Professional Description:
A process where neurons are damaged or destroyed through excess stimulation and receptor activation because of imbalances in neurotransmitters and ions. Neuronal cell membranes are damaged because of the primary injury, leading to a loss of K+ and an influx of Na+ and Ca+ ions. Neurons use electrical signaling to communicate, and this ion imbalance causes depolarization of the cell, which leads to random propagation of nerve impulses. Uncontrolled firing of neurons results in the undesired release of neurotransmitters and glutamate, which damage receptors on surrounding neurons, increasing the rate of cell death by up-regulating cell apoptosis pathways.