Disorders Of The Nervous System Objectives Describe Selected ✓ Solved

Disorders Of The Nervous Systemobjectives Describe Selected

Describe selected nervous system and special senses diseases and disorders.

Describe issues and changes related to the nervous system and special senses at different points in the lifespan.

This writing assignment explores a sample of the major disorders of the nervous system and special senses. Deliverables: A two-page (1500-word minimum) paper on three major disorders of the nervous system and special senses.

Research three major disorders. Use the Internet to research three major disorders of the nervous system. Choose one disorder that is related to the eye and one disorder that is related to the ear. The third disorder can relate to the nervous system in general or to any special sense.

Write a two-page paper on the three disorders you have chosen. The paper should discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and treatment for each disorder. Include at least one image or diagram for each of the three disorders. You can copy and paste the image or provide the link to an online image. Cite your sources appropriately.

Paper For Above Instructions

The nervous system and special senses are critical components of human health, influencing everything from our perceptions to our ability to interact with the world. This paper will explore three significant disorders: Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Otitis Media, and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Each disorder will be examined in terms of its causes, symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment options.

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related Macular Degeneration is a common eye disorder that primarily affects older adults. The disease involves the deterioration of the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision. It is one of the leading causes of vision loss in people aged 50 and older (American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2020).

Causes

The exact cause of AMD is not fully understood, but several risk factors have been identified. Age is the primary risk factor, with the likelihood of developing AMD increasing significantly after age 50. Other factors include genetics, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and prolonged exposure to sunlight (Klein et al., 2011).

Symptoms

Symptoms of AMD can vary, but often include blurred or distorted vision, difficulty seeing in low light, and a dark or empty area in the center of vision. As the disease progresses, these symptoms can lead to significant visual impairment (Chakravarthy et al., 2010).

Diagnostic Procedures

AMD can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination, which may include visual acuity tests, dilated eye exams, and imaging tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) (American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2020).

Treatment

While there is no cure for AMD, several treatment options can help slow its progression. For dry AMD, patients are often advised to take dietary supplements rich in vitamins C and E, zinc, and copper. For wet AMD, anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) injections can help reduce the growth of abnormal blood vessels (Harrison et al., 2012).

Age-related Macular Degeneration

Otitis Media

Otitis Media is an infection or inflammation of the middle ear, commonly found in children. The condition can be acute or chronic and is often accompanied by fluid buildup behind the eardrum (Rovers et al., 2004).

Causes

Otitis Media can result from various factors, including upper respiratory infections, allergies, and sinus infections, which may cause blockage of the eustachian tubes. This blockage can trap fluid in the middle ear, leading to infection (Bluestone & Klein, 2007).

Symptoms

Symptoms of Otitis Media include ear pain, irritability in young children, difficulty sleeping, and hearing loss. In some cases, fever and drainage from the ear may also occur (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2013).

Diagnostic Procedures

Diagnosis usually involves a physical examination using an otoscope to look for signs of infection or fluid in the middle ear. Additional tests, such as tympanometry, may be employed to assess eardrum function (Rovers et al., 2004).

Treatment

Treatment options depend on the severity and duration of the condition. In many cases, Otitis Media resolves on its own. However, antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial infections, while pain relief can be managed with over-the-counter medications. For chronic cases, surgical intervention such as the placement of tympanostomy tubes may be necessary (Bluestone & Klein, 2007).

Otitis Media

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibers, leading to disruption of communication between the brain and the body (Koch-Henriksen & Sorensen, 2010).

Causes

The exact cause of MS remains unclear; however, genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role. A history of viral infections, particularly Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and low vitamin D levels have also been linked to increased risk (Ascherio et al., 2010).

Symptoms

Symptoms of MS can vary significantly and may include fatigue, difficulty walking, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, and vision problems. Symptoms often fluctuate, with periods of exacerbation and remission (Koch-Henriksen & Sorensen, 2010).

Diagnostic Procedures

Diagnosis is typically made based on clinical evaluations, patient history, and neurological examinations. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is frequently used to detect lesions on the CNS (Friedman & Kearns, 2010).

Treatment

There is no cure for MS, but various treatments can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression. Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) can reduce the frequency of relapses, while corticosteroids are useful in treating acute exacerbations (Lublin et al., 2014).

Multiple Sclerosis

Conclusion

This overview of Age-related Macular Degeneration, Otitis Media, and Multiple Sclerosis highlights the variety of disorders affecting the nervous system and special senses. Understanding these conditions is essential for better diagnosis and treatment options, as well as improving the quality of life for those affected.

References

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2020). Age-related macular degeneration. Retrieved from https://www.aao.org
  • American Academy of Pediatrics. (2013). Clinical practice guideline: Diagnosis and management of acute otitis media. Pediatrics, 131(3), e964-e999.
  • Ascherio, A., Munger, K. L., & White, R. (2010). Vitamin D and multiple sclerosis. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 303(15), 1535-1540.
  • Bluestone, C. D., & Klein, J. O. (2007). Otitis media in young children. New England Journal of Medicine, 357(27), 2901-2908.
  • Chakravarthy, U., Wong, T. Y., & Fletcher, A. (2010). Clinical risk factors for age-related macular degeneration. Progress in Retinal and Eye Research, 29(3), 287-309.
  • Friedman, D. I., & Kearns, J. (2010). Diagnosis and management of multiple sclerosis. American Family Physician, 82(2), 151-156.
  • Harrison, R., et al. (2012). Age-related macular degeneration: An overview for the general practitioner. Australian Family Physician, 41(10), 774-779.
  • Klein, R., et al. (2011). The epidemiology of age-related macular degeneration. The American Journal of Ophthalmology, 141(5), 761-767.
  • Koch-Henriksen, N., & Sorensen, P. S. (2010). The changing demographic pattern of multiple sclerosis in the last 50 years. Nature Reviews Neurology, 6(11), 677-682.
  • Lublin, F. D., et al. (2014). Defining the clinical course of multiple sclerosis: The 2013 revisions. Neurology, 83(3), 278-286.
  • Rovers, M. M., et al. (2004). Otitis media. The Lancet, 363(9423), 750-758.

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