Neuroinflammation: What It Is and Why It Matters

When dealing with neuroinflammation, the swelling and immune response inside the brain or spinal cord that can disrupt normal nerve signaling. Also known as brain inflammation, it signals that something in the central nervous system is out of balance.

Key Triggers and Players

One of the biggest drivers is CNS infection, any viral, bacterial, or fungal invasion that reaches the brain or spinal cord. Common respiratory infections like sinusitis or pneumonia can sneak past the barrier and set off an immune cascade, causing microglial cells to go into overdrive. Those resident immune cells, known as microglia, the brain’s own police force that clean up debris and fight invaders, release cytokines that amplify the swelling. Autoimmune disorders, traumatic brain injury, and chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s also light the fuse, while certain medications can either calm or aggravate the response.

Managing neuroinflammation starts with pinpointing the underlying cause—whether it’s an infection that needs antibiotics, an autoimmune flare that benefits from immune modulation, or lifestyle factors like diet and stress that fuel chronic inflammation. Once the trigger is identified, targeted therapies, nutritional support, and regular monitoring can help restore balance and protect brain function. Below you’ll find a curated set of articles that break down these triggers, treatments, and practical tips you can apply right away.