Chapter 10 Nervous System pathology

Question 1

Spina bifida

Answer 1

Congenital defects in the lumbar spinal column caused by imperfect union of vertebral parts (neural tube defect)

Question 2

Alzheimer disease (AD)

Answer 2

Brain disorder marked by gradual and progressive mental deterioration (dementia), personality changes, and impairment of daily functioning

Question 3

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Answer 3

Degenerative disorder of motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem

Question 4

Epilepsy

Answer 4

Chronic brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizure activity

Question 5

Huntington disease

Answer 5

Hereditary disorder marked by degenerative changes in the cerebrum leading to abrupt involuntary movements and mental deterioration

Question 6

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Answer 6

Destruction of the myelin sheath on neurons in the CNS and its replacement by plaques of sclerotic (hard) tissue

Question 7

Myasthenia gravis (MG)

Answer 7

Autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness of voluntary muscles

Question 8

Palsy

Answer 8

Paralysis (partial or complete loss of motor function)

Question 9

Parkinson’s disease

Answer 9

Degeneration of neurons in the basal ganglia, occurring in later life and leading to tremors, weakness of muscles, and slowness of movement

Question 10

Tourette syndrome

Answer 10

Involuntary, spasmodic, twitching movements; uncontrollable vocal sounds; and inappropriate words

Question 11

Herpes zoster (shingles)

Answer 11

Viral infection affecting peripheral nerves

Question 12

Meningitis

Answer 12

Inflammation of the meninges; leptomeningitis

Question 13

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) encephalopathy

Answer 13

Brain disease and dementia occurring with AIDS

Question 14

Brain tumor

Answer 14

Abnormal growth of brain tissue and meninges

Question 15

Cerebral concussion

Answer 15

Type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head

Question 16

Cerebral contusion

Answer 16

Bruising of brain tissue as a result of direct trauma to the head

Question 17

Cerebrovascular accident (CVA)

Answer 17

Disruption in the normal blood supply to the brain; stroke

Question 18

Migraine

Answer 18

Severe, recurring, unilateral, vascular headache

Question 19

Hydrocephalus

Answer 19

Abnormal accumulation of fluid (CSF) in the brain