abnormal findings of neurologic system Flashcards
what is anosmia
it is the absence of the sense of smell, it may be due to cranial nerve dysfunction, colds, rhinitis, or zinc deficiency or it may be genetic. A unilateral change in
this sense may be indicative of a brain tumor.
what are some examples of pathologic conditions of the optic nerve?
retrobulbar
neuritis, papilledema, and
optic atrophy
what is retrobulbar neuritis?
an inflammatory process of
the optic nerve behind the
eyeball. Multiple sclerosis is
the most common cause.
what is papilledema?
(or
choked disc) is a swelling of
the optic nerve as it enters the
retina. Asymptom of
increased intracranial
pressure, papilledema can be
indicative of brain tumors or
intracranial hemorrhage
what is optic atrophy?
produces a change in the
color of the optic disc and
decreased visual acuity. It can
be a symptom of multiple
sclerosis or brain tumor.
what are the pathologic conditions of oculomotor, trochlear, and
abducens nerves (cranial nerves III,
IV, and VI)?
-nystagmus,
-strabismus,
-diplopia, or ptosis
of the upper lid
what is nystagmus
is the constant involuntary
movement of the eyeball. A
lack of muscular coordination,
strabismus, causes deviation
of one or both eyes.
what is diplopia?
is double vision.
A dropped lid, or ptosis of the
lid is usually related to
weakness of the muscles.
anesthesia, hyperesthesia, hypoesthesia
Anesthesia is the
inability to perceive the sense
of touch. Hyperesthesia
is an increased sensation,
whereas hypoesthesia is
a decreased but not absent
sensation
algesia, hypalgesia
The absence of pain
sensation is called
analgesia. Decreased
pain sensation is called
hypalgesia.
Babinski response
A Babinski response
is the fanning of the toes with
the great toe pointing toward
the dorsum of the foot
what does The Glasgow Coma Scale assess
The Glasgow Coma Scale assesses the
level of consciousness of the individual on a continuum from alertness to coma. The scale tests three body functions: verbal response, motor response, and eye response.
A maximum
total score of 15 indicates the person is
alert, responsive, and oriented. Atotal score
of 3, the lowest achievable score, indicates
a nonresponsive comatose individual.
Multiple Sclerosis
Progressive demyelination of nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord results in multiple sclerosis
Meningitis
Inflammation of the meninges that surround the brain and spinal cord is termed meningitis.
Encephalitis
Inflammation of the brain tissue and meninges is termed encephalitis.
