Chapter 10 Nervous System Pathology New Terms

Question 1

Aneurysm

Answer 1

Enlarged weakened area in the arterial wall, which may rupture, leading to hemorrhage and CVA (stroke)

Question 2

Absence seizure

Answer 2

Form of seizure consisting of momentary clouding of consciousness and loss of awareness of surroundings

Question 3

Astrocytoma

Answer 3

Malignant tumor of astrocytes (glial brain cells)

Question 4

Aura

Answer 4

Peculiar symptom or sensation occurring before the onset of an attack of migraine or epileptic seizure

Question 5

Dementia

Answer 5

Mental decline and deterioration

Question 6

Demyelination

Answer 6

Destruction of myelin on axons of neurons (as in multiple sclerosis)

Question 7

Dopamine

Answer 7

CNS neurotransmitter, deficient in patient with Parkinson’s disease

Question 8

Embolus

Answer 8

Clot of material that travels through the blood stream and suddenly blocks a vessel

Question 9

Gait

Answer 9

Manner of walking

Question 10

Ictal event

Answer 10

Pertaining to a sudden, acute onset, as with the convulsions of an epileptic seizure

Question 11

Occlusion

Answer 11

Blockage

Question 12

Palliative

Answer 12

Relieving symptoms but not curing them

Question 13

Thymectomy

Answer 13

Removal of the thymus gland; used as treatment for myasthenia gracias

Question 14

TIA

Answer 14

Transient ischemic attack

Question 15

tic

Answer 15

Involuntary movement of a small group of muscles, as of the face; characteristic of Tourette syndrome

Question 16

tonic-clonic seizure

Answer 16

Major (grand mal) convulsive seizure marked by sudden loss of consciousness, stiffening of muscles, and twitching and jerking movements