Neurological Disorders

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The human brain is utterly baffling. A small organ weighing merely three pounds as an adult has the ability to control and shape a human’s life. Without it there would be nothing. There are so many different functions… and with that there are so many things that can go horribly wrong. It is amazing the capacities and that it possesses and we do not even realize it. That is why studying neurology and working on the treatment of neurological disorders is so critically important. Through the examination of Huntington’s disease, Bell’s Palsy, and Aphasia, neurologists can work to better the human mind and cure the diseases that attack it, which will infinitely enhance the lives of humans and create a brighter future for us all.

The first disease being discussed, Bell’s Palsy, is a disorder resulting in temporary facial paralysis due to damage to the facial nerves. It is the single most common form of facial paralysis; it usually occurs on one side of the face only. Symptoms start up quite suddenly and peak within 48 hours (NINDS, 2011). However, it is important to remember that symptoms vary person to person; some might feel mild weakness while others can experience total paralysis. The most common symptoms are weakness, paralysis, twitching, drooping of the corner of the eyelid or mouth, drooling, impairment of taste, etc and can sometimes cause facial distortion. Actually, viral meningitis or herpes simplex could cause this disease when the facial nerve swells in reaction the infection being carried (NINDS, 2011).

This may sound very frustrating. One may ask, “Are there any options?” Fortunately, there are some treatments available. Studies have shown that prednisone, a steroid used to reduce inflammation and swelling, is effect...

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...sease. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved November 3, 2011, from http://http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/huntingtons-disease/DS00401/DSECTION=tests%2Dand%2Ddiagnosis

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (2003, October). Aphasia Fact Sheet. MossRehab ResourceNet. Retrieved November 3, 2011, from http://http://www.mossresourcenet.org/aphasia.htm

National Institue of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (2011, May 6). NINDS Aphasia Information Page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Retrieved November 3, 2011, from http://http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/aphasia/aphasia.htm

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (2011, August 26). NIND's Bell's Palcy Information Page. National Institue of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Retrieved November 3, 2011, from http://http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/bells/bells.htm

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