Neuroinflammation : Symptoms, Severity, and Conventional Treatment Options
- Dr Ashleigh Bhanjan
- Jun 16, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 25, 2023
Neuroinflammation is a process that involves the activation of the immune system in the central nervous system (CNS). It is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
While neuroinflammation is a neuroprotective mechanism, sustained neuroinflammation can induce neurotoxicity and is related to neurodegeneration.
The symptoms of neuroinflammation include:
Headaches
Fatigue
Brain fog
Memory loss
Depression
Anxiety
Insomnia
Irritability
Loss of appetite
Muscle weakness
Joint pain
The severity of neuroinflammation can vary depending on the underlying cause and the duration of the inflammation. Conventional treatment options for neuroinflammation include:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Corticosteroids
Immunomodulatory drugs
Antioxidants
Lifestyle changes (e.g., exercise, stress reduction, healthy diet)
The Role of Neuroinflammation in the Development of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Several damage signals appear to induce neuroinflammation, such as trauma, infection, oxidative agents, redox iron, oligomers of tau, and Aβ.
There is evidence that neuroinflammation could drive the pathogenic process in Alzheimer's disease.
The cellular and molecular mechanisms of neuroinflammation are likely the same in aging and metabolic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, depression, dementia, or after cerebral insult such as stroke
Accordingly, chronic neuroinflammation and microglia activation play central roles in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disease
Photobiomodulation Therapy in Treating Neuroinflammation
Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level light therapy to stimulate cellular function and promote healing. PBMT has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce neuroinflammation.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation found that PBMT reduced neuroinflammation and improved cognitive function in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
Another study published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology found that PBMT reduced neuroinflammation and improved motor function in a rat model of Parkinson's disease.
In conclusion, neuroinflammation is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases and can induce neurotoxicity and is related to neurodegeneration. Conventional treatment options include NSAIDs, corticosteroids, immunomodulatory drugs, antioxidants, and lifestyle changes.
PBMT is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level light therapy to stimulate cellular function and promote healing. PBMT has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce neuroinflammation. Research on neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases is ongoing, and further studies are needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved and develop effective treatments.
Research Articles and PubMed Research
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