Human Diseases - Research Paper Example

Nursing Human diseases (College) Human diseases I. Parkinson’s disease Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the central nervous system which mainly affects brain and spinal cord. The victim of the Parkinson’s disease gradually loses his/her ability to control body movements. It is assumed that most patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease may not develop all the symptoms related with the condition. The actual reason for the fluctuations of symptoms from time to time has not yet been proved.

However, it may be attributed to antiparkinson medications. Bradykinesia or slowly voluntary movement is one of the major symptoms of this disease. Tremors are seen in the hands, fingers, and forearm of the patients when the limb is at rest. Rigidity, poor balance, and Parkinsonian gait are some other common symptoms seen along with this disease (Parkinson’s disease: Hope through research). Currently, physicians suggest levodopa combined with carbipoda for the patients. The patients with advanced PD are given rasagiline along with levodopa.

In some case, surgery is necessary if the patient does not respond to drugs. Recently, US Food and Drug Administration has approved a deep brain therapy for this disease. A number of community resources such as National Parkinson Foundation and American Parkinson Disease Association work toward the mitigation of PD related problems. II. Subdural hematoma Subdural hematoma is a condition when blood is accumulated underneath the dura mater which surrounds brain and spinal cord. Usually, severe head injuries cause subdural hematoma and it is called acute subdural hematoma.

Sometimes, even minor head injuries may cause subdural hematomas if the injuries go unnoticed for many days to weeks; this condition is called chronic subdural hematomas. Confused speech and difficulty with balance are the major symptoms of this disease. In addition, headache, loss of consciousness, lethargy, nausea and vomiting, seizures, numbness, visual disturbances, and weakness are some of the symptoms of subdural hematoma (MedicinePlus). In the case of infants, the subdural hematoma symptoms are mainly appeared in the form of feeding difficulties and high pitched cry.

Generally, emergency surgery is the ultimate treatment for the disease as it is the only effective way to reduce pressure within the brain. Medicines are also used for the treatment depending on the severity of the condition. American Academy of Neurology and Brain Injury Association of America are some of the community organizations work toward the disease control. III. Meningitis Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, the membranes covering brain and spinal cord. It is usually seen that meningitis is caused by bacteria or viruses; certain illnesses or medications may also lead to this disease.

The symptoms of this disease are very much similar to that of many common diseases like flu. However, symptoms often include headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, vomiting, drowsiness, little bit tiredness, and confusion. The main treatments for this disease include rest, counter pain medication, and fluids. Doctors usually suggest intravenous (IV) antibiotics if bacterial meningitis is diagnosed (Antibiotics for bacterial meningitis). National Meningitis Association and Meningitis Foundation of America are two community resources which have initiated meningitis control programs.

References Antibiotics for bacterial meningitis. WebMD. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/brain/antibiotics-for-bacterial-meningitis Parkinson’s disease: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Retrieved from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/parkinsons_disease/detail_parkinsons_disease.htm Subdural hematoma. MedicinePlus. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000713.htm