Limitations in treating nervous system damageSpec 2.12B
In short
Treating damage to the nervous system is difficult because the brain is complex, delicate and hard to reach inside the skull, and surgery risks damaging healthy tissue. Neurones in the central nervous system do not easily repair themselves, so damage such as a spinal injury can cause permanent paralysis. Some brain tumours cannot be removed safely.
Treating damage and disease in the brain and other parts of the nervous system is difficult.
- The brain is complex and delicate, and it is difficult to reach inside the skull. Surgery risks damaging healthy tissue.
- Neurones in the central nervous system do not easily repair themselves, so damage is often permanent.
- In a spinal injury, the spinal cord is damaged, so impulses cannot pass the damaged region. This can cause paralysis and loss of feeling below the injury. The damage is very difficult to repair.
- A brain tumour may be in a place where it cannot be removed safely. Treatments may also damage healthy brain tissue around it.
To explain a limitation, say what is difficult and why. For example: neurones in the spinal cord do not easily repair, so the paralysis can be permanent.
Quick check
What does the cerebellum do?
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It coordinates movement and helps to control balance.
What does the medulla oblongata control?
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Unconscious activities such as heart rate and breathing rate.
Name one function of the cerebral hemispheres.
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Any one of: consciousness, intelligence, memory, language.
Which part of the brain would be involved in learning a new language?
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The cerebral hemispheres.
Written and checked against the Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) specification · Updated October 2026