Mind Matters: The Mysteries of Neurology

By Shreya Chhibber

Neurology, the study of the brain, has a rich history spanning ancient cultures to modern times. From the Greeks seeking relief from headaches to Hippocrates' early investigations, our understanding has evolved through meticulous dissections by scholars like Galen. Over the centuries, advancements such as classifying headaches and understanding brain dynamics have propelled neurology forward. The study of neurology explores a fascinating exploration of the human mind and our shared humanity.

In ancient Greek culture, headaches held significant meaning, often seen as powerful afflictions prompting sufferers to seek relief from Asclepius, the god of medicine. If conventional methods did not work, desperate individuals would turn to a drastic remedy known as Trepanation, where a nurse would drill a hole into the skull to remove infected blood. However, with the emergence of Hippocrates, a shift towards a more systematic approach to understanding headaches began. Rather than attributing headaches solely to divine influence, Hippocrates tried to connect them with everyday life and biological processes.

Hippocrates' groundbreaking observations extended beyond headaches, as he also made significant strides in understanding neurological disorders. Upon encountering cases of uncontrollable shaking, later recognized as epilepsy, he identified it as a brain disorder resulting from the infiltration of air into the blood circulation. Furthermore, he described the meninges as an important division within the brain, igniting further exploration into its intricate regions.

Subsequent investigations by scholars such as Galen involved detailed dissections of nervous systems, including those of various species. Galen's experiments shed light on the importance of recurrent laryngeal nerves in controlling vocal abilities among animals, paving the way for broader claims about human physiology.

By the early 1800s, the classification of headaches into primary and secondary types marked a significant advancement. Primary headaches were identified as those not symptomatic of underlying conditions, while secondary headaches were attributed to various underlying issues ranging from dehydration to sinus infections or heart disease. Edward Liveing's seminal paper on migraines in 1873 linked these headaches to an overactive central nervous system, laying the groundwork for further research.

The early 20th century saw notable advancements in understanding headaches, with Harold Wolffe's identification of vascular dilation as a contributing factor. Oliver Sacks' work in migraine clinics and subsequent publication shed light on the diverse manifestations of migraines, facilitating a clearer categorization of neurological conditions.

As neurological research progressed, pioneering neurosurgeons like Harvey Cushing emerged, specializing in evaluating and treating conditions such as head injuries, skull fractures, spinal injuries, and headaches. Modern procedures like craniotomy, laminectomy, deep brain stimulation (DBS), and brain biopsy continue to be integral to diagnosing and treating neurological disorders.

Despite these advancements, disparities in access to healthcare persist globally. Regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia grapple with limited medical resources, shortages of healthcare professionals, and cultural stigmas surrounding neurological conditions. Religious beliefs also play a significant role in shaping attitudes toward neurological health, with differing views on the balance between spiritual intervention and professional medical care.

In navigating these complexities, understanding diverse perspectives and cultural nuances is crucial for addressing misconceptions and promoting holistic approaches to neurological care. By embracing a multifaceted understanding of neurology, we can work towards equitable access to quality healthcare for all. 

Now let's look at some commonly asked questions about Neurology with their answers:

Do we only use 10 percent of our brain?

• This is a myth that has been around since the early 1900s and is said to be spoken by famous scientists. Well, those scientists do not exist as research using machines such as MRIs has shown us how much of the brain is active at any given time, even during seemingly simple tasks.

Am I right or left-brained?

• As crazy as it may seem, no one is dominantly left or right-brained. While certain cognitive tasks may be localized to specific brain regions, the brain operates as a highly interconnected network and most functions involve both hemispheres working together.

Does drinking alcohol kill brain cells?

• While alcohol most definitely disrupts the communication between neurons and leads to structural changes in the brain, it does not directly kill brain cells in any way.

Brain damage is always permanent

• The brain has a certain degree of plasticity, meaning it can reorganize itself and generate new neurons throughout its life. This ability allows people to recover from brain injuries. 

Epilepsy always consists of movement

• While most seizures involve convulsions, most seizures can manifest in many other ways including altered consciousness or simple subtle behavioral changes.

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Now for the fun part! 

Below is a list of Neurology diseases and underneath is a link attached to a Quizizz you can quiz yourself with after!

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Epilepsy: brain disorder that causes unprovoked seizures

Meningioma: the most common type of brain tumor that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges. This may press on nerves and vessels.

Astrocytomas: a type of cancer that can occur in the brain or spinal cord and begins in astrocytes that support nerve cells.

Cerebral Palsy: brain damage to the developing or damage to the developing brain that affects a person's control of his muscles. 

Headaches: this isn't really a pain in the head, but instead in the many nerves of the muscles and blood vessels that surround your neck, head, and face.

Stroke: occurs when something blocks the blood supply to the brain and a part of the brain can even die.

Concussion: caused by a direct impact or whiplash which causes the brain to move and bump into the skull. This can affect memory, judgment, reflexes, speech, and muscle coordination. 

Dementia: while some people lose neurons as they age, some people lose them faster and experience memory loss, poor judgment, and confusion. 

Ataxia: damage to the brain known as the cerebellum or spinal cord that causes a lack of control in the muscles in the arms and legs. 

Cervical dystonia: when your neck contracts involuntarily, causing your head to turn to the side

Chorea: caused by neurodegenerative diseases, chorea is a neurological condition where there are involuntary muscle movements 

Dystonia: caused by damage or degeneration of the brain, dystonia causes the unusual contraction of the muscles repeatedly. 

Huntington's disease: caused by a mutation in the gene for a protein called Huntington, causes the breakdown of the nerve cells in the brain and affects movement, cognition, and mental health.

Myoclonus: caused by kidney or liver failure, myoclonus causes sudden, brief involuntary twitching of a muscle or group of muscles. 

Distal spinal muscular atrophy: caused by mutations of the survival motor neuron 1 gene, and resulting in insufficient expression levels of SMN protein, DSMA causes trouble walking and weakness in one's arms and legs.

Brachial plexus injury: caused by trauma, tumors, and inflammation, Brachial plexus injury can cause numbness and weakness in the arms.

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Quizizz Link:

Neurology Quizizz

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Works Cited

Foxhall, Katherine. “Making Modern Migraine Medieval: Men of Science, Hildegard of Bingen and the Life of a Retrospective Diagnosis.” Medical History, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103393/. 

“A Brief History of Headaches.” Neurologists and Headache Specialists & Neurologists Located in New York, NY, Telemedicine-New Jersey, Toms River, NJ and North Miami, Aventura, FL | Modern Migraine MD, www.modernmigrainemd.com/post/a-brief-history-of-headaches#:~:text=Headaches%20have%20been%20reported%20since,close%20to%206%2C000%20years%20old. Accessed 9 Apr. 2024.