Neural Dysfunctions
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) attacks or hardens the myelin sheaths of axon bundles in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Sufferers usually experience muscular weakness, lack of coordination and impairments of vision and speech. MS usually begins in early adult life and is characterized by remissions and relapses over a significant period–if you’ve ever seen West Wing President Bartlett suffered from this.
Parkinson’s Disease is characterized by its involuntary tremulous motions. After years of study, neuroscientists in the 1960s discovered that the tremors result from the death of nerve cells that produce dopamine making Parkinson’s the first disease to be attributed to a neurotransmitter deficiency. Physicians learned that dopamine would not cross the blood brain barrier. In 1967 they realized that L-dopa would cross the barrier and that the brain would subsequently transform it into dopamine. This miraculous treatment is described in the move Awakenings–which of course was a book first–and is one of the first movies I ever really loved. It also led me to love the movies that Robin Williams acted in… If i can find the DVD we’ll watch a few clips. There are some serious side effects due to the massive amounts of L-Dopa required for treatment.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig‘s disease strikes about 6 in 100,000 people usually later in life. Death is usually within 5 years of diagnosis. It begins with general weakness, first in the upper throat and chest, then progressing to the arms and legs. Walking, swallowing, and speaking become difficult. ALS is caused by the death of motor neurons that connect the rest of the nervous system to muscles enabling movement. Presently there is no cure.
I’ve always thought it fascinating–or frightening depending on the day–that the magnificent structures of our bodies that enable us to function at such high levels can turn on us and destroy our bodies and minds. Uplifting huh? Seriously though, what thoughts, if any, do you have on this stark reality?
dt
January 22, 2010 at 9:44 am
i would like washing my face with parkinsons disease because i wouldnt have to move my hands. not to be cruel or funny, and not that i want parkinsons disease, i dont im blessed.
January 22, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Well, from my point of view I honestly can’t say much about the diseases or disorders in general but I can comment on the fact that it is amazing that our systems that we take for granted as something that should just work can turn on us and cripple us in devastating ways. One day you could feel fine and the next your entire system could be causing you serious health problems, and everything leads back to the brain in some form or another.