War and its impact on the human nervous system: psychoneurological aspects

Background. Armed conflicts have a profound impact on the physical and mental health of affected populations, particularly on the functioning of the nervous system. Psycho-emotional stress, traumatic experiences, and chronic tension caused by war lead to the development of severe neurological and psychoneurological disorders. Special attention is given to the consequences of chronic stress for the brain, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), cognitive impairments, and cerebrovascular pathology. Purpose – of this article is to analyse the main mechanisms through which war affects the nervous system, to explore the psychoneurological aspects, and to consider possible methods of therapy and rehabilitation. Materials and Methods. This study is based on the analysis of scientific publications, clinical observations, and empirical research related to the effects of war on the nervous system. Methods of content analysis, comparative analysis, and neuropsychological and neurophysiological approaches were used to assess the functional state of the nervous system under conditions of prolonged stress. Results. It was found that chronic stress, typical in wartime conditions, contributes to the development of PTSD, cognitive impairments, dysregulation of cerebral circulation, and the progression of neurodegenerative processes. Structural changes were observed in brain regions responsible for emotional regulation and memory (such as the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex). Neuroplasticity was identified as a key adaptive mechanism, which may promote both recovery and pathological changes. Conclusions. War acts as a powerful neuropsychological stressor, causing multifaceted changes in the nervous system. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for the development of effective treatment and rehabilitation strategies for individuals affected by military conflict. These approaches should consider both neurobiological and psychosocial factors.