brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Overview of Brain Dysfunction
Symptoms of Brain Dysfunction
The type and severity of brain dysfunction depend on the location of the brain damage, as well as whether it affects the whole brain (diffuse) or only part (localized) of the brain. When the cerebral cortex (the outer layer of the cerebrum, the largest part of the brain) is damaged, the degree of dysfunction is often proportionate to the extent of the damage: The more extensive the damage, the more severe the dysfunction is likely to be. However, damage to some areas of the brain can cause severe dysfunction even when the damaged area is small. When the brain stem (which regulates critical body functions and levels of consciousness) is damaged, a relatively small amount of damage may cause coma and even death. Disorders that progress rapidly are more likely to cause more noticeable symptoms of brain dysfunction than disorders that progress slowly. For example, a severe stroke is more likely to cause noticeable symptoms than a slow-growing tumor. The brain compensates for gradual changes more easily than for rapid changes. Also, diffuse brain damage that occurs suddenly tends to affect consciousness, making people drowsy, difficult to arouse (causing stupor), or impossible to arouse (causing coma). However, diffuse brain damage can progress more slowly and affect consciousness less often. So people usually remain conscious and awake. Localized damage tends to affect specific functions. 