Ch. 10: Nervous System Flashcards
hydrocephalus
abnormal accumulation of fluid (CSF) in the brain
spina bifida
congenital defects in the lumbar spinal column caused by imperfect union of vertebral parts
Alzheimer disease (AD)
brain disorder marked by gradual and progressive mental deterioration (dementia), personality changes, and impairment of daily functioning
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
degenerative disorder of motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem
epilepsy
chronic brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizure activity
Huntington disease
hereditary disorder marked by degenerative changes in the cerebrum leading to abrupt involuntary movements and mental deterioration
multiple sclerosis (MS)
destruction of the myelin sheath on neurons in the CNS and its replacement by plaques of sclerotic (hard) tissue
myasthenia gravis (MG)
autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness of voluntary muscles
palsy
paralysis (partial or complete loss of motor function)
Parkinson disease
degeneration of neurons in the basal ganglia, occuring in later life and leading to tremors, weakness of muscles, and slowness of movement
Tourette syndrome
involuntary spasmodic, twitching movements; uncontrollable vocal sounds; and inappropriate words.
herpes zoster (shingles)
viral infection affecting peripheral nerves
meningitis
inflammation of the meninges; leptomeningitis
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) encephalopathy
brain disease and dementia occuring with AIDS.
brain tumor
abnomal growth of brain tissue and meninges
cerebral concussion
type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head
cerebral contusion
bruising of brain tissue resulting from direct trauma to the head
cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
disruption in the normal blood supply to the brain; stroke
migraine
sever, recurring, unilateral, vascular headache
cerebrospinal fluid analysis
samples of CSF are examined
cerebral angiography
x-ray imaging of the arterial blood vessels in the brain after injection of contrast material
computed tomography (CT) of the brain
computerized x-ray technique that generates multiple images of the brain and spinal cord
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
magnetic field and pulses of radiowave energy create images of the brain and spinal cord.
positron emission tomography (PET) scan
radioactive glucose is injected and then detected in the brain to image the metabolic activity of cells
Doppler ultrasound studies
sound waves detect blood flow in the carotid and intracranial arteries
electroencephalography (EEG)
recording of the electrical activity of the brain
lumbar puncture (LP)
CSF is withdrawn from between two lumbar vertebrae for analysis
