Common Medical Conditions that Affect the Brain, Eyes and Nose

Much like the electricity that runs a metropolitan city, the organs serve as the powerhouse to run the human body. When the lights flicker in the city, people run amok trying to figure out if there is a powerful storm approaching. When people develop bloody diarrhea, nosebleeds, excruciating stomach pain or severe headaches, people typically go to the doctor to find out what is wrong. So, begin this journey through the human body to find out, first hand, what can go wrong.

First stop : The Brain
The brain is a spongy matter typically the size of an NFL football. Its component parts include the cerebrum and the cerebellum. The cerebrum is divided into different parts. The frontal lobe controls your personality and inhibitions. The parietal lobe helps you to think and process visual stimuli. The temporal lobe helps you to hear and the occipital lobe helps you to see. The cerebellum is located towards the back and underside of the brain. It is responsible for helping you stay on steady ground.

Sometimes, the brain deviates from the norm. The National Headache Foundation says that 29.5 million people in the United States suffer from migraines. Symptoms of migraines include nausea, vomiting and throbbing pain that is mild, moderate or severe in intensity. You will be very sensitive to light and sound and may be tempted to lock yourself up in a dark room until this symptoms subside. What are the warning signs of migraines? Well, migraines typically have a couple of harbinger signs. Seeing spots or zig-zag type lines are considered visual signs or auras. This can typically precede a migraine.

Oftentimes, migraines can simply be treated with drugs found in your local drug store such as Motrin, ibuprofen or Tylenol. Beware that taking too much ibuprofen can lead to stomach bleeding and even ulcers. Unfortunately, chronic ibuprofen use can also make you prone to heart attacks and strokes. Prescription-strength medications can also be prescribed.

Second Stop: The Eyes
Ode to the eyes are they are called the "windows to the soul". The white parts of the eyes are called the sclera while the colored part of the eye is called the iris. Oftentimes, people attempt to change their eye color with colored contact lenses. Pupils refer to the black pinpoint parts of the eye that can get larger or smaller with light and certain medications.

Sometimes, your child may arrive home from school and you notice his eyes are very red, itchy and crust over, especially during the morning. These are typical symptoms of pink eye, medically known as conjunctivitis. Bacteria and viruses are to blame for causing conjunctivitis. Unfortunately, pink eye is very contagious. Tell your child to watch his hands to stop the spread of infection.

Typically, pink eye goes away on its own but antibiotic medications can be given to treat it if a bacteria is its culprit.

Third Stop: The Nose
Who could forget the smell of grandma's chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven? Yes, the nose is an important sensory feature that allows you to smell. The soft component of the nose is composed of tissues called cartilage. The tissue that divides the nostrils is called the septum. Hairs, also called cilia, catch any pollen or any foreign irritants that can enter the nose.

Nosebleeds are common yet frightening occurrences that can devastate and traumatize the inner part of the nose. Sometimes, the bleeding is minimal but at other times, the blood can literally gush. Pinch the bridge of your nose and lean forward for at least 15 minutes. This should stop the bleeding. If this bleeding continues for longer than 30 minutes, go to the emergency room as physicians will pack the nose or use a laser or silver nitrate to destroy the small blood vessels in the nose.

So, these are just a few stops made in the human body. Stay tuned for more medical travels in the human body!

Sources:

The National Headache Foundation. www.headaches.org/education/Headache_Topic_Sheets/Migraine