Cranial and Peripheral Nerve Disorders and Other Central Nervous System Disorders Flashcards
Wallerian degeneration
transection results in degeneration of the axon and myelin sheath distal to the site of axonal interruption
Axonal degeneration
degeneration of axon cylinder and myelin, progressing from distal to proximal, “dying back” of nerves (peripheral neuropathy
Basic Pathological Process:
Wallerian degeneration
segmental demyelination
axonal degeneration
Neuropathy (peripheral neuropathy):
any disease of nerves characterized by deteriorating neural function (diabetic neuropathy)
Polyneuropathy
bilateral symmetrical involvement of PNs, usually more legs than arms, distal segments earlier and more involved than proximal
Radiculopathy
involvement of nerve roots
Neurapraxia (class 1)
injury to nerve that causes a transient loss of function (conduction block ischemia); typically resolves rapidly or persists only a few weeks
Axonotmesis (Class 2):
injury to nerve disrupting the axon and causing loss of function and Wallerian degeneration distal to the lesion with no disruption of the endoneurium, regeneration is possible
Neurotmesis (Class 3):
cutting of the nerve with severance of all structures and complete loss of function; re-nnervation typically fails without surgical intervention
Clinical Symptoms of LMN Syndrome:
Weakness/paresis of denervated muscle, hyporeflexia and hypotonia, atrophy, fatigue
sensory loss
muscle pain
ANS dysfunction
Hyper excitability of remaining nerve fibers
NCV Studies:
conduction times (motor, sensory) are slowed or complete conduction block may be evident
EMG (motor nerve function)
examine for signs of widespread denervation atrophy (spontaneous fibrillation potentials); evidence of re-innervation (low amplitude, short duration, poly-phasic motor unit potentials)
What is the etiology of trigeminal neuralgia?
Results from degeneration (etiology unknown) or compression (tortuous basilar artery or cerebellopontine tumor)
Occurs in older population (mean age 50)
Abrupt onset
What are characteristics of trigeminal neuralgia?
brief paroxysms of neurogenic pain (stabbing/shooting), reoccurring frequently
Where does trigeminal neuralgia occur?
along the distribution of the trigeminal nerve, mandibular and maxillary divisions (involvement of ophthalmic division in rare)
one side of face
What exacerbates and relieves trigeminal neuralgia?
stress and relaxation
Trigger points of trigeminal neuralgia?
Trigger points: light touch to face, lips, or gums will cause pain
Triggering stimuli: extremes of heat or cold, chewing, talking, brushing teeth, movement of air across face
Etiology of Bell’s Palsy:
acute inflammatory process of unknown etiology (immune or viral disease) resulting in compression of the nerve within the temporal bone
Characteristics of Bell’s Palsy:
Muscles of facial expression on one side are weakened/paralyzed
Loss of control of salivation or lacrimation
Onset is acute, with maximum severity in a few hours or days
Commonly preceded by a day or 2 of pain behind the ear
Exam of Bell’s Palsy:
Drooping of corner of mouth, eyelids that don’t close
Function of muscles of facial expression (test CN VII)
Taste of anterior 2/3 of tongue
PT goals for Bell’s Palsy:
Protect cornea (artificial tears or patching) until recovery allows for eyelid closure
E-stim to maintain tone, support of function of facial mm
Provide active facial muscle exercises
Functional retraining: chewing
Bulbar Palsy (bulbar paralysis):
Refers to weakness or paralysis of the muscles innervated by the motor nuclei of the lower brainstem, affecting the muscles of the face, tongue, larynx and pharynx