3rd World Brain Congress

In a myelinated nerve fiber, the conduction of impulse is faster due to the presence of Myelin sheath and node of Ranvier.   As the rate of impulse conduction in a nervous system depends on the diameter of a nerve fiber and the presence or absence of myelin sheath.  Neurons with myelin sheath conduct impulse much faster than those without the presence of myelin. Schwann cells (or oligodendrocytes) are located at various regular intervals along the axons of the neuron. Between the areas of myelin are non-myelinated areas present, called as the nodes of Ranvier. Because fat or lipid molecules (myelin) acts as an insulator, a membrane coated with myelin does not conduct an impulse.  So, in a myelinated neuron, action potentials occur only along with the nodes and, therefore, impulses jump over the areas of myelin, going from node to node in a process called as saltatory conduction. Action potential velocity Brain cells are also called neurons which ...

A stroke occurs when the supply of blood to the brain is either interrupted or reduced. When this happens, the brain does not get enough oxygen or nutrients, and brain cells start to die. Nearly 800,000 people worldwide, have a stroke each year. That equates to about 1 person every 40 seconds. Strokes need to be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible to minimize brain damage . Categories of Stroke: There are three main types of stroke: Ischemic stroke: This is the most common type of stroke. A blood clot prevents blood and oxygen from reaching the brain. Hemorrhagic stroke : This occurs when a weakened blood vessel ruptures and normally occur as a result of aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Transient ischemic attacks: Also referred to as a mini-stroke, these occur after blood flow fails to reach part of the brain. Normal blood flow resumes after a short amount of time, and symptoms cease. How to prevent stroke?   Here are some simple ways to ...