What is Brain?

The brain is a vital organ that controls the nervous system and is responsible for many functions in the body

It is made up of nerves and cells that transport information from your brain to the rest of your body. The spinal cord is a major component of your neural system.

What does brain do?

Main Parts of the Brain and Their Functions

At a high level, the brain can be divided into the cerebrum, brainstem and cerebellum.

Cerebrum

The cerebrum (front of brain) comprises gray matter (the cerebral cortex) and white matter at its center. The largest part of the brain, the cerebrum initiates and coordinates movement and regulates temperature.

Cerebral Cortex

Cortex is Latin for “bark,” and describes the outer gray matter covering of the cerebrum. The cortex has a large surface area due to its folds, and comprises about half of the brain’s weight.

Brainstem

The brainstem (middle of brain) connects the cerebrum with the spinal cord. The brainstem includes the midbrain, the pons and the medulla.

Midbrain

The midbrain (or mesencephalon) is a very complex structure with a range of different neuron clusters (nuclei and colliculi), neural pathways and other structures.

Pons

The pons is the origin for four of the 12 cranial nerves, which enable a range of activities such as tear production, chewing, blinking, focusing vision, balance, hearing and facial expression.

Medulla

At the bottom of the brainstem, the medulla is where the brain meets the spinal cord.

Cerebellum

The cerebellum (“little brain”) is a fist-sized portion of the brain located at the back of the head, below the temporal and occipital lobes and above the brainstem. Like the cerebral cortex, it has two hemispheres. The outer portion contains neurons, and the inner area communicates with the cerebral cortex.

Brain diseases

There are many types, including hundreds, of rare brain diseases. The general categories of brain diseases include:

Autoimmune brain diseases

Autoimmune brain diseases occur when your body’s defenses attack a part of your brain, mistaking it for an invader.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a tendency to have seizures. A seizure is an electrical storm in your brain, typically interfering with consciousness and causing convulsions.

Infections

Infections occur when various types of germs invade your brain or its protective coverings. Meningitis happens when your protective coverings are infected. It often causes headaches, confusion and a very stiff neck.

Mental illness

Mental, behavioral and emotional disorders can diminish a person’s quality of life and ability to function.

Neurodegenerative brain diseases

Neurodegenerative disorders are often due to the accumulation of abnormal proteins in your brain.

Neurodevelopmental disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders affect the growth and development of your brain, and are usually cared for by pediatric neurologists.

Symptoms

If your brain is injured or diseased, any of those functions can be impacted depending on the type, location and severity of the condition. You may experience general symptoms

Unconsciousness

Fever

Headache

Vomit

Seizures

Muscle Loss

Brain Diagnose

How are brain diseases diagnosed?

Biopsy

Your healthcare provider collects a small sample of tissue for laboratory analysis. Biopsies help determine whether a brain tumor is cancerous or noncancerous.

Diagnostic Testing

These can include an electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure your brain’s electrical activity. Evoked potentials testing assesses the transmission of nerve signals to your brain.

Imaging Tests

CT, MRI and PET scans provide detailed images of your brain. They can detect brain activity and areas of disease or damage.

Laboratory Tests

Blood, urine, stool or spinal fluid testing can help your healthcare provider understand what might be causing your symptoms. Genetic testing can identify gene mutations known to cause some brain diseases.

Mental Function Tests

You complete these tests on paper or on a computer. These allow your healthcare provider to evaluate your memory, thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Neurological Exam

Your healthcare provider will check for changes in your balance, coordination, hearing, eye movement, speech and reflexes.

Prevention

How can we prevent brain diseases?

healthy lifestyle
Healthy Lifestyle

Adopting a healthy lifestyle. This includes a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption and reducing stress.

xray
X-Ray Exposure

Avoiding excessive exposure to X-rays and other sources of radiation.

vaccine
Vaccinated

Ensuring you and your loved ones are vaccinated against bacterial meningitis.

stroke
Aware of stroke

Knowing the warning signs of a stroke and seeking immediate emergency medical care.

chronic health
Chronic Health

Managing chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity.

socially
Stay Active

Staying mentally and socially active.