Neurology

Neurology is a branch of medicine that deals with the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous systems. It includes the diagnostics, therapy and prevention of diseases that affect the nervous system, but also the muscles supplied by the nerves.

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The brain is the body's central control center and is responsible for all cognitive functions such as memory, thinking, emotions and movements. It is made up of billions of neurons that are interconnected and communicate through electrical impulses.

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The spinal cord is a part of the central nervous system that runs the entire length of the spine. It serves as a connection between the brain and body and is responsible for the transmission of sensory and motor signals.

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The peripheral nervous system consists of all nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It includes both afferent (sensorimotor) nerves, which send information from the body to the brain, and efferent (motor) nerves, which carry commands from the brain to the body.

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A variety of disorders can affect the nervous system, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease as well as damage from stroke, trauma, and infection. Multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and epilepsy are other examples of disorders that can be caused by disorders in the nervous system.

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Diagnostic methods in neurology include clinical examinations, imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) as well as electrophysiological tests such as electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyo- and electroneurography (EMG/NLG).

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A variety of therapeutic approaches are used in the treatment of neurological diseases, including medication, accompanying therapeutic exercises such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, surgical interventions and special forms of therapy such as deep brain stimulation. In many cases, a combination of different therapies may be most effective.

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Prevention of neurological diseases includes measures to prevent damage to the nervous system, such as a healthy lifestyle with adequate exercise and a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol and tobacco abuse, and protection against head injuries. Early diagnosis and treatment of risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus can also help to reduce the risk of neurological diseases.

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In addition, the importance of research and development of new treatment methods and therapies is increasingly being emphasized in order to advance the fight against neurological diseases and improve the quality of life of those affected.