The Human Brain: Anatomy, Physiology, Disorders & Treatment Guide

1. Introduction

• The brain is the control center of the human body, responsible for cognition, movement, emotions, and vital functions.
• It consists of billions of neurons communicating via electrical and chemical signals.
• Disorders affecting the brain range from strokes and neurodegenerative diseases to infections and traumatic injuries.

2. Anatomy of the Brain

• Major Parts of the Brain:
  • Cerebrum (Largest part) – Controls thinking, memory, voluntary movements.
  • Cerebellum – Coordinates movement, balance, posture.
  • Brainstem – Regulates breathing, heart rate, digestion.
  • Limbic System – Controls emotions and memory (includes hippocampus, amygdala).
• Brain Lobes & Their Functions:
  • Frontal Lobe – Decision-making, personality, motor function.
  • Parietal Lobe – Sensory processing, spatial awareness.
  • Temporal Lobe – Hearing, memory, language.
  • Occipital Lobe – Vision processing.
• Protective Layers:
  • Meninges (Dura, Arachnoid, Pia Mater) – Cushion and protect the brain.
  • Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB): Prevents harmful substances from entering.
• Vascular Supply:
  • Major Arteries: Carotid arteries, vertebral arteries.
  • Circle of Willis: Ensures continuous blood supply.

3. Physiology of the Brain

• Neural Communication:
  • Neurons transmit signals via synapses using neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine, serotonin).
  • Glial cells provide support and protection.
• Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF):
  • Surrounds the brain, providing cushioning and nutrient exchange.
• Cognitive & Motor Functions:
  • Controls voluntary and involuntary actions.
  • Regulates emotions, consciousness, perception.
• Autonomic Control:
  • Sympathetic system (fight or flight).
  • Parasympathetic system (rest and digest).

4. Common Disorders & Pathophysiology

A. Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident)

• Cause: Blocked (ischemic) or ruptured (hemorrhagic) blood vessel.
• Risk Factors: Hypertension, diabetes, smoking, atrial fibrillation.

B. Neurodegenerative Diseases

• Alzheimer’s Disease: Memory loss due to amyloid plaques, tau tangles.
• Parkinson’s Disease: Dopamine deficiency causing movement issues.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Autoimmune attack on myelin sheaths.

C. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Cause: Blunt trauma, concussions, accidents.
• Risk Factors: Sports injuries, falls, road accidents.

D. Brain Tumours

• Types:
  • Benign: Meningiomas, pituitary adenomas.
  • Malignant: Glioblastomas, medulloblastomas.
• Risk Factors: Genetic predisposition, radiation exposure.

E. Infections & Inflammation

• Meningitis: Bacterial/viral infection of meninges.
• Encephalitis: Brain tissue inflammation.
• Brain Abscess: Pus-filled infection.

5. Signs & Symptoms of Brain Disorders

• Early Symptoms:
  • Memory loss, confusion, personality changes.
  • Frequent headaches.
  • Loss of coordination.
• Advanced Symptoms:
  • Seizures, paralysis, difficulty speaking.
  • Unexplained mood swings.
• Red Flags:
  • Sudden weakness/numbness (stroke sign).
  • Persistent severe headaches.
  • Vision loss, slurred speech.

6. When to See a Doctor

• Frequent forgetfulness or cognitive decline.
• Recurrent headaches or dizziness.
• Any new-onset seizure or fainting episode.

7. Emergency Signs Requiring Immediate Care

• Sudden loss of consciousness.
• Severe, sudden headache (“thunderclap” headache).
• Stroke symptoms (FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services).

8. Diagnostic Process

• Clinical Examination: Cognitive, motor, sensory testing.
• Laboratory Tests:
  • Blood tests for infections, metabolic imbalances.
  • Lumbar puncture (CSF analysis).
• Imaging Tests:
  • CT Scan: Quick stroke/tumour detection.
  • MRI: Detailed imaging for brain structure.
  • EEG: Assesses brain electrical activity (for epilepsy).
• Specialist Procedures: Brain biopsy (for tumours), PET scan (for Alzheimer’s).

9. Likely Diagnoses

• Stroke
• Dementia (Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body)
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Brain Tumour
• Epilepsy

10. Treatment Options

A. Medications

• For Stroke Prevention:
  • Aspirin, Clopidogrel – Prevents clot formation.
  • Statins (Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin) – Lowers cholesterol.
• For Neurodegenerative Diseases:
  • Donepezil, Rivastigmine – Slows Alzheimer’s progression.
  • Levodopa-Carbidopa – Parkinson’s symptom relief.
• For Seizures & Epilepsy:
  • Valproate, Carbamazepine – Anti-seizure drugs.
• For Brain Swelling (Edema):
  • Dexamethasone – Reduces inflammation.
• For Bacterial Meningitis:
  • IV Ceftriaxone, Vancomycin.
• Approximate Medication Costs (USD):
  • Antiplatelets (Aspirin, Clopidogrel): $10–$50/month.
  • Dementia Medications: $100–$300/month.
  • Seizure Medications: $50–$200/month.

B. Surgical/Procedural Interventions

• Craniotomy (Brain Surgery) ($20,000–$100,000).
• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson’s ($50,000+).
• Clot Removal Surgery for Stroke ($30,000–$50,000).
• Brain Tumour Removal ($50,000–$150,000).

C. Lifestyle Modifications & Home Remedies

• For Cognitive Health: Brain exercises, social engagement.
• For Stroke Prevention: Control blood pressure, healthy diet.
• For Parkinson’s: Regular physiotherapy, balanced diet.

11. Precautions & Prevention

• Maintain normal blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Regular brain-stimulating activities (reading, puzzles).
• Avoid head trauma (helmet use, seatbelts).
• Vaccinations for meningitis prevention.

12. Prognosis & Recovery

• Stroke: Recovery varies; early treatment improves outcomes.
• Dementia: Progressive but manageable with care.
• Brain Tumours: Survival depends on type and treatment.
• Seizure Disorders: Can be controlled with medication.

13. Cost of Treatment

• CT Scan: $500–$3,000.
• MRI Brain: $1,000–$5,000.
• Brain Surgery: $20,000–$150,000.
• Neurology Consultations: $100–$500/session.

14. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can brain cells regenerate?
   • Limited regeneration; neuroplasticity helps recovery.
2. What are the early signs of a stroke?
   • FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty.
3. How can I improve brain health?
   • Exercise, omega-3 diet, sleep, mental stimulation.
4. What causes memory loss?
   • Aging, dementia, head trauma, vitamin deficiencies.
5. Can epilepsy be cured?
   • No, but seizures can be controlled.
6. How do I reduce my risk of Alzheimer’s?
   • Stay active, eat a Mediterranean diet, engage socially.
7. What happens if a brain tumour is left untreated?
   • Progressive growth, pressure on vital areas, fatal risk.
8. Does stress damage the brain?
   • Chronic stress affects memory and cognition.
9. Can strokes be prevented?
   • Yes, through lifestyle and medication.
10. Are migraines a brain disease?

• No, but they involve brain chemistry and nerves.