The more alcohol you drink at once, the sooner its effects will be felt and the greater the damage that will be caused.
The nervous system is very complex, and its correct functioning includes processes within a set of physical, chemical and electrical connections. Alteration of any of these connections can affect the body's activity in several ways.
The complex brain structure contains multiple connections that interact to control all functions of the body. These brain connections are made between millions of nerve cells, called neurons. The brain balances these signals and information with each other so that the body functions properly. Various studies have shown that alcohol reduces or interrupts the communication of these neural networks.
The impact on the brain
Through brain imaging and psychological testing, experts have identified the regions of the brain most vulnerable to the effects of alcohol, which are involved with various functions of the body.
Cerebral Cortex: This area connects the brain with the rest of the nervous system. The ability to solve problems, remember and learn is altered. Inhibitions are reduced. It affects the senses. Long-term alcohol abuse can irreparably damage this region.
Cerebellum: This area controls motor coordination, affecting response capacity and reflexes, which causes loss of balance among other problems; At the same time, it weakens cognitive functions and the way you feel emotionally.
Hypothalamus: Many processes in the body, such as heart rate (heart rate or pulse), hunger or thirst, are controlled in this area. It also intervenes in involuntary processes such as breathing and body temperature, which is why drinking alcohol in excess can even lead to a coma.
Hippocampus: This structure is thought to be responsible for controlling memory. Alcoholic beverages make the person not remember what happened for a period of time. What happens in these cases is that ethanol inhibits the production of neurotransmitters that go to the hippocampus, which causes permanent damage, from mild to severe, to memory and learning ability.
Most sensitive neurons
The damage caused by alcohol abuse is much more serious in adolescents.
On the other hand, it is also harmful to drink during pregnancy and breastfeeding, since it can cause malformation of the fetus's brain, which would manifest itself at school age with problems with attention, learning and behavior.
PRONAPRESA
"Because prevention is better than cure"
