical conditions. Although easily treated, many diagnosed individuals die because of late medical intervention.
The classic symptoms of meningitis are:
- Headache
- Stiff Neck
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Head Trauma
Head traumas can range from mild bruising to life-threatening concussions. Oftentimes, the problem is related to significant swelling (inflammation) and bleeding.
Hematoma
A hematoma is generally defined as a collection of blood outside of the blood vessels. It can occur anywhere in the body. Usually reabsorbed by the body, small bleeds rarely cause a problem. Black eyes and bruises are common forms of hematomas.
A hematoma in the brain can be serious if it is a result of bleeding in or around the meninges, such as in a subdural or epidural hematoma, respectively.
Shaken Baby Syndrome
The violent shaking of an infant or toddler results in serious brain injury. Babies and toddlers are unable to verbally communicate and use crying as a means of expressing their needs. It can be extremely frustrating when a baby continues to cry despite all efforts to comfort.
The number one trigger for shaken baby syndrome is the inconsolable crying baby. Therefore, before there is an escalation in emotions, place the baby in a safe place, like the crib, and take a time out. Then go back and try to figure out what the child needs.
Shaking a child is never appropriate!
Concussion
Predominately seen in contact sports and car injuries, a concussion occurs when there is head trauma. A person can initially be conscious and because of developing complications become unconscious later.
Therefore, it is a misnomer to think that a concussion can only occur if the individual is unconscious.
A concussion can be minor in nature or so severe that damage to the brain occurs. The brain needs time to heal and recover because no matter how minor the concussion is, the brain has been injured.
Symptoms - Head Injuries
In general, injuries to the brain can result in an immediate showing of symptoms or slowly develop over hours or days. A watchful eye during the first few hours to days is prudent and may save a person's life.
Common symptoms range from dizziness, nausea, and mild pain. However, emergency medical attention is necessary, if the person develops any of the following symptoms:
- unequal pupil size
- any fluid leakage from the nose, mouth, or ears
- changes in symmetry of the face
- skull fracture
- restlessness or lack of coordination
- Severe headache and vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Inability to move their arms or legs
In conclusion, the brain is an amazing organ and the central processing unit, which coordinates all activities of the body. Closed head injuries are common and range from mild bruising (hematoma) to a severe life-threatening brain injury. Keen observation and immediate action is often necessary whenever a brain injury is suspect. It just might save a life.
Linda Mundorff - Dr. Linda Mundorff, MPH,MSN,ND,RN,CNC,CTN Retired. Registered Nurse/Board Certified Traditional Naturopath bridges2hlth@aol.com
