The Effects of Selected Drugs and Diseases on the Central Nervous System

Joshua Sell

5/4/15

Anatomy and Physiology 1

The Effects of Selected Drugs and Diseases on the Central Nervous System

The Central Nervous system is composed of the cranium and the spinal cord. It is, essentially, the control center of the body. It acts as a control center because many of the deciding factors of physiology and actions are taken place within the central nervous system. Messages carried through neurons and nerves develop and project senses inwards to the central nervous system. The process typically runs fine and well. Though, there are exceptions which cause problems within this system. Drugs and diseases are the most common factors which cause complications in the normal workings of the central nervous system.

As we age, some of our other systems find fault over chemical/hormonal imbalances and deteriorate. With the nervous system, it is done similarly but unfortunately it is one of the most susceptible systems to drugs (illegal). Drugs do have an effect on the nervous system, regardless of common beliefs. They deteriorate the nervous tissue by eating away at the brain cells and neurons, sometimes even creating issues within the messaging of the cells. Complications are dependent on which parts of the brain or spinal cord are affected by the diseases or drugs.

Drugs typically become a complication when they become addictive substances to the brain. Drugs are so commonly used because they trigger the ‘reward’ system within the brain and distribute dopamine and make the person feel a sense of euphoria. Over time, these substances become more and more repetitive as the user becomes more and more dependent on the temporary euphoria. They begin to slowly deteriorate the messaging between neurons and brain cells and inevitably breakdown the nerves and damages parts of the nervous system.

Diseases work in a similar way to the effects of drug, though they are natural progressions. Although treated similarly, some extra therapies may be added depending on whether or not they are drug-related or natural diseases. For example, drug addiction therapy. Or, therapy for the individual who is losing bodily function. Though in the end the treatments run hand in hand with one another. Drugs are a preventable degenerative substance, and should be more harshly cut out of the human system. Mood swings, memory problems, and other such mental-based symptoms could come up if left untreated.

WORKS CITED
http://i-base.info/guides/side/cns-side-effects