A human brain with with a close-up of nerve cells

Brain and Nervous System Conditions

Understanding how your brain and nervous system function can help you recognize the symptoms of conditions that affect them. Learn about diagnostic tests, associated diseases, and treatment options.
impact of alcohol
The Impact of Alcohol on the Body
Doctor performing brain surgery on patient
What Is Intracranial Hypotension?
Close-up two men clinking glasses of whiskey drink alcohol beverage together at counter in the pub
What Is Alcoholic Neuropathy?
tingling hands
Tingling in the Hands
Illustration of pull/capsule
Mayzent (Siponimod) Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Interactions
Illustration of pill/capsule
Zanaflex (Tizanidine) Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages
Illustration of intravenous infusion
Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab) Intravenous: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage
Couple planning finances and projects is an example of executive function
Understanding Normal Executive Function
Illustration of subcutaneous injection
Kesimpta (Ofatumumab) Subcutaneous: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages
Illustration of pills/capsule
Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate) Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Interactions
Illustration of pill/capsule
Jantoven (Warfarin) Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage
Illustration of pill/capsule
Zarontin (Ethosuximide) Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage
Illustration of pill/capsule
Namenda (Memantine) Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages
Woman with headache talking to doctor about meningitis
What Is Spinal Meningitis?
Illustration of pill/capsule
Reyvow (Lasmiditan) Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Interactions
young children in classroom
What Is Cognitive Development?
Illustration of pills/capsules
Lyrica (Pregabalin) Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Interactions
Illustration of pills/capsules
Rilutek (Riluzole) Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Interactions
Illustration of pills/capsules
Keppra (Levetiracetam) Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages
Illustration of tablet
Briviact (Brivaracetam) Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages
Illustration of tablet
Zonegran (Zonisamide) Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Interactions
man using scissors
What Is Apraxia?
Post Electric Shock Syndrome
Post Electric Shock Syndrome: Electrical Injuries and Complications
Illustration of nasal spray
Nayzilam (Midazolam) Nasal: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages
Nuerons
What Are Neurons?
Illustration of pills/medicine
Gocovri (Amantadine) – Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages
Illustration of pills/medicine
Neurontin (Gabapentin) Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages,
Illustration of pills/medicine
Aricept (Donepezil) Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages
Black woman with long braided hair itching her scalp with both hands.
Why Is My Scalp Tingling?
Close up of a doctor having an appointment with a patient with leg pain
Why Do Your Legs Shake?
Women sleeping
Everything You Need to Know About Nocturnal Seizures
Confused women
What Causes Dissociative Amnesia?
Illustration of inhaler
Inbrija (Levodopa) Inhalation: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages
Graphic shows how the stress response system works starting with the hypothalamus and ending with cortisol release.
What Is Cortisol?
Confused women
Retrograde Amnesia: Overview And More
Neurons
Types of Neurons: Parts, Structure, and Function
Illustration of pills/medicine
Ingrezza (Valbenazine) Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages
Illustration of pills/medicine
Onfi (Clobazam) Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Interactions
Illustration of oral medication/pills
Tegretol (Carbamazepine) Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage
Tardive Dyskinesia Symptoms
Early Signs of Tardive Dyskinesia
Child learning on a computer
A Guide to Developmental Dyspraxia (for Adults With and Without Kids)
Memory to play game
All About the Different Types of Amnesia
Computer artwork of the brain showing the hypothalamus (red)
Hypothalamus Disorders: Anatomy, Function, and Treatment
Pharmacist's hands taking medicines from shelf
Are Tardive Dyskinesia and Extrapyramidal Symptoms the Same?
High Angle View Of Woman Holding Dumbbells
Muscle Weakness: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment
SPINAL CORD CROSS SECTION, 5X SHOWS: GRAY MATTER (GOLDEN BUTTERFLY), WHITE MATTER, CENTRAL CANAL, DORSAL & VENTRAL ROOT, DORSAL ROOT GANGLION, MENINGES, DORSAL HORN, VENTRAL (ANTERIOR) HORN, & ANTERIOR HORN CELLS (MOTOR NEURON CELL BODIES) - stock photo
Learn About How the Meninges Support the Brain and Nervous System
Portrait of positive young Asian woman with eye closed, enjoying sunlight under blue sky and clouds
Serotonin vs. Dopamine: What Are the Differences?
young man staring into the sky daydreaming
What Is Maladaptive Daydreaming?
Nerve synapse. Computer artwork of a junction, or synapse, between two nerve cells (neurons, blue). As the electrical signal reaches the presynaptic end of a neuron it triggers the release of neurotransmitters across the gap, or synaptic cleft, between the two cells. The neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane, changing the membrane's excitability and triggering an electrical impulse. A network of neurons is in the background. Each neuron consists of a central cell body with many dendrites branching from it.
What Is Serotonin?
Illustration of synaptic gap between neural cells with neurotransmitters exchanging
What Are Neurotransmitters and What Do They Do?
Neuron cell close-up view
What Is an Axon?
Portrait of happy woman embracing girls at home
What Are Endorphins and Why’re They Important?
young woman working on laptop and taking notes
Glutamate: Function, Healthy Levels, and More
neurotransmitters in the synaptic gap
What Is Acetylcholine?
young boy in wheelchair
Types of Neuromuscular Disorders
Hispanic woman working in home office
Potential Causes of Involuntary Movements
Man looking through window
What Is Tardive Dystonia?
Senior woman helping husband climb staircase
What Is Pseudoparkinsonism?
woman with headache holding her head
What Are the Different Types of Encephalitis?
Doctor talking to patient in examination room
What Is Meningococcal Disease?