Chapter 4: Nervous System Pathology

Question 1

What is neuropathology?

Answer 1

The study of diseases of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.

Question 2

How does Alzheimer’s disease affect the brain?

Answer 2

It leads to the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, causing neuron death and cognitive decline.

Question 3

What are the main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?

Answer 3

Tremors, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity, and postural instability.

Question 4

What causes multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Answer 4

MS occurs when the immune system attacks the myelin sheath, disrupting nerve signal transmission.

Question 5

What is the role of acetylcholine in Alzheimer’s disease?

Answer 5

Reduced acetylcholine levels contribute to memory and cognitive deficits in Alzheimer’s patients.

Question 6

What is an ischemic stroke?

Answer 6

A type of stroke caused by a blood clot blocking blood flow to the brain.

Question 7

How does a hemorrhagic stroke differ from an ischemic stroke?

Answer 7

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, leading to bleeding and damage.

Question 8

What are extrapyramidal symptoms?

Answer 8

Motor control side effects, such as tremors and rigidity, often caused by antipsychotic medications.

Question 9

What is the primary neurotransmitter affected in Huntington’s disease?

Answer 9

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), leading to uncontrolled movements and cognitive decline.

Question 10

How is epilepsy characterized?

Answer 10

By recurrent seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Question 11

What is the Glasgow Coma Scale used for?

Answer 11

Assessing the level of consciousness in patients with head injuries.

Question 12

What is peripheral neuropathy?

Answer 12

Damage to peripheral nerves, causing pain, weakness, or numbness, often linked to diabetes.

Question 13

What is Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?

Answer 13

A neurological disorder caused by thiamine deficiency, often associated with chronic alcohol use.

Question 14

How does serotonin syndrome occur?

Answer 14

From an excess of serotonin, often due to combining serotonergic drugs, causing symptoms like agitation and increased reflexes.

Question 15

What are the primary causes of meningitis?

Answer 15

Infections by bacteria, viruses, or fungi that inflame the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Question 16

What is the significance of neuroimaging in diagnosing nervous system disorders?

Answer 16

Techniques like MRI and CT scans help visualize brain structure and detect abnormalities such as tumors or strokes.

Question 17

What are the hallmark symptoms of frontotemporal dementia?

Answer 17

Changes in personality, social behavior, and language abilities.

Question 18

How does amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) affect the nervous system?

Answer 18

ALS progressively damages motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.

Question 19

What is Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Answer 19

An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks peripheral nerves, causing weakness and paralysis.

Question 20

What is the main symptom of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)?

Answer 20

Progressive memory loss and mood changes, often seen in individuals with repeated head injuries.

Question 21

What are common treatments for neuropathic pain?

Answer 21

Anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and topical agents like lidocaine.

Question 22

What role do genetics play in neurological disorders?

Answer 22

Many conditions, such as Huntington’s disease and certain forms of epilepsy, are directly linked to genetic mutations.

Question 23

What is neuroinflammation, and how does it affect the brain?

Answer 23

It is an immune response in the brain that can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.