Chapter 10: Nervous System: Pathology and Laboratory Tests 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 (neural tube defect).
Alzheimer disease
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 of plaques of sclerotic (hard) tissue.
myasthenia gravia
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 occurring with AIDS.
brain tumor
Abnormal 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
Severe, 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
Recording of the electrical activity in the brain.
lumbar puncture
LP
CSF is withdrawn from between two lumbar vertebrae for analysis.
stereotactic radiosurgery
Use of a specialized instrument to locate and treat targets in the brain.
absence seizure
Form of seizure consisting of momentary clouding of consciousness and loss of awareness of surroundings.
aneurysm
Enlarged, weakened area in an arterial wall, which may rupture, leading to hemorrhage and CVA (stroke).
astrocytoma
Malignant tumor of astrocytes (glial brain cells).
aura
Peculiar symptom or sensation occurring before the onset (prodromal) of an attack of migraine or an epileptic seizure.
dementia
Mental decline and deterioration.
demyelination
Destruction of myelin on axons of neurons.
dopamine
CNS neurotransmitter
embolus
Clot of material that travels through the bloodstream and suddenly blocks a vessel.
gait
Manner of walking.
ictal event
Pertaining to a sudden, acute onset, as with the convulsions of an epileptic seizure.
occlusion
Blockage
palliative
Relieving symptoms but not curing them.
thymectomy
Removal of the thymus gland.
transient ischemic attack
ISA
Short episode of neurological dysfunction. Type of cerebrovascular accident
tic
Involuntary movement of a small group of muscles, as of the face.
tonic-clonic seizure
Major (grand mal) convulsive seizure marked by sudden loss of consciousness, stiffening of muscles, and twitching and jerking movements.
