The nervous system is one of the main control centres of the body. It comprises both a central nervous system which includes the brain and spinal cord and a peripheral nervous system which includes all nerves external to this. The nervous system has three main functions, namely to:
- recognise sensory changes within the body and the external environment
- interpret these sensory changes
- send signals to the muscles and glands within the body to respond to these changes.
If a part of this neurological system is not functioning correctly, it can cause disruptions to this process and impact on a person's level of functioning. Symptoms vary greatly depending on the area of nervous system that is affected by a disease or condition (Tortora & Anagnostakos 1990).
References:
Tortota, G.J. & Anagnostakos, N.P. 1990, Principles of anatomy and physiology, 6th edn, Harper & Row Publishers, New York.
Links to specific types of ‘other’ neurological conditions: