Chapter 4: Nervous System Pathology Flashcards
What is neuropathology?
The study of diseases of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
How does Alzheimer’s disease affect the brain?
It leads to the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, causing neuron death and cognitive decline.
What are the main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
Tremors, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity, and postural instability.
What causes multiple sclerosis (MS)?
MS occurs when the immune system attacks the myelin sheath, disrupting nerve signal transmission.
What is the role of acetylcholine in Alzheimer’s disease?
Reduced acetylcholine levels contribute to memory and cognitive deficits in Alzheimer’s patients.
What is an ischemic stroke?
A type of stroke caused by a blood clot blocking blood flow to the brain.
How does a hemorrhagic stroke differ from an ischemic stroke?
A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, leading to bleeding and damage.
What are extrapyramidal symptoms?
Motor control side effects, such as tremors and rigidity, often caused by antipsychotic medications.
What is the primary neurotransmitter affected in Huntington’s disease?
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), leading to uncontrolled movements and cognitive decline.
How is epilepsy characterized?
By recurrent seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
What is the Glasgow Coma Scale used for?
Assessing the level of consciousness in patients with head injuries.
What is peripheral neuropathy?
Damage to peripheral nerves, causing pain, weakness, or numbness, often linked to diabetes.
What is Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?
A neurological disorder caused by thiamine deficiency, often associated with chronic alcohol use.
How does serotonin syndrome occur?
From an excess of serotonin, often due to combining serotonergic drugs, causing symptoms like agitation and increased reflexes.
What are the primary causes of meningitis?
Infections by bacteria, viruses, or fungi that inflame the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
What is the significance of neuroimaging in diagnosing nervous system disorders?
Techniques like MRI and CT scans help visualize brain structure and detect abnormalities such as tumors or strokes.
What are the hallmark symptoms of frontotemporal dementia?
Changes in personality, social behavior, and language abilities.
How does amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) affect the nervous system?
ALS progressively damages motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.
What is Guillain-Barré syndrome?
An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks peripheral nerves, causing weakness and paralysis.
What is the main symptom of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)?
Progressive memory loss and mood changes, often seen in individuals with repeated head injuries.
What are common treatments for neuropathic pain?
Anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and topical agents like lidocaine.
What role do genetics play in neurological disorders?
Many conditions, such as Huntington’s disease and certain forms of epilepsy, are directly linked to genetic mutations.
What is neuroinflammation, and how does it affect the brain?
It is an immune response in the brain that can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
