Chapter 10 (Vocabulary)

Question 1

Pain in the head.

Answer 1

cephalalgia

Question 2

A headache characterized by throbbing pain on one side of the head & may be preceded by a warning aura (a visual disturbance perceived by the patient)

Answer 2

migraine headache [Primarily affect women & are sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting & sensitivity to light and sound.]

Question 3

Intensely painful headaches that affect one side of the head and often occur in groups or clusters.

Answer 3

cluster headaches [Primarily affect men & are associated with tearing of the eyes & nasal congestion. Named for their repeated occurrence in groups or clusters.]

Question 4

A congenial herniation of brain substances (tissue) through a gap in the skull.

Answer 4

encephalocele [aka craniocele]

Question 5

Protrusion of a structure from its normal position.

Answer 5

herniation

Question 6

The congenial herniation of the meninges through a defect in the skull or spinal column.

Answer 6

meningocele

Question 7

A condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates within the ventricles of the brain. This condition can occur at birth or develop later on in life from obstructions related to meningitis, brain tumors, or other causes.

Answer 7

hydrocephalus

Question 8

A common, slow growing and usually benign tumor of the meninges.

Answer 8

meningioma

Question 9

Inflammation of the meninges of the brain and spinal cord. This condition, which can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection elsewhere in the body, is characterized by intense headache & flu-like symptoms.

Answer 9

meningitis [aka infectious meningitis. Bacterial meningitis, which is less common, is sometimes fatal.]

Question 10

The mental activities associated with thinking, learning and memory.

Answer 10

cognition

Question 11

A memory disorder, usually associated with recently acquired information, which may be an early predictor of Alzheimer’s disease.

Answer 11

mild cognitive impairment

Question 12

A slowly progressive decline in mental abilities including memory, thinking, and judgement that is often accompanied by personality changes.

Answer 12

dementia [Senile dementia is dementia of the aged.]

Question 13

A form of dementia caused by a restriction of blood to the brain.

Answer 13

vascular dementia [Although Alzheimer’s disease is the primary cause of dementia, vascular dementia accounts for about 10-20% of all cases.]

Question 14

Inflammation of the brain, can be caused by a viral infection such as rabies.

Answer 14

encephalitis

Question 15

A potentially serious or deadly disorder in children that is characterized by vomiting & confusion. This syndrome sometimes follows a viral illness in which the child was treated with aspirin.

Answer 15

Reye’s syndrome (RIZE) (RS)

Question 16

An acute and potentially fatal infection of the central nervous system caused by a toxin produced by the this bacteria.

Answer 16

tetanus [Tetanus can be prevented through immunization. In unimmunized people, this condition is typically acquired through a deep puncture wound.]

Question 17

A complex neurological disorder characterized by involuntary tics, grunts and compulsive utterances that sometimes include obscenities.

Answer 17

tourette syndrome (TS)

Question 18

An umbrella term for disorders in which there is a progressive loss of the structure or functions of neurons.

Answer 18

neurondegenerative disease [example: Huntington’s disease is a genetic disorder that is classified as a neurondegenerative disease - chp 2.]

Question 19

A group of disorders involving the parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language. It is the leading cause of dementia and is marked by progressive deterioration that affects both the memory & reasoning capabilities of an individual.

Answer 19

Alzheimer’s disease

Question 20

A chronic, degenerative central nervous system disorder characterized by the fine muscle tremors, rigidity & a slow or shuffling gait. Gait describes the manner of walking. This slow or shuffling gait is caused by gradual progressive loss of control over movements due to inadequate levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain.

Answer 20

Parkinson’s disease

Question 21

A memory disturbance marked by a total or partial inability to recall past experiences. This condition can be caused by a brain injury, illness, or a psychological disturbance.

Answer 21

amnesia

Question 22

A violent shake up or jarring of the brain. May result in a temporary loss of awareness and function.

Answer 22

concussion

Question 23

Bruising of brain tissue as the result of a head injury that causes the brain to bounce against the rigid bone of the skull.

Answer 23

cerebral contusion

Question 24

A collection of blood trapped in the tissues of the brain. Can be caused by a major or even minor head injury.

Answer 24

cranial hematoma [Named for their location, the types of cranial hematomas include an epidural hematoma located above the dura mater or subdural hematoma, which is located below the dura mater.]

Question 25

A blow to the head or a penetrating head injury that damages the brain. Not all blows to the head result in damage to the brain. When an injury does occur, it can range from mild, with only brief change in mental status, to severe, with longer lasting effects.

Answer 25

traumatic brain injury

Question 26

Describes an injury occurring within the skull near the point of impact, such as hitting the windshield in an auto accident.

Answer 26

coup

Question 27

An injury that occurs beneath the skull opposite to the area of impact.

Answer 27

contrecoup, also described as a counterblow

Question 28

Describes the result of a child being violently shaken by someone. This action can cause brain injury, blindness, fractures, seizures, paralysis, and death.

Answer 28

shaken baby syndrome

Question 29

Terms used to describe the measurement of response to arousal and stimulus.

Answer 29

levels of consciousness (LOC)

Question 30

Refers to the decrease in consciousness due to injury, disease, or substances such as medication, drugs, or alcohol.

Answer 30

altered levels of consciousness (ALOC)

Question 31

The state of being awake, alert, aware, and responding appropriately.

Answer 31

conscious

Question 32

A state of being unaware and unable to respond to any stimuli including pain.

Answer 32

unconscious

Question 33

A lower level of consciousness marked by listless, drowsiness, and apathy. As used here, apathy means indifference and a reduced level of activity. The term lethargic refers to a person who is at this level of consciousness.

Answer 33

lethargy

Question 34

An unresponsive state from which a person can be aroused only briefly despite vigorous, repeated attempts.

Answer 34

stupor

Question 35

The brief loss of consciousness caused by the decreased flow of blood to the brain.

Answer 35

syncope, aka fainting

Question 36

A deep state of unconsciousness marked by the absence of spontaneous eye movements, no response to painful stimuli, and no vocalization.

Answer 36

coma [Comatose refers to a person who is in a coma.]

Question 37

A type of coma in which the patient exhibits alternating sleep and wake cycles; however, the individual is unconscious even when appearing to be awake.

Answer 37

persistent vegetative state

Question 38

An acute condition of confusion, disorientation, disordered thinking and memory, agitation, and hallucinations. This condition is usually caused by a treatable physical condition, such as high fever.

Answer 38

delirium [An individual suffering from this condition is described as being delirious.]

Question 39

An abnormal growth located inside the skull.

Answer 39

brain tumor

Question 40

This type of brain tumor destroys brain tissue. When this cancer originates in the brain, it is considered to the be primary site. If this cancer metastasizes (spreads) to the brain from another body system, it is considered to be a secondary site.

Answer 40

invasive malignant brain tumor

Question 41

This type of brain tumor does not invade the brain tissue; however, because this growth is surrounded by rigid bone, as the tumor enlarges, it can damage the brain tissue by placing pressure against the tissue & by increasing the intracranial pressure.

Answer 41

benign brain tumor

Question 42

The amount of pressure inside the skull.

Answer 42

intracranial pressure [Elevated intracranial pressure can be due to a tumor, an injury, or improper drainage of cerebrospinal fluid.

Question 43

Damage to the brain that occurs when the blood flow to the brain is disrupted because a blood vessel is either blocked or has ruptured.

Answer 43

cerebrovascular accident (CVA), aka stroke [Strokes are currently the third-leading cause of death and the primary cause of long-term disability.

Question 44

Strokes, CVA (cerebrovascular accident) - damage to the right side of the brain produces symptoms on the ? side of the body? Damage to the left side of the brain produces symptoms on the ? side of the body?

Answer 44

left side right side

Question 45

Damage that occurs when the flow of blood to the brain is blocked by the narrowing or blockage of a carotid artery. This is the most common stroke in older people.

Answer 45

ischemic stroke [Ischemic means pertaining to the disruption of the blood supply.]

Question 46

A type of ischemic stroke that occurs when a blood clot forms in a carotid artery and blocks it.

Answer 46

thrombotic stroke

Question 47

A type of ischemic stroke that occurs when a blood clot or other debris forms in a blood vessel somewhere other than the brain and travels through the bloodstream to lodge in the narrower brain arteries.

Answer 47

embolic stroke

Question 48

A temporary interruption in the blood supply to the brain. Symptoms include numbness, blurred vision, dizziness, or loss of balance. It can pass in less than an hour; however, this incident is often a warning sign that the individual is at risk for a more serious and debilitating stroke.

Answer 48

transient ischemic attack (TIA) [Transient means passing quickly.]

Question 49

The loss of the ability to speak, write, and/or comprehend the written or spoken word, which is often caused by brain damage.

Answer 49

aphasia

Question 50

Damage to the brain that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks. A bleed also occurs when an aneurysm within the brain ruptures. This type of stroke is less common than ischemic strokes and is often fatal.

Answer 50

hemorrhagic stroke, aka bleed [A hemorrhagic stroke affects the area of the brain damaged by the leaking blood. An aneurysm is a localized, weak, balloon-like enlargement of an artery wall.]

Question 51

An abnormal connection between the arteries and vein in the brain is usually congenial and can rupture suddenly at any age; may cause a hemorrhagic stroke.

Answer 51

arteriovenous malformation

Question 52

The prolonged or abnormal inability to sleep. This condition is usually a symptom of another problem such as depression, pain or excessive caffeine.

Answer 52

insomnia

Question 53

A sleep disorder consisting of sudden and uncontrollable brief episodes of falling asleep during the day.

Answer 53

narcolepsy

Question 54

A sufficient lack of restorative sleep over a cumulative period so as to cause physical or psychiatric symptoms and affect routine performance or tasks.

Answer 54

sleep deprivation

Question 55

The condition of walking or performing some other activity without awakening.

Answer 55

somnambulism, aka sleepwalking or noctambulism

Question 56

Inflammation of the spinal cord; inflammation of bone marrow.

Answer 56

myelitis

Question 57

A tumor of the spinal cord. Also means an abnormal proliferation of bone marrow tissue.

Answer 57

myelosis

Question 58

A highly contagious viral infection of the brainstem and spinal cord that sometimes leads to paralysis.

Answer 58

poliomyelitis [There is no known cure of polio; however, it can be prevented through vaccination.]

Question 59

The recurrence later in life of some polio symptoms in individuals who have had the childhood poliomyelitis and have recovered from it.

Answer 59

post-polio syndrome

Question 60

Paralysis resulting from damage to the spinal cord that prevents nerve impulses from being transmitted below the level of the injury.

Answer 60

spinal cord injuries

Question 61

Inflammation of the root of a spinal nerve that causes pain and numbness radiating down the affected limb. This term usually applies to the portion of the root that lies btw the spinal cord and the intervertebral canal of the spinal column.

Answer 61

radiculitis, aka pinched nerve

Question 62

Nerve pain caused by pressure on the spinal nerve roots in the neck region.

Answer 62

cervical radiculopathy

Question 63

Nerve pain in the lower back caused by muscle spasms or by nerve root irritation from the compression of vertebral disks such as a herniated disk.

Answer 63

lumbar radiculopathy

Question 64

A progressive autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation that causes demyelination of the myelin sheath. This scars the brain, spinal cord, & optic nerves & disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses. This damage leaves the patient with varying degrees of pain plus physical and cognitive problems.

Answer 64

multiple sclerosis [Disease is characterized by periods of exacerbations, which are episodes of worsening symptoms that are also referred to as flares. Between episodes, the patient my be in remission - a time during which the symptoms ease, but the disease has not been cured. Demyelination is the loss of patches of the protective myelin sheath.

Question 65

A rapidly progressive neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. Patients affected with this condition become progressively weaker until they are completely paralyzed and die.

Answer 65

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, aka Lou Gehrig's disease

Question 66

Temporary paralysis of the seventh cranial nerve that causes paralysis only on the affected side of the face. In addition, paralysis symptoms can include the inability to close the eye, pain, tearing, drooling, hypersensitivity to sound in the affected ear, and impairment of taste.

Answer 66

Bell's palsy

Question 67

Inflammation of the myelin sheath of peripheral nerves, characterized by rapidly worsening muscle weakness that may lead to temporary paralysis. This condition is an autoimmune reaction that can occur after certain viral infections or an immunization.

Answer 67

Guillain-Barre' syndrome

Question 68

Inflammation of a nerve accompanied by pain and sometimes loss of function.

Answer 68

neuritis

Question 69

Inflammation of the sciatic nerve that results in pain, burning, and tingling along the course of the affected sciatic nerve through the thigh, leg, and foot.

Answer 69

sciatica

Question 70

Is characterized by severe lightening-like pain due to an inflammation of the fifth cranial nerve. These sudden, intense, brief attacks of sharp pain affect the cheek, lips, and gums only on the side of the face innervated by the affected nerve.

Answer 70

Trigeminal neuralgia

Question 71

A condition characterized by poor muscle control, spasticity, speech defects, and other neurologic deficiencies due to damage that affects the cerebrum. Spasticity is a condition in which certain muscles are continuously contracted.

Answer 71

cerebral palsy [Palsy means paralysis of a body part that is often accompanied by loss of feeling and uncontrolled body movements, such as shaking. Occurs most frequently in premature or low-birth-weight infants. Also caused by an injury that occurs during pregnancy, birth, or soon after birth.

Question 72

A chronic neurologic condition characterized by recurrent episodes of seizures of varying severity.

Answer 72

epilepsy, aka seizure disorder [Epilepsy can usually be controlled with medication.]

Question 73

A sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain that affects how a person feels or acts for a short time. Some can hardly be noticed, whereas others cause a brief loss of consciousness. Symptoms are different disorders that can affect the brain and also can be caused by extreme high fever, brain injury, or brain lesions.

Answer 73

seizure

Question 74

Also called a grand mal seizure, involves the entire body. In the this ____phase of the seizure, the body becomes rigid, and in the ____ phase, there is uncontrolled jerking.

Answer 74

tonic-clonic seizure

Question 75

A brief disturbance in brain function in which there is a loss of awareness often described as a starting episode.

Answer 75

absence seizure, aka petit mal seizure

Question 76

Persistent, severe, burning pain that usually follows an injury to a sensory nerve.

Answer 76

causalgia

Question 77

A condition of abnormal and excessive sensitivity to touch, pain or other sensory stimuli.

Answer 77

hyperesthesia

Question 78

A burning or prickling sensation that is usually felt in the hands, arms, legs, or feet., but can also occur in other parts of the body. These sensations may constitute the first symptoms of peripheral neuropathy or may be a drug side effect.

Answer 78

paresthesia

Question 79

A disorder of the peripheral nerves that carry information to and from the brain and spinal cord, producing pain, loss of sensation, and inability to control muscles, particularly in the arms or legs.

Answer 79

peripheral neuropathy

Question 80

Any disease or damage to a nerve? Damage to a singular peripheral nerve, as in carpal tunnel syndrome? Multiple peripheral nerves are damaged. Diabetes is a common cause, along with trauma, vitamin deficiencies & alcoholism.

Answer 80

Neuropathy Mononeuropathy Polyneuropathy

Question 81

A neurological disorder characterized by uncomfortable feelings in the legs, producing a strong urge to move them. The sensation is usually most noticeable at night or when trying to rest.

Answer 81

restless leg syndrome (RLS)