Head and nervous system

Sleep disorders

People with sleep disorders are often tired and exhausted because they have not had enough restful sleep. Up to one third of people experience problems falling asleep or getting a good night’s sleep.

Depression

People with depression feel despondent, have negative thoughts and withdraw from family and friends for weeks at a time. Daily life, work, and studying become difficult.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection transmitted by ticks. Vaccination offers protection against TBE.

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most commonly occurring neurological disease in young adults. At present, there is no cure for MS. However, various treatments help to slow its progression.

Migraine

During a migraine attack, severe headaches occur on one side of the head only. This pain may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

Stroke

During a stroke some of the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. This can be life threatening. To prevent serious consequences, rapid treatment is imperative.

Generalized anxiety disorder

It is normal to experience fear at times. Fear puts us in a state of readiness so that we can react quickly. However, persistent worry could be an indication of generalized anxiety disorder.

Trigeminal neuralgia

People with trigeminal neuralgia experience severe facial pain, especially in the cheeks and jaw. Read on to find out what causes this condition and what can be done about it.

Concussion in adults

A concussion often occurs as a result of an accident. It is the mildest form of traumatic brain injury. Read on to find out more about the symptoms and treatment options.

Shingles

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful viral skin condition. The viruses attack nerves and cause an inflammation that spreads over the skin.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia involves phases of an altered perception of reality. This can take the form of delusions, hearing voices or a feeling of being watched, for example.

Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. It can have several causes, the most frequent being viruses.

Leprosy

Leprosy is a bacterial infectious disease that primarily occurs in South East Asia, South America, and Africa. Though leprosy is curable, there are still serious outcomes.

Meningitis

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges (brain membranes). This can have multiple causes. If triggered by bacteria, meningitis can quickly become life-threatening.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a condition where the brain or parts of it become overactive. Medication can prevent seizures and help patients sustain a good quality of life.

Autism

Autism spectrum disorders are developmental disorders with specific characteristics: people with autism have problems communicating with others and with social competence.

Vascular dementia

Vascular dementia is caused by circulatory disorders. The brain receives too little oxygen and becomes damaged, resulting in a reduction in mental abilities.

Tetanus

Tetanus is triggered by certain bacteria. Even a small wound can be the portal of entry for the pathogen. Vaccination offers protection.

Botulism

Botulism is a rare type of poisoning caused by the bacterial botulinum toxin. Frequent sources of poisoning include canned and preserved foods. All suspected cases must be treated in hospital.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

When a person feels dizzy, it may be due to benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. This is caused by deposits in the balance organ in the ear. The dizziness usually stops after a few weeks.

Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease transmitted by the bite of an infected animal. Anyone visiting a high-risk area can be vaccinated prior to traveling. All suspected cases of rabies must be medically treated.

Brain tumors

There are different types of brain tumor. Learn more about the different types, their treatment options and risk factors known of to date.

Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease affects the nervous system and increasingly restricts mobility.

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome refers to severe fatigue that does not improve despite rest. There is no specific cure, but various measures that can help.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

With ALS, nerve cells that control muscles deteriorate and die. This results in muscle loss, muscle stiffness and paralysis. Treatment seeks to relieve symptoms as effectively as possible.

Tension headaches

Nagging, pressing headaches that occur now and then are called tension headaches. They can be relieved with non-prescription painkillers.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder in which the brain’s ability to process pain is disrupted. The measures that help with fibromyalgia differ greatly from person to person.

Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches come in phases, or “clusters”. They involve severe pain, always on one side only and mostly around the temples or eyes.

Alzheimer’s disease

People with Alzheimer’s disease suffer a considerable loss of memory and cognitive functioning. The disease cannot be cured. However, treatment can have a positive effect on its progression.

Polyneuropathy

Conditions in which several nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord are damaged are referred to as polyneuropathy. There are many different causes and symptoms.

Brain aneurysm

A brain aneurysm is a bulge in an artery in the brain. This often goes unnoticed without causing symptoms. If the aneurysm ruptures, it may cause a life-threatening brain hemorrhage.

Vitamin B deficiency

Vitamin B is a group of eight vitamins, the most important of which are B1, B6, B9 (folate) and B12. Eating a balanced diet prevents a deficiency in these vitamins.

Diabetic neuropathy

With diabetic neuropathy, nerve damage occurs due to permanently elevated blood glucose levels. Pain and numbness in the arms and legs are typical symptoms.

Polio (poliomyelitis)

Polio (poliomyelitis) can cause permanent paralysis. Polio viruses have been almost eradicated thanks to large-scale vaccination campaigns. Unvaccinated children and adults can contract polio.

Restless Legs Syndrome

People with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) feel a great urge to move their legs. The unpleasant feeling in the legs only occurs during rest, particularly in the evening and at night.

Bell’s palsy (facial paralysis)

Bell’s palsy is a paralysis of the facial muscles usually on one side of the face due to nerve damage. Read on to find out more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Diabetes insipidus

Diabetes insipidus causes excessive urination and increased thirst. It is caused by a hormone that is missing or ineffective.

Neuralgic amyotrophy

Neuralgic amyotrophy causes severe pain in the arm and shoulder. It is due to an inflammation of certain nerves.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. A third of all people are carriers, but only around 5% of them show symptoms of the disease.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

A transient ischemic attack often precedes a stroke. A TIA happens when part of the brain no longer gets enough blood supply. The symptoms are paralysis, visual impairment and slurred speech.