Sure Signs Your Nervous System is in Trouble

Your nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord and a network of nerves and together they control how your body moves, functions and thinks. "Your nervous system is important because it is the way our organs communicate with other organs as well as the way our body is able to interpret the world," Dr. Wally Wazni, a Neurologist and Medical Director of the Stroke Center at Dignity Health St. Mary Hospital in Long Beach tells us. Liang Wang, MD Neurologist with Dignity Health Northridge adds, "Your nervous system really makes who you are as a human being: your ability to love, work, raise a family–not to mention understand this article." The nervous system is powerful, yet frail and when it becomes damaged, it can affect the brain's ability to communicate with muscles and organs. Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with Dr. Wang and Wazni about signs your nervous system is in trouble and symptoms to pay attention to. As always, please consult your physician for medical advice. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

Dr. Wang says, "It's amazing and lets us function, but unlike many other body parts, there is limited regeneration, so more often than not any damage you incur becomes permanent!"

Dr. Wazni states, "The nervous system is divided into two parts. We have a central nervous system which is composed of your brain and spinal cord which interprets and responds to information provided by our peripheral nervous system which is our nerves." 

Dr. Wang tells us, "Not to make you worry, but so many things can cause injury, from chronic stress to over use of medications to a sedentary lifestyle to chronic medical diseases like diabetes."

Dr. Wazni says, "Many things like alcohol, drugs, electrolyte imbalances, toxins, brain tumors, trauma, stroke can cause damage to the nervous system."

Dr. Wang advises, "If you have any concerns about your nervous system, please see a neurologist! Your concern may be a serious diagnosis that needs more attention or just reassurance that it's no big deal, so definitely see a neurologist to get their evaluation and opinion!"

Dr. Wang says if you experience, "Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, speaking difficulty, facial droop or drooling, see a doctor. In a word, this is possibly a stroke! Of all the nervous system diseases, this is the most serious and immediate life-threatening! If you feel or hear someone having any of these sudden symptoms, don't wait, just call 911."

Dr. Wang tells us to be aware of "Persistent headaches, especially if you don't have a history of headaches. It could be something as serious as a brain tumor (although exceedingly rare) or something more benign such as chronic stress or just poor quality sleep, but persistent headaches that don't improve with over the counter medications definitely need to be evaluated."

Dr. Wang explains, "If you can't function like you did before due to weakness or low energy, this is definitely a sign that something is amiss in your body and you should definitely visit a doctor. Certain disorders like endocrine or autoimmune disease can also indirectly affect the nervous system as a result." According to Dr. Wazni, "Acute onset weakness could be a sign of a stroke, so call 911 to get to the nearest emergency room." 

Dr. Wang states, "If you have blackout spells or lose consciousness from an unknown cause, this is definitely a sign of a potential nervous system disorder. The primary issue may be heart related, but your brain is designed to keep you awake at all times until you fall asleep, so any loss of consciousness needs a doctor's attention!"

Dr. Wang says, "We wouldn't be humans if we couldn't remember things, so any significant decline in memory should be evaluated by a neurologist! We all think of Alzheimer's disease when it comes to memory loss, but there are many other disorders that can cause memory problems, and unlike Alzheimer's, may be treatable and reverse the decline in memory."

Dr. Wazni tells us, "This could be a sign of peripheral neuropathy which most commonly could be related to diabetes or high blood sugar." 

Dr. Wazni says, "This could be a sign of vestibulitis or inflammation of the 8th cranial nerve."

According to Dr. Wazni, "This could be a sign of stress. Meditation helps regulate blood pressure levels, heart rate, breathing rate, and other nervous system functions." 6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Dr. Wazni says "If you're having a difficult time concentrating, this could be a sign of mental fatigue, try taking a power nap less than 30 min to recharge."