Can Neurons breakdown?

Is there a possibility of a few neurons breaking down?
I've had this problem for ages where I feel I've got a neurological deficit since an evening, it has made me feel weak on the left side and I've lost some part of myself.
Psychiatrists say that it's a delusion. Are they right?
Brainscan shows normal, what does this mean?
what can happen having had alcohol, being slightly depressed one night and gone out to a gambling house, can it damage your neurons of some sort?
Could you give some explanation for this.
I am stuck as I do not have any support to say that it could be a neurological problem, or an incident.
Thanks

[hayze]

Just a brief explanation would be great.

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

Neuronal cells can indeed die or break down and there can be several reasons for this.  The most common cause is the blockage of blood supply such as that happening in cerebrovascular accidents or a stroke.  However, your normal brain scan may essentially rule out this diagnosis.

Alcohol can cause a condition called a wernicke-korsakoff syndrome, where some functions of the brain can indeed be affected.  This would usually not be visible on brain scans but should respond with supportive treatment and abstinence from alcohol.  Alcohol can also lower vitamin B levels and this can present with neurologic abnormalities.

I suggest you discuss with your doctors regarding these other possibilities, especially the vitamin B angle.  Regards and God bless.