Nervous System Depression
What is massage therapy
Massage therapy has grown to become a multi-billion dollar industry. According to the data compiled by the American Massage Therapy Association (2009), the industry generates sales ranging from six to eleven billion dollars every year. Sales should remain stable or even increase in the next years due to demand.
Massage therapy is a profession. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) emerged to represent its 57,000 members in promoting massage therapy as a profession as well as to provide standards of practice. Entering the profession involves education, training, and hurdling of the licensure exam. Most of the states also regulate massage therapy by requiring certification prior to establishing practice in these states. (American Massage Therapy Association, 2010)
Massage therapy as a professional practice involves the use of touch to exert pressure on soft-tissue muscles of the targeted part of the body (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2009). Knowledge of pressure points and skills in applying pressure are core competencies in massage therapy. There are a number of reasons for exerting pressure on soft-muscle tissues, which include
treatment of ailments
alleviate pain
decompress worn-out muscles
ease stress
rehabilitate injuries from sports
keep general health (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2009).
Massage therapy treats and relaxes the body. A massage therapist keeps and enhances health and wellbeing by applying manual pressure to human tissue in the appropriate manner to achieve a particular health benefit (Braun Simonson, 2008).
In massage therapy, various forms of massage called modalities involve different techniques to achieve particular outcomes. There are around 80 modalities targeting a range of therapeutic and relaxation purposes (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2009). These can fall under eight modality groupings, which are
Swedish
deep tissue
neuromuscular
energy
orientaleastern
structuralPostural
movement
special populations (Braun Simonson, 2008).
One of the modalities is neuromuscular, which involve the integration of muscle and nerve functioning to achieve a reflex response (Braun Simonson, 2008). Targeting the nervous system is the key to a number of muscle reflex reactions by controlling muscle functions. Applying pressure on nerves creates a response in the muscles. Neuromuscular modality is the focus of the succeeding discussions of massage therapy.
How does the nervous system work
The nervous system controls the functions of the human body (Jakab, 2006). The nervous system functions gives directions to the different organs of the body such pump more blood to the heart when the body is doing physical exercise or command movement.
The nervous system commands the body through its two components. One component is the central nervous system comprised of the brain and the spinal column. The brain and spinal column are billions of nerve cells connected by dendrites and axons to create nerve fibers (Jakab, 2006). The interconnected nerve fibers serve as the communication network for different cells (Mailanoff, 2005). The other component is the peripheral nervous system. This is comprised of nerve fibers that extend to the different parts of the body reaching the fingers and toes (Jakab, 2006). The peripheral nervous system receives sensory transmissions and sends these to the central nervous system (Mailanoff, 2005).
The nerve fibers receive the sensory stimuli of exerted pressure on cells and transmit this to the brain for processing. The brain in turn sends out a command or response. The entire process can happen within a millisecond and continuously occur in a cycle.
Figure 1 The Nervous System
What is nervous system depression
Nervous system depression refers to the state when the functioning of the nervous system slows down (Slonim Allbee, 2010). The nervous system acts as a central command center by receiving and processing sensory stimuli as well as transmitting directions or instructions to different organs or parts of the body (Mailanoff, 2005). Depression of the nervous system means slower receipt, processing and transmission.
A more specific name for this condition is central nervous system depression because the slowdown occurs in the central nervous system by affecting brain functions (Al-Zubaidy Mohammad, 2005 Karatas, 2009).
The division of the brain as an organ is into the left and right hemispheres. The left hemisphere takes control of the right side of the body while the right hemisphere controls the bodys left side. To achieve unison between the left and right parts of the body, communication between the two hemispheres happen via the bundle of nerve tissues called corpus callosum. (Jakab, 2006) Depression of the central nervous system means that there is a slowdown or delay in the communication between the two hemispheres. This translates into lack of coordination in movement.
The brain also has parts that facilitate bodily functions. One is the motor cortex, which is present in the frontal lobe. This part is responsible for planning and executing motor commands. The succession of movements intended to achieve a result is work of the motor cortex. (Mailanoff, 2005) In central nervous system depression, the series of movements could be slow, completed in a different sequence, or uncompleted.
The other parts are the basal ganglia and the thalamus connected through a circuit of nerve fibers. These are responsible for cognition and motor control. Cognition refers to awareness and perception together with learning and rational thought. This is important in making-sense of stimuli. Motor control is the exercise of directive power towards different organs and parts of the body to maintain anatomical processes and bodily movement. (Mailanoff, 2005) Having central nervous system depression relative to this part of the brain means distorted perception, impaired thinking, and non-responsive reflexes.
Nervous system depression is due to ingestion of certain drugs, exposure to certain compounds and chemicals, or intake of narcotic and alcoholic substances (Al-Zubaidy Mohammad, 2005 Karatas, 2009). It is an artificial or induced state, which is different from the natural and normal depression that occurs in the nervous system to support biological processes such as rest or sleep.
The medications that cause nervous system depression have this as a direct effect. Sedatives such as sleeping pills and pain relievers, medicines that prevent or treat convulsions, and anesthetics cause nervous system depression (Drug Enforcement Administration, 2010). While the proper dosage and intake of these medicines alleviate certain ailments, the excessive intake or prolonged use can cause artificial and serious nervous system depression.
Compounds and chemicals that cause nervous system depression are household products or industrial ingredients. The Department of Energy (2010) identified acetone, chloroform, methanol, and methyl alcohol as chemicals or components of products that cause central nervous system depression. There are also other chemicals and compounds with similar effect such as methylene chloride found in cologne, shampoo and paint, linalool found in soaps and detergent, ethanol found in hairsprays and detergents, and benzaldehyde found in deodorant and perfume (McBride, 2009). Exposure to these chemicals and compounds occur on a daily basis. Over exposure to these products can cause serious nervous system depression.
Alcoholic beverages are also products with depressant effects. Ethyl alcohol is a component of alcoholic drinks and excessive doses absorbed by the body can have toxic effects on the brain (Foley Nelson, 2010). Abuse of alcohol as well as long-term intake can depress the nervous system.
What are the signssymptoms of nervous system depression
Nervous system disorder can be mild, moderate to severe depending on the cause, particularly the extent of intake of drugs or narcotics or exposure to chemicals and compounds. Medicines, chemicals and compounds, and alcohol and illicit drugs comprise stimulus to cells that nerves communicate to the brain (Al-Zubaidy Mohammad, 2005 Karatas, 2009). The signs and symptoms of nervous system depression comprise the reaction of the brain to the stimulus based on the message communicated by the cells.
The mild signs of nervous system depression are dizziness or drowsiness, headache and giddiness (Wall, 2006 Slonim Allbee, 2010). These signs can occur immediately as the intake or exposure reaches a level that affects the central nervous system.
In the case of medicines, the effect can emerge in a few hours coinciding with the absorption rate and the period it takes to affect the brain, especially when the immediate dosage or intake is high. The effect can also emerge in a few days or weeks with continued intake, especially of medicines easily absorbed and retained by the body. (Drug Enforcement Administration, 2010) When the absorption level becomes too high, this affects the brain.
With regard to chemicals and compounds, the mild signs of nervous system disorder can also show immediately or after a certain period. Chemicals in household products can cause immediate effects when exposure is in a closed space. The components of pesticides contaminating food can lead to the signs when the intake or exposure reaches a certain level. Direct exposure and exposure at high levels cause the signs to shown immediately or in a shorter period. (McBride, 2009)
Relative to alcohol and illegal drugs as a cause, the symptoms depend on the level of intake. In alcohol, the intoxication level is at .08 percent in most states (PADUI Association, 2010). At the level of alcohol intoxication, the mild signs of nervous system depression such as drowsiness and headaches show. The body directly absorbs alcohol and it takes time for the body to flush out alcohol. As such, alcohol intoxication affects the ability to drive or to do other things. With drugs, the signs show depending on the form of intake. When injected the symptoms of nervous system depression show immediately, while in ingestion, the symptoms occur after digestion and absorption into the blood stream (PADUI Association, 2010).
The moderate symptoms of nervous system depression are confusion, loss of coordination, stupor, muscle weakness, and respiratory depression (Wall, 2006 Slonim Allbee, 2010). These comprise more severe signs that require immediate treatment to prevent escalation.
Some medicines such as metoclopramide, a drug used to treat gastroparesis and migraines, can cause drowsiness, muscle weakness, and poor response to distress (Al-Zubaidy Mohammad, 2005). This means that intake of a certain dose of this medicine can cause the user to feel sleepy, experience a slowdown in reflex response and movement. Being in this state can cause further problems in certain situations such as when driving or doing work that demands physical strength or focus. Other medicines can cause varying symptoms of nervous system disorder.
Chemicals and compounds such as imidacloprid, a component of pesticides can cause stupor or a trance state and respiratory depression or shallow breathing (Karatas, 2009). When in this state, the individual will be unable to think clearly or move well. The individual would likely be immobilized and find it hard to breath. Most of the time, intervention becomes necessary to alleviate the condition of the individual. While individuals can recover from nervous system depression, there is need for intervention to hasten the flushing of substances ingested, oxidize the blood, or counteract the effects.
In alcohol and illicit drug use, the individual can exhibit disorientation or pass out (PADUI Association, 2010).
The severe symptoms of nervous system disorder are convulsions or seizures, coma, and respiratory failure (Wall, 2006 Karatas, 2009 Slonim Allbee, 2010). The condition of patients may deteriorate from moderate to serious symptoms. The dosage or level of exposure may also be so high to cause the severe symptoms immediately. Lack of intervention could lead to death.
A high level of dosage of certain medicines and illicit drugs can cause convulsions, respiratory failure, and coma (Drug Enforcement Administration, 2010). Without immediate intervention, the symptoms can occur in minutes before causing death.
Ingestion of chemicals such as pesticides or cleaning agents usually leads to respiratory failure and then death without proper and immediate intervention (McBride, 2009).
In alcohol, the lethal level is set at around .4 percent, which is five times the alcohol intoxication level (PADUI Association, 2010). High alcohol levels in the blood can cause respiratory failure.
What are medical and alternative treatments to nervous system depression
The treatment of nervous system depression depends on the symptoms. There is no single treatment and the employment of intervention to the condition occurs as these emerge. Often, treatment is a combination of interventions to address different symptoms. The treatment of the symptoms is diverse. There are medical and alternative treatments for the mild, moderate and severe symptoms.
The medical treatment for mild symptoms of nervous system depression is to stabilize breathing and flush out the toxic substance. In the case of symptoms caused by drugs (medicine and illicit drugs), the administration of oxygen to ease breathing is an initial treatment. Placing the patient in a recovery position can alleviate breathing. (Slonim Allbee, 2010) In mild cases, individuals can flush out drugs in the normal process of discharging urine and stool. There are also drugs that induce vomiting to clear the stomach of the drugs ingested. In the case of chemical exposure, the medical treatment is also oxygen administration andor gastric clearing. (Bateman, 1999) There are also drugs administered intravenously to counteract the effect of chemicals ingested (Karatas, 2009).
The medical treatment for moderate symptoms of nervous system disorder targets oxygenation, keeping the individual conscious, countering effects, and flushing out toxic substances. It may become necessary to resuscitate the individual, clear air passages, and administer oxygen. (Slonim Allbee, 2010) In the case of skin poisoning of chemical substances, decontamination applies by cleaning the area of exposure with water or a counteracting agent. If ingested, induced gastric clearing andor intravenous administration of counteracting agents may be necessary. (Bateman, 1999) The treatment may be more intense and longer for moderate symptoms.
The medical treatment for severe symptoms of nervous system depression is more drastic. Intravenous administration takes longer for conscious patients and those in a coma (Karatas, 2009). Oxygenation can also be part of the treatment for the duration of the stay at the health care center or hospital. Respiratory ventilation may also become necessary for patients suffering from respiratory failure. Tracheal intubation can also become necessary. (Bateman, 1999 Slonim Allbee, 2010)
Alternative treatments are herbal medicine, acupuncture, and massage. Herbal medicines are forms of traditional medicine prominent in Chinese medicine and ayurveda healing in India (National Institutes of Health, 2007a). Certain plants with emetic effects, such as the epicacuanha plant from which epicac syrup is extracted, is used to treat drug overdose and poisoning by inducing vomiting (Bateman, 1999). The use of the syrup found use by some practitioners in mainstream medicine. Other herbal medicines with properties for curing certain types of poison and conditions exist.
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing technique that involves the insertion of thin needles into the body to stimulate certain points in the human anatomy (National Institutes of Health, 2007b). Known effects are improved circulation and relief from pain. Although research is ongoing over how acupuncture affects the body, particularly the brain, a common idea is the stimulation of specific acupuncture points can stimulate chemical reactions to achieve certain outcomes at the cellular level (National Institutes of Health, 2007b) such as improve respiration, ease pain, or detoxify the body. Acupuncture can address symptoms of nervous system depression, particularly respiration depression, conditions treatable by improving circulation, and detoxification of substances in the body.
Massage is an alternative treatment that involves the use of touch to exert pressure on certain parts of the body to stimulate a response (Braun Simonson, 2008). Massage therapy operates on a similar principle as acupuncture. The exertion of force on pressure points can cause reactions. The neuromuscular modality targets improved circulation to ensure sufficient oxygen supply to the brain, better communication and transmission between cells, and muscle relaxation or stimulation to improve motor skills and movement. Lymphatic detoxification massage can also ease the functioning of the waste disposal processes of the body to eliminate toxins such as drugs and poisons. (Braun Simonson, 2008)
How can massage therapy treat nervous system depression
Massage therapy comprise a complementary and alternative medicine (National Institutes of Health, 2007a). Massage therapy comprise a treatment on its own as well as a complementary intervention to medical treatment for cases of nervous system disorder.
The alleviation of the mild symptom of drowsiness or dizziness likely caused by circulation or respiration problems can be through the deep tissue, neuromuscular, and circulatory modalities that improve blood flow to oxygenize the brain and alleviate dizziness. The craniosacral massage, as a deep tissue modality, involves the manipulation of the cerebrospinal fluid flow to increase blood flow in the spinal column and brain. Neuromuscular therapy improves the integrative functioning of the muscles and nerves to ease brain functioning. Lymphatic massage under the circulatory modality also improves blood circulation. Neuromuscular therapy can ease headaches as well as giddiness by stimulating chemical reactions and relaxing the muscles. (Braun Simonson, 2008)
Massage therapy can also treat the moderate symptoms of nervous system depression. Confusion, loss of coordination and stupor likely co-occur with respiratory depression or the restricted supply of oxygen in the central nervous system that slows down its functioning. Craniosacral therapy, neuromuscular techniques, and lymphatic massage can improve blood flow to provide the brain more oxygen to improve its functioning. The impact of massage therapy can be immediate, especially in improving blood circulation. Loss of coordination and muscle weakness can be resolved through neuromuscular therapy and energy modality techniques. Neuromuscular therapy stimulates or relaxes the muscles and energy modality techniques target the manipulation or recharging of the Qi energy to ease tension and help the body commence the healing process. Lymphatic massage can help detoxify the body to remove the substances impeding the functioning of the nervous system. (Braun Simonson, 2008)
Massage therapy serves as a complementary treatment to the severe symptoms of nervous system disorder. Seizure, coma and respiratory failure require medical treatment (Karatas, 2009).
Massage therapy can serve as alternative treatment to most of the mild and severe symptoms of nervous system depression with similar rates of effectiveness given that a trained and licensed massage therapist is providing treatment. In cases of severe symptoms, massage therapy can complement medical treatment by multiplying the impact such as on blood flow and muscle stimulation or contributing to the effectiveness of the medical treatment.
How is massage therapy as a treatment for nervous system disorder
Massage therapy for nervous system disorder can be similarly effective relative to medical treatments to comprise an alternative treatment for the mild and moderate symptoms of nervous system disorder.
Massage therapy is non-invasive. It does not involve the use of products or devices by relying on the skill of the therapist in identifying the problem areas and employing the appropriate techniques to address these areas. This works for people uncomfortable with invasive medical techniques.
Massage therapy can apply to different people. Men and women can use massage therapy as a treatment for nervous system disorder. Children, adults, and those in the older age groups can also use massage therapy for the mild and moderate symptoms of nervous system disorder. Massage therapy customizes techniques according to the condition of the client as well as other individual conditions such as old age or disability.
Massage therapy is both accessible and affordable. There are thousands of trained and licensed therapists all over the country. Most massage therapists operate as an individual practice, which could cut the cost.
Massage therapy has grown to become a multi-billion dollar industry. According to the data compiled by the American Massage Therapy Association (2009), the industry generates sales ranging from six to eleven billion dollars every year. Sales should remain stable or even increase in the next years due to demand.
Massage therapy is a profession. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) emerged to represent its 57,000 members in promoting massage therapy as a profession as well as to provide standards of practice. Entering the profession involves education, training, and hurdling of the licensure exam. Most of the states also regulate massage therapy by requiring certification prior to establishing practice in these states. (American Massage Therapy Association, 2010)
Massage therapy as a professional practice involves the use of touch to exert pressure on soft-tissue muscles of the targeted part of the body (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2009). Knowledge of pressure points and skills in applying pressure are core competencies in massage therapy. There are a number of reasons for exerting pressure on soft-muscle tissues, which include
treatment of ailments
alleviate pain
decompress worn-out muscles
ease stress
rehabilitate injuries from sports
keep general health (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2009).
Massage therapy treats and relaxes the body. A massage therapist keeps and enhances health and wellbeing by applying manual pressure to human tissue in the appropriate manner to achieve a particular health benefit (Braun Simonson, 2008).
In massage therapy, various forms of massage called modalities involve different techniques to achieve particular outcomes. There are around 80 modalities targeting a range of therapeutic and relaxation purposes (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2009). These can fall under eight modality groupings, which are
Swedish
deep tissue
neuromuscular
energy
orientaleastern
structuralPostural
movement
special populations (Braun Simonson, 2008).
One of the modalities is neuromuscular, which involve the integration of muscle and nerve functioning to achieve a reflex response (Braun Simonson, 2008). Targeting the nervous system is the key to a number of muscle reflex reactions by controlling muscle functions. Applying pressure on nerves creates a response in the muscles. Neuromuscular modality is the focus of the succeeding discussions of massage therapy.
How does the nervous system work
The nervous system controls the functions of the human body (Jakab, 2006). The nervous system functions gives directions to the different organs of the body such pump more blood to the heart when the body is doing physical exercise or command movement.
The nervous system commands the body through its two components. One component is the central nervous system comprised of the brain and the spinal column. The brain and spinal column are billions of nerve cells connected by dendrites and axons to create nerve fibers (Jakab, 2006). The interconnected nerve fibers serve as the communication network for different cells (Mailanoff, 2005). The other component is the peripheral nervous system. This is comprised of nerve fibers that extend to the different parts of the body reaching the fingers and toes (Jakab, 2006). The peripheral nervous system receives sensory transmissions and sends these to the central nervous system (Mailanoff, 2005).
The nerve fibers receive the sensory stimuli of exerted pressure on cells and transmit this to the brain for processing. The brain in turn sends out a command or response. The entire process can happen within a millisecond and continuously occur in a cycle.
Figure 1 The Nervous System
What is nervous system depression
Nervous system depression refers to the state when the functioning of the nervous system slows down (Slonim Allbee, 2010). The nervous system acts as a central command center by receiving and processing sensory stimuli as well as transmitting directions or instructions to different organs or parts of the body (Mailanoff, 2005). Depression of the nervous system means slower receipt, processing and transmission.
A more specific name for this condition is central nervous system depression because the slowdown occurs in the central nervous system by affecting brain functions (Al-Zubaidy Mohammad, 2005 Karatas, 2009).
The division of the brain as an organ is into the left and right hemispheres. The left hemisphere takes control of the right side of the body while the right hemisphere controls the bodys left side. To achieve unison between the left and right parts of the body, communication between the two hemispheres happen via the bundle of nerve tissues called corpus callosum. (Jakab, 2006) Depression of the central nervous system means that there is a slowdown or delay in the communication between the two hemispheres. This translates into lack of coordination in movement.
The brain also has parts that facilitate bodily functions. One is the motor cortex, which is present in the frontal lobe. This part is responsible for planning and executing motor commands. The succession of movements intended to achieve a result is work of the motor cortex. (Mailanoff, 2005) In central nervous system depression, the series of movements could be slow, completed in a different sequence, or uncompleted.
The other parts are the basal ganglia and the thalamus connected through a circuit of nerve fibers. These are responsible for cognition and motor control. Cognition refers to awareness and perception together with learning and rational thought. This is important in making-sense of stimuli. Motor control is the exercise of directive power towards different organs and parts of the body to maintain anatomical processes and bodily movement. (Mailanoff, 2005) Having central nervous system depression relative to this part of the brain means distorted perception, impaired thinking, and non-responsive reflexes.
Nervous system depression is due to ingestion of certain drugs, exposure to certain compounds and chemicals, or intake of narcotic and alcoholic substances (Al-Zubaidy Mohammad, 2005 Karatas, 2009). It is an artificial or induced state, which is different from the natural and normal depression that occurs in the nervous system to support biological processes such as rest or sleep.
The medications that cause nervous system depression have this as a direct effect. Sedatives such as sleeping pills and pain relievers, medicines that prevent or treat convulsions, and anesthetics cause nervous system depression (Drug Enforcement Administration, 2010). While the proper dosage and intake of these medicines alleviate certain ailments, the excessive intake or prolonged use can cause artificial and serious nervous system depression.
Compounds and chemicals that cause nervous system depression are household products or industrial ingredients. The Department of Energy (2010) identified acetone, chloroform, methanol, and methyl alcohol as chemicals or components of products that cause central nervous system depression. There are also other chemicals and compounds with similar effect such as methylene chloride found in cologne, shampoo and paint, linalool found in soaps and detergent, ethanol found in hairsprays and detergents, and benzaldehyde found in deodorant and perfume (McBride, 2009). Exposure to these chemicals and compounds occur on a daily basis. Over exposure to these products can cause serious nervous system depression.
Alcoholic beverages are also products with depressant effects. Ethyl alcohol is a component of alcoholic drinks and excessive doses absorbed by the body can have toxic effects on the brain (Foley Nelson, 2010). Abuse of alcohol as well as long-term intake can depress the nervous system.
What are the signssymptoms of nervous system depression
Nervous system disorder can be mild, moderate to severe depending on the cause, particularly the extent of intake of drugs or narcotics or exposure to chemicals and compounds. Medicines, chemicals and compounds, and alcohol and illicit drugs comprise stimulus to cells that nerves communicate to the brain (Al-Zubaidy Mohammad, 2005 Karatas, 2009). The signs and symptoms of nervous system depression comprise the reaction of the brain to the stimulus based on the message communicated by the cells.
The mild signs of nervous system depression are dizziness or drowsiness, headache and giddiness (Wall, 2006 Slonim Allbee, 2010). These signs can occur immediately as the intake or exposure reaches a level that affects the central nervous system.
In the case of medicines, the effect can emerge in a few hours coinciding with the absorption rate and the period it takes to affect the brain, especially when the immediate dosage or intake is high. The effect can also emerge in a few days or weeks with continued intake, especially of medicines easily absorbed and retained by the body. (Drug Enforcement Administration, 2010) When the absorption level becomes too high, this affects the brain.
With regard to chemicals and compounds, the mild signs of nervous system disorder can also show immediately or after a certain period. Chemicals in household products can cause immediate effects when exposure is in a closed space. The components of pesticides contaminating food can lead to the signs when the intake or exposure reaches a certain level. Direct exposure and exposure at high levels cause the signs to shown immediately or in a shorter period. (McBride, 2009)
Relative to alcohol and illegal drugs as a cause, the symptoms depend on the level of intake. In alcohol, the intoxication level is at .08 percent in most states (PADUI Association, 2010). At the level of alcohol intoxication, the mild signs of nervous system depression such as drowsiness and headaches show. The body directly absorbs alcohol and it takes time for the body to flush out alcohol. As such, alcohol intoxication affects the ability to drive or to do other things. With drugs, the signs show depending on the form of intake. When injected the symptoms of nervous system depression show immediately, while in ingestion, the symptoms occur after digestion and absorption into the blood stream (PADUI Association, 2010).
The moderate symptoms of nervous system depression are confusion, loss of coordination, stupor, muscle weakness, and respiratory depression (Wall, 2006 Slonim Allbee, 2010). These comprise more severe signs that require immediate treatment to prevent escalation.
Some medicines such as metoclopramide, a drug used to treat gastroparesis and migraines, can cause drowsiness, muscle weakness, and poor response to distress (Al-Zubaidy Mohammad, 2005). This means that intake of a certain dose of this medicine can cause the user to feel sleepy, experience a slowdown in reflex response and movement. Being in this state can cause further problems in certain situations such as when driving or doing work that demands physical strength or focus. Other medicines can cause varying symptoms of nervous system disorder.
Chemicals and compounds such as imidacloprid, a component of pesticides can cause stupor or a trance state and respiratory depression or shallow breathing (Karatas, 2009). When in this state, the individual will be unable to think clearly or move well. The individual would likely be immobilized and find it hard to breath. Most of the time, intervention becomes necessary to alleviate the condition of the individual. While individuals can recover from nervous system depression, there is need for intervention to hasten the flushing of substances ingested, oxidize the blood, or counteract the effects.
In alcohol and illicit drug use, the individual can exhibit disorientation or pass out (PADUI Association, 2010).
The severe symptoms of nervous system disorder are convulsions or seizures, coma, and respiratory failure (Wall, 2006 Karatas, 2009 Slonim Allbee, 2010). The condition of patients may deteriorate from moderate to serious symptoms. The dosage or level of exposure may also be so high to cause the severe symptoms immediately. Lack of intervention could lead to death.
A high level of dosage of certain medicines and illicit drugs can cause convulsions, respiratory failure, and coma (Drug Enforcement Administration, 2010). Without immediate intervention, the symptoms can occur in minutes before causing death.
Ingestion of chemicals such as pesticides or cleaning agents usually leads to respiratory failure and then death without proper and immediate intervention (McBride, 2009).
In alcohol, the lethal level is set at around .4 percent, which is five times the alcohol intoxication level (PADUI Association, 2010). High alcohol levels in the blood can cause respiratory failure.
What are medical and alternative treatments to nervous system depression
The treatment of nervous system depression depends on the symptoms. There is no single treatment and the employment of intervention to the condition occurs as these emerge. Often, treatment is a combination of interventions to address different symptoms. The treatment of the symptoms is diverse. There are medical and alternative treatments for the mild, moderate and severe symptoms.
The medical treatment for mild symptoms of nervous system depression is to stabilize breathing and flush out the toxic substance. In the case of symptoms caused by drugs (medicine and illicit drugs), the administration of oxygen to ease breathing is an initial treatment. Placing the patient in a recovery position can alleviate breathing. (Slonim Allbee, 2010) In mild cases, individuals can flush out drugs in the normal process of discharging urine and stool. There are also drugs that induce vomiting to clear the stomach of the drugs ingested. In the case of chemical exposure, the medical treatment is also oxygen administration andor gastric clearing. (Bateman, 1999) There are also drugs administered intravenously to counteract the effect of chemicals ingested (Karatas, 2009).
The medical treatment for moderate symptoms of nervous system disorder targets oxygenation, keeping the individual conscious, countering effects, and flushing out toxic substances. It may become necessary to resuscitate the individual, clear air passages, and administer oxygen. (Slonim Allbee, 2010) In the case of skin poisoning of chemical substances, decontamination applies by cleaning the area of exposure with water or a counteracting agent. If ingested, induced gastric clearing andor intravenous administration of counteracting agents may be necessary. (Bateman, 1999) The treatment may be more intense and longer for moderate symptoms.
The medical treatment for severe symptoms of nervous system depression is more drastic. Intravenous administration takes longer for conscious patients and those in a coma (Karatas, 2009). Oxygenation can also be part of the treatment for the duration of the stay at the health care center or hospital. Respiratory ventilation may also become necessary for patients suffering from respiratory failure. Tracheal intubation can also become necessary. (Bateman, 1999 Slonim Allbee, 2010)
Alternative treatments are herbal medicine, acupuncture, and massage. Herbal medicines are forms of traditional medicine prominent in Chinese medicine and ayurveda healing in India (National Institutes of Health, 2007a). Certain plants with emetic effects, such as the epicacuanha plant from which epicac syrup is extracted, is used to treat drug overdose and poisoning by inducing vomiting (Bateman, 1999). The use of the syrup found use by some practitioners in mainstream medicine. Other herbal medicines with properties for curing certain types of poison and conditions exist.
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing technique that involves the insertion of thin needles into the body to stimulate certain points in the human anatomy (National Institutes of Health, 2007b). Known effects are improved circulation and relief from pain. Although research is ongoing over how acupuncture affects the body, particularly the brain, a common idea is the stimulation of specific acupuncture points can stimulate chemical reactions to achieve certain outcomes at the cellular level (National Institutes of Health, 2007b) such as improve respiration, ease pain, or detoxify the body. Acupuncture can address symptoms of nervous system depression, particularly respiration depression, conditions treatable by improving circulation, and detoxification of substances in the body.
Massage is an alternative treatment that involves the use of touch to exert pressure on certain parts of the body to stimulate a response (Braun Simonson, 2008). Massage therapy operates on a similar principle as acupuncture. The exertion of force on pressure points can cause reactions. The neuromuscular modality targets improved circulation to ensure sufficient oxygen supply to the brain, better communication and transmission between cells, and muscle relaxation or stimulation to improve motor skills and movement. Lymphatic detoxification massage can also ease the functioning of the waste disposal processes of the body to eliminate toxins such as drugs and poisons. (Braun Simonson, 2008)
How can massage therapy treat nervous system depression
Massage therapy comprise a complementary and alternative medicine (National Institutes of Health, 2007a). Massage therapy comprise a treatment on its own as well as a complementary intervention to medical treatment for cases of nervous system disorder.
The alleviation of the mild symptom of drowsiness or dizziness likely caused by circulation or respiration problems can be through the deep tissue, neuromuscular, and circulatory modalities that improve blood flow to oxygenize the brain and alleviate dizziness. The craniosacral massage, as a deep tissue modality, involves the manipulation of the cerebrospinal fluid flow to increase blood flow in the spinal column and brain. Neuromuscular therapy improves the integrative functioning of the muscles and nerves to ease brain functioning. Lymphatic massage under the circulatory modality also improves blood circulation. Neuromuscular therapy can ease headaches as well as giddiness by stimulating chemical reactions and relaxing the muscles. (Braun Simonson, 2008)
Massage therapy can also treat the moderate symptoms of nervous system depression. Confusion, loss of coordination and stupor likely co-occur with respiratory depression or the restricted supply of oxygen in the central nervous system that slows down its functioning. Craniosacral therapy, neuromuscular techniques, and lymphatic massage can improve blood flow to provide the brain more oxygen to improve its functioning. The impact of massage therapy can be immediate, especially in improving blood circulation. Loss of coordination and muscle weakness can be resolved through neuromuscular therapy and energy modality techniques. Neuromuscular therapy stimulates or relaxes the muscles and energy modality techniques target the manipulation or recharging of the Qi energy to ease tension and help the body commence the healing process. Lymphatic massage can help detoxify the body to remove the substances impeding the functioning of the nervous system. (Braun Simonson, 2008)
Massage therapy serves as a complementary treatment to the severe symptoms of nervous system disorder. Seizure, coma and respiratory failure require medical treatment (Karatas, 2009).
Massage therapy can serve as alternative treatment to most of the mild and severe symptoms of nervous system depression with similar rates of effectiveness given that a trained and licensed massage therapist is providing treatment. In cases of severe symptoms, massage therapy can complement medical treatment by multiplying the impact such as on blood flow and muscle stimulation or contributing to the effectiveness of the medical treatment.
How is massage therapy as a treatment for nervous system disorder
Massage therapy for nervous system disorder can be similarly effective relative to medical treatments to comprise an alternative treatment for the mild and moderate symptoms of nervous system disorder.
Massage therapy is non-invasive. It does not involve the use of products or devices by relying on the skill of the therapist in identifying the problem areas and employing the appropriate techniques to address these areas. This works for people uncomfortable with invasive medical techniques.
Massage therapy can apply to different people. Men and women can use massage therapy as a treatment for nervous system disorder. Children, adults, and those in the older age groups can also use massage therapy for the mild and moderate symptoms of nervous system disorder. Massage therapy customizes techniques according to the condition of the client as well as other individual conditions such as old age or disability.
Massage therapy is both accessible and affordable. There are thousands of trained and licensed therapists all over the country. Most massage therapists operate as an individual practice, which could cut the cost.
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