Neuroinfiammazione

Neuroinflammation

Neuroinflammation is **a pathological process involving the nervous system**, including the brain and spinal cord. This condition is associated with a range of neurological disorders and can affect the functioning of the central nervous system. In this glossary entry, we will examine how the nervous system protects itself from inflammation, how neuroinflammation occurs, the most common neuroinflammatory disorders, and possible preventive measures.

How the brain protects itself from inflammation

The nervous system has defensive mechanisms designed to protect the brain and spinal cord from inflammation. The **blood-brain barrier (BBB)** is one of these mechanisms. The BBB is made up of a network of endothelial cells lining the blood vessels in the brain and prevents harmful substances and immune cells from entering the central nervous system. This barrier **helps maintain homeostasis within the brain and reduces the risk of neuroinflammation**.

How does neuroinflammation occur?

Neuroinflammation can be caused by a variety of factors. The main causes include **infections, brain injuries, autoimmune diseases, and abnormal immune responses**. StressWhat is stress? From a clinical perspective, stress is a phy... More is also recognized as a trigger for neuroinflammation. When the immune system detects damage or a threat to the nervous system, it releases inflammatory substances such as cytokines and chemokines to activate an inflammatory response. If this response becomes excessive or prolonged, it can damage nerve cells and brain tissue, leading to chronic neuroinflammation.

What are the most common neuroinflammatory disorders?

Several neuroinflammatory disorders can affect the nervous system. Some of the most common include:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS): An autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath, the protective covering of nerve cells, causing scarring in the brain and spinal cord. This damages nerve signal transmission and can lead to a wide range of neurological symptoms.
• Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain that can be caused by viral, bacterial, or other infections. It can lead to severe symptoms, including fever, headache, behavioral changes, and loss of brain function.
• Alzheimer’s disease: A form of dementiaDementia is a medical condition characterized by the progres... More characterized by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Neuroinflammation has been identified as an important factor in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

How to prevent neuroinflammation?

Preventing neuroinflammation can be an important goal for maintaining nervous system health. Some preventive measures include:

• Healthy lifestyle: **Adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress, and getting adequate rest** can help keep the immune system and brain healthy.
• Vaccination: Protecting against viral infections, such as influenza and meningitis, through vaccination can reduce the risk of developing neuroinflammation associated with these infections.
• Avoiding exposure to toxic substances: Exposure to toxic substances such as heavy metals and chemical solvents can increase the risk of neuroinflammation. Avoiding or minimizing exposure to these substances can help prevent potential damage to the nervous system.
• Monitoring and treating autoimmune diseases: If affected by an autoimmune disease known to cause neuroinflammation, it is important to follow prescribed therapies and undergo regular check-ups to monitor disease progression.