2-2. COMMON MALFUNCTIONS

A variety of malfunctions can occur in the nervous system. Problems can take place in the central nervous system as well as in the peripheral nervous system.

Central Nervous System. In the brain, there can be interference of nerve impulses, impairment of autonomic functions, impairment of thinking processes, impairment of seeing, hearing, and speaking, and impairment of muscle coordination. In the spinal cord, possible problems include impairment of the spinal cord reflex arc, impairment of touch, and impairment of movement.

Peripheral Nervous System. Problems in this area include the reduction or elimination of stretch reflexes; for example, a reduction in the range of motion of a body part. Another possible malfunction in this system is nerve paralysis.