Brain tumors are categorized according to their brain tissue origin and how fast they grow. Fast-growing brain tumors are known as high-grade tumors, while slow-growing ones are known as low-grade tumors. Below are some of the most known brain tumors: 1. What Is Ependymoma? Ependymoma is a tumor that originates from ependymal cells which together…
The brain reward system or mesocorticolimbic circuit is a brain circuit that controls addictive behaviors, mood, feeding behaviors, positive emotions (e.g., pleasure), and learning [1]. 1. What Activates the Reward System? The reward system is activated every time we experience something rewarding. For instance, the reward system is triggered when eating something we really enjoy…
Fungal infections of the brain become more common over the past 2 decades and can cause the following syndromes [1]: 1. What Is Fungal Meningitis and What Causes It? Fungal meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord which is caused by the following genera of fungi: Fungal meningitis…
The most known parasite infection of the brain is Neurocysticercosis or Cysticercosis Cellulosae which is caused by the flatworm (Cestode), Taenia solium. It is transmitted to humans through fecal-oral contamination or the consumption of pig meat infected with taenia cysts [1]. Neurocysticercosis results in the production of cysts in the brain parenchyma leading to headaches,…
Analgesics or pain killers are drugs used to relieve pain without losing consciousness. They are classified into the following categories: Nonopioid Analgesics include drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, and dipyrone. Opioid Analgesics or narcotic analgesics include drugs such as morphine, codeine, tramadol, and tapentadol. Adjuvant Analgesics include drugs such as GABA agonists,…
The sense of touch is controlled by the somatosensory cortex located in a region of the parietal lobe known as the post-central gyrus that is found on the middle top of the brain. In addition to its role in controlling touch, the somatosensory cortex is also involved in sensing temperature, pain, and body position and…
Odorous substances in the air are processed through the following steps: 1. What Part of the Brain Is Most Responsible for Smell? There are several and important parts of the brain that are responsible for smell; however, the olfactory bulb is responsible for transmitting the olfactory (smell) information from the olfactory nerves to the brain…
Hallucinations are due to many causes that are associated with the type of hallucination. The most common causes are: More information on the different types of hallucinations and their causes are provided below. 1- How Do You Know If You Hallucinate? If an individual is hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, and feeling (touch) things that are…
Fish is rich in omega 3 fatty acids that have been shown to lower the risk of cognitive disorders such as impairment of learning, memory, perception, and problem-solving. 1- What Are Omega 3 Fatty Acids? Lipids or fats are made from saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are a type of fatty…
The brain is the complex organ of the body that requires constant care to ensure its full function and for as long as possible. There are several factors that can help keep a healthy and alert brain throughout our lives: 1- Exercise Physical activity has been shown to inversely correlate with the risk of dementia…
