Task 7A Neurological Disorders

Task 7A Neurological Disorders

You need to research both Parkinsons and Multiple Sclerosis. You must include the following for each:

Include a diagram of the nervous system and annotate which parts are effected by the disease.

How does the disease disrupt the pathways of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system?

Parkinson's disease, which is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily impacting the dopaminergic pathways inside the central nervous system, affects those nerve cell routes responsible for dopamine within the core anxious system. While its hallmark symptoms involve motor dysfunction, PD also exerts a significant impact on the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the ANS, responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions, become disrupted in individuals with PD.

Through the lessening of dopamine, a crucial chemical messenger, within the basal ganglia affects the delicate equilibrium between the body's involuntary systems that activate or calm the internal organs. The sympathetic nervous system, which triggers our instinct to fight or flee in times of stress, often experiences imbalance in its response when faced with prolonged challenges. This condition, where one's blood pressure decreases dramatically when standing up due to blood failing to circulate properly, can potentially cause lightheadedness and even lead one to briefly lose consciousness if precautions are not taken to allow the body to adjust. Whereas modifications to the parasympathetic nervous system frequently account for the gastrointestinal difficulties commonly observed in individuals experiencing Parkinson's disease. Slowed gut motility and constipation are prevalent, indicative of disruptions in the enteric nervous system, a crucial component of the peripheral nervous system.

Furthermore, the autonomic dysfunction in PD extends beyond these overt symptoms. Cardiovascular irregularities, including fluctuations in heart rate variability, can occur, further highlighting the widespread impact on the sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways. These intricate disruptions underscore the systemic nature of Parkinson's disease, reaching beyond its primary motor symptoms.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS):

In the case of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disorder characterised by demyelination of nerve fibres within the CNS, the disruptions to the sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways are equally intricate. The demyelination process interferes with the proper transmission of nerve signals, affecting both motor and autonomic functions.MS lesions, often found in the spinal cord, can impact sympathetic nervous system pathways. This may result in a variety of autonomic dysfunctions, including changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Sympathetic dysfunction in MS can contribute to orthostatic hypotension, similar to PD, amplifying the risk of dizziness and falls.

What symptoms does it cause?

Tremors, which are typified by rhythmic, involuntary shaking of specific body partsmost frequently the hands and fingersare a classic sign of Parkinson's disease. Usually occurring at rest, these tremors can lessen or even go away with deliberate movement. The substantia nigra, a part of the brain essential for motor control, is the site of degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons, which is the root cause. A lack of dopamine throws off the equilibrium between excitatory and inhibitory signals, which causes the brain circuits responsible for tremors to become more active.

The intensity and frequency of these tremors can vary, which can affect fine motor skills and cause disruptions to daily activities. Tremors can be an emotionally and physically taxing experience for people with Parkinson's disease, negatively impacting their quality of life in general.

Slowness of movement, or bradykinesia, is another essential characteristic of Parkinson's disease. It shows up as a progressive decrease in the voluntary movements' amplitude and speed. The reduced capacity to initiate and carry out actions impacts everything from walking to buttoning shirts, adding a unique feature to the general motor impairment seen in Parkinson's disease.

Loss of dopamine, a neurotransmitter essential for promoting coordinated and fluid muscle movements, is the fundamental mechanism. The communication between the various brain regions involved in motor control is disrupted as dopamine levels drop. This disturbance causes a sluggishness in the execution of movements, increasing the time and difficulty of routine tasks.

Neural disturbances, including tingling and numbness, are frequently observed initial symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The central nervous system's nerve fibres become inflamed and demyelinated, causing these sensations, which are commonly known as paresthesia (pins and needles) . Damage to the myelin sheath, which typically insulates and expedites nerve signal transmission, results in signals that are defective or delayed.

Any part of the body can experience numbness or tingling, but these sensations are frequently fleeting, emerging out of nowhere and going away gradually. The unpredictable and variable nature of these feelings adds to the difficulties people with MS encounter in adjusting to everyday routines and preserving a sense of normality.

Because of the effect on the nervous system how are the respiratory and cardiovascular system impaired?

Parkinson's disease:

Impairment of the Respiratory System: Parkinson's disease mainly affects the motor system, although the respiratory system may also be indirectly impacted. Respiratory complications may arise from a decline in motor function, including control of the diaphragmatic and chest muscles. People with Parkinson's disease may have diminished lung capacity and trouble coordinating the breathing muscles as the disease advances. As a result, breathing may become shallow and respiratory infections may become more common. Additionally, as the stooped posture common in Parkinson's disease can limit chest expansion and compromise respiratory efficiency, changes in posture and the musculoskeletal system may also be responsible for respiratory problems.

Impairment of the Cardiovascular System:

Parkinson's disease can have an impact on the cardiovascular system due to both the illness and the drugs used to treat it. Standing up suddenly can result in orthostatic hypotension, a common autonomic dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD) that can cause lightheadedness or fainting. This may affect cardiovascular health because the body may find it difficult to keep vital organs receiving enough blood flow. Furthermore, blood pressure regulation may be further impacted by the cardiovascular side effects of certain medications used to treat Parkinson's disease symptoms. The intricate relationship that exists between the autonomic nervous system, motor symptoms, and drug interactions highlights the diverse ways in which Parkinson's disease affects the cardiovascular system.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS):

Impairment of the Respiratory System:

As a demyelinating disease that affects the central nervous system, multiple sclerosis can cause respiratory problems, particularly in its advanced stages. The nerves that regulate the respiratory muscles may be impacted by spinal cord lesions as the disease worsens. Reduced lung function and weaker respiratory muscles may arise from this. People who have multiple sclerosis (MS) may find it difficult to get rid of secretions, which increases their risk of respiratory infections. Additionally, respiratory insufficiency may be exacerbated by poor muscle coordination, which can affect ventilation and oxygen exchange.

Cardiovascular System Impairment:

Autonomic dysfunction is also seen in MS patients, which is comparable to Parkinson's disease. Cardiovascular function may be impacted by autonomic nervous system dysregulation. Standing-related orthostatic hypotension, or a significant drop in blood pressure, is a common autonomic symptom in multiple sclerosis. This may cause lightheadedness, dizziness, or even fainting. Further affecting the cardiovascular system are disturbances in autonomic control, which can also affect blood pressure regulation and heart rate variability. The diversity of cardiovascular symptoms among MS patients emphasises how intricately the illness affects cardiovascular health and autonomic processes.

Possible references:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-facts-about-parkinsons-diseasehttps://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/heart-and-parkinsons/https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350269[1]https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2021.626640/full#:~:text=Emerging%20evidence%20suggests%20that%20cardiac,cardiovascular%20responses%20observed%20during%20exercise[2]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15743669/#:~:text=Dopaminergic%20neurons%20of%20the%20midbrain,%2C%20Parkinson's%20disease%20(PD).

[3]https://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/heart-and-parkinsons/