The brain and other parts of the nervous system control the body's most vital functions and are overwhelmingly complex. But even though these organs are extremely delicate, they are capable of withstanding serious injuries such as stroke, and after illness or accident frequently recover lost function completely. The nervous system is subject to a variety of disorders, including common, usually benign everyday conditions like headache, as well as complex diseases like Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.
Diagnosis is a critical step and careful evaluation by a neurologist is often essential.
For some diseases, cause, treatment, and prognosis are clearly defined. For others, major advances in diagnostic procedures and medications still fall short of providing a cure.