Stress is one of the common neurological disorders that affects different age groups. Researches show that stress can be caused by work and daily pressures and if not treated, it can lead to diseases such as seizures, brain damage, MS and stroke. Various methods such as exercise, meditation, listening to calm music, injecting Migraine Botox, visiting a doctor and using modern treatments such as RTMS are effective in reducing the impact of stress on the brain. Research has shown that stress and the brain are closely related. In case of stress, be sure to visit a neurologist to evaluate the cause through diagnostic methods such as EEG and nerve and muscle tape. Join us in this article from ** Dr. Majid Kihani Fard ** to teach you how to overcome your stress. The effect of stress on brain activity From the point of view of medical science, stress is a kind of defense mechanism of the body that people face when faced with different life situations such as work pressure, losing things, losing loved ones, playing an important competition and similar factors. On the other hand, this type of answer is considered a kind of warning that every person should pay attention to. The effects of stress on the brain include: - ### **Memory disorder** Severe stress can cause **brain changes such as memory impairment** and cognitive patterns. It affects the hippocampus, which is responsible for learning and memory. This same issue can cause diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's that make everyday life difficult. - ### **Disturbance in neuroplasticity** The brain has the ability to adapt and change to different conditions. Stress can affect neuroplasticity or the flexibility of the brain. Chronic stress can cause the hippocampus to shrink with its negative effects on the brain. Carrying out happy and positive activities, healthy lifestyle, exercise and socializing with different people help to maintain the flexibility of the brain. - ### **Emergence of mental disorders** The role of anxiety in the brain is such that it can have serious effects on mental and emotional health. Increased stress can lead to anxiety and mood disorders such as depression. This happens due to a change in brain function, which must be immediately reduced and treated. - ### **Incidence of neurological diseases** Excessive stress ages the brain and multiplies the risk of developing neurological diseases such as dementia, MS, Parkinson's and various types of brain damage. At this stage, it is necessary to see a doctor immediately so that the diagnosis and treatment procedures can be done for you. The impact of stress on the brain is such that it can disrupt the smallest mental functions and lead to irreparable consequences. Controlling stress in the early stages and low intensity will prevent diseases caused by anxiety. The role of doctor services in reducing the negative effects of stress Medical services can play an important role in reducing the negative effects of stress on people's mental and physical health. Below are some of these services and their effects on stress and brain management: - ### **Nerve and muscle tape (EMG)** This test examines **electrical function of muscles and nerves** and can be effective in identifying disorders that may have been caused by stress, such as myopathies or neurotrophies. An imbalance in muscle function may lead to increased stress, and identifying these problems will help manage them. - ### **Encephalogram (EEG)** EEG helps to examine the electrical activity of the brain and can show the necessary information about a person's mental state and his reactions to stress. This test is especially useful when stress is causing sleep disturbances or mood swings. - ### **TCCD** TCCD examines blood flow in the brain and can help diagnose stress-related vascular disorders. Changes in blood flow to the brain can be a sign of the effects of stress, and its investigation can be effective in better understanding these effects. - ### **RTMS** Transcranial magnetic stimulation is one of the new treatment methods that helps reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that this method can be effective in **improving the level of stress and anxiety**. By stimulating certain areas of the brain, this treatment can help improve people's mood and quality of life. Medical services along with medical consultations can identify **the cause of stress and its effect on the brain** and improve the person. Using rTMS to reduce nervous tension Studies have shown that RTMS can have positive effects on stress control and brain function. By producing strong magnetic fields, this technique stimulates the electrical activity of neurons and can help regulate mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Research shows that rTMS can reduce chronic pain, especially nerve pain and panic attacks. In addition, this method can stimulate the process of neurogenesis and improve cognitive function, including attention and memory. Monitoring brain changes with EEG The negative changes that occur in **the effect of stress on our brain** can be evaluated, and the brain scan plays a very important role in investigating this. By placing small electrodes on the scalp, this method records brain signals and can help identify and measure stress and nervous tension. Brain activity changes when experiencing stress. In particular, beta waves (15-40 Hz) have been identified as a sign of stress, anxiety, and mental stimulation. The increase of these waves is usually associated with stressful situations and anxiety. On the other hand, alpha waves (8-12 Hz) can indicate stress reduction and relaxation. Doctors and counselors can evaluate the patient's brain changes when exposed to stressful stimuli and design more effective treatment plans using brain scans. Stress reduction strategies to maintain brain health Controlling and reducing stress can be challenging at times. In the first step, when you feel stressed, pause and take a few deep breaths. Think about what is causing your stress so you can take action to resolve it. Other ways to reduce stress include: - ### **Lifestyle change** Change your lifestyle. Avoid eating unhealthy foods and start living a healthy life. You can start with small changes in the first step and gradually accustom your body system and mood to this method. - ### **sports** Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce stress. Physical activities like walking, running or even dancing can boost your energy and improve your focus and motivation. - ### **healthy diet** Proper nutrition can help balance hormones and improve mood. Consuming plenty of water, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce stress. Try to include this type of food in your diet. - ### **proper sleep** Sleep problems can exacerbate stress symptoms. Trying to get enough sleep will help you avoid stress burnout. Useful sleep should be between 6 and 8 hours. - ### **Calmness in behavior** In the face of various behaviors, try to maintain your control and deal calmly. Stressful behaviors multiply your anxiety and endanger your brain health. - ### **Self-care** Self-care means doing activities that make you relax and feel good. These activities can include spending time with friends, going for a walk, or watching your favorite movies. - ### **Quit smoking** Reduce and stop smoking. All harmful substances such as cigarettes, alcohol, etc. increase stress and its effect on the brain. In addition to stress, smoking also causes a variety of other neurological disorders. There are many techniques for **reducing the role of anxiety in the brain**, of which the above were the most important. Try to pay attention to the health of your brain and soul and get rid of stress so that your mind functions better. **Summary** In this article, stress and its effect on the brain were well investigated. Stress, as a common neurological disorder, can have profound effects on memory, neuroplasticity, and emotional and mental health of a person. These effects can lead to more serious disorders such as depression, dementia and brain damage. According to various methods for stress management, including physical activities, meditation and modern treatments such as RTMS, it is possible to help improve the quality of life and control the negative effects of stress. Also, the use of EEG as an effective diagnostic tool can help doctors identify and evaluate the effects of stress. Finally, attention to lifestyle, proper diet, enough sleep, smoking cessation and self-care are practical measures to reduce stress and maintain brain health. In order to receive advice from Dr. Majid Kihani Fard, to diagnose the cause of stress, to receive medical advice and to perform **nerve and muscle tape** at home, call the listed numbers. : sources https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9163300 https://www.nuvancehealth.org/health-tips-and-news/the-effect-of-stress-on-the-brain-and-ways-to-manage-it#:~:text=Stress%20affects%20neuroplasticity%20in%20two,brain%2C%20including%20shrinking%20the%20hippocampus https://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?script=sci\_arttext&pid=S1665-5 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9656-electroencephalogram-eeg https://ansonrecord.com/uncategorized/9889/managing-stress-with-the-five-as#:~:text=For%20adults%2C%20Maness%20suggests%20the,Accept%2C%20Adapt%2C%20and%20Assert https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/how-stress-affects-the-brain/#:~:text=When%20we%20deal%20with%20long,make%20decisions%2C%20and%20regulate%20emotions https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/how-manage-and-reduce-stress#:~:text=Move%20your%20body%20regularly,improve%20your%20focus%20and%20motivation