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Illustration of the nervous system, including brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves

Also called: Neurodegenerative diseases

Degenerative nerve diseases cause worsening of many of your body's activities, including balance, movement, talking, breathing and heart function. Many of these diseases are genetic, which means they run in families or you have a genetic mutation. Certain medical conditions such as alcoholism, a tumor or a stroke can cause other types. Toxins, chemicals or viruses might cause still other types.

Examples of degenerative nerve diseases include

Degenerative nerve diseases can be serious or life-threatening. It depends on their type. Most of them have no cure. The goal of treatment is usually to improve symptoms, relieve pain and increase mobility.

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