how alcohol affects the central nervous system
how alcohol affects the central nervous system
I once had the unusual, though unfortunate, opportunity of
observing a similar phenomenon in the structure of the brain of a man who, in a
fit of alcoholic excitement, beheaded himself under the wheels of a train, and
his brain evolved instantly from the skull caused by the accident. The entire
brain was in front of me three minutes after death. It gives off a very clear
smell of alcohol, and its membranes and tiny structures are rich in blood
vessels. It seems like he was recently injected with a vermilion drug. The
white matter of the brain, dotted with red dots, when slit, is almost
indistinguishable by its natural whiteness; and the pia-mater, or inner
vascular membrane that covers the brain, is like a delicate web of coagulated
red blood, so tense that its small blood vessels are as well.
I should add that this condition extends to both
the larger and smaller brains, to the brain and cerebellum, but is not evident
in the spinal cord or the first part of the spinal cord.
Spinal cord and nerves.
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The effects of alcohol continue beyond the
initial stages, and the function of the spinal cord is affected. Thanks to this
part of the nervous system, when we are in good health, we are accustomed to
performing automatic actions of a mechanical type, taking place systematically
even when we think or talk about things. Other topics. Thus, a skilled workman
will continue his mechanical work perfectly, while his mind is occupied with
some other subject; and thus, we all perform various actions completely
automatically, without recourse to the help of higher centers, unless something
more than usual arises that requires it. their service, which we contemplate
before performing them. Under the influence of alcohol, because the spinal centers
are affected, these completely automatic actions are no longer performed
properly. In order for the hand to reach any object or for the feet to be
placed correctly, the higher intellectual center must be activated to carry out
the procedure safely. This quickly leads to a lack of coordination of muscle
movements. Nervous control of some muscles is lost and nerve stimulation is
more or less impaired. In humans, the muscles of the lower lip usually give way
first, followed by the muscles of the lower limbs, and it should be noted that
the extensors give way earlier than the flexors. The muscles themselves also
lose strength at this time; they react weaker than natural to nerve
stimulation; they are also subjected to the inhibitory effects of paralytic agents;
their structure is temporarily disturbed and their contractility is reduced.
The change in animal function under the
influence of alcohol marks the second level of its effects. In young subjects,
vomiting often occurs with fainting, followed by gradual reduction of the toxic
burden.
Acts on the centers of the brain.
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The alcoholic mind is at an even higher level;
the brain or brain centers all ministries are affected; Their strength is
impaired and the controlling influence of will and judgment is lost. When these
centers become unbalanced and fall into chaos, the rational part of human
nature gives way to the emotional, passionate, or organic part. Reason is now
disordered, or a mockery of duty, and all the simple animal instincts and
feelings are horribly exposed. The cowardly person is more cowardly, the
boastful person is more boastful, the cruel person is crueler, the liar is more
deceitful, the sensual person is viler. In vino veritas” represents, even with
physiological precision, the true condition. Reason, emotions, instincts,
everything is in a state of chaotic celebration and weakness.
Finally, the effects of alcohol persist, the
higher brain centers being controlled; the senses are obscured, voluntary
muscle regeneration is perfected, sensitivity is lost, and the body becomes no
more than a simple log, almost one-quarter dead, with only the life hanging
from it. It. The heart is always faithful to its duty and while alive it
nourishes the ability to breathe. Thus, circulation and respiration, in the
inert mass, keep that mass in a naked state of life
until the poison begins to disappear and the
nerve centers begin to regenerate. Luckily for the drunkard, as a rule the
brain stops working so long before the heart that it has neither the strength
nor the consciousness to continue the destructive process until its circulatory
system dies. Go. So, he lived to die another day.
