Intro to Neurology Flashcards
What is neurology?
The study of the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system
Anatomy
study of structure
Neuroanatomy
study of the nervous systems structure
physiology
study of function
neurophysiology
study of the nervous systems function
pathology
study of diseases
neuropathology
study of nervous system diseases
Central nervous system
- brain
- spinal cord
Peripheral nervous system
- nerves (spinal and cranial)
5 needs for neurological training:
- Speaks language of neurologist (better communication)
- Chooses appropriate test instruments
- Neurological etiologies help predict problems
- SLP document change/efficacy of treatments
- Knowledge of neuroplasticity to plan treatment
incidence
NEW cases
prevalence
TOTAL cases (new+existing)
Theoretical Perspectives
How does the brain work?
LEFT MOST (bits and pieces)
- Radical Localists
- Localists
- Connectionists
- Holists
RIGHT MOST (as a whole)
Structural imaging
viewing anatomy of the brain
Functional imaging
viewing physiology of the brain
Structural Imaging: CT
Computed/Computerized Technology
- x-ray beams reflect off the body’s tissue
- more reflection with dense tissues (like bones)
- 2D image (can render to 3D)
PROs of CT
- common
- easily accessible
- inexpensive
- quick processing time
CONs of CT
- use of x-ray
- structure only
- clarity of images
- difficulty observing new damage
Structural Imaging: MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- magnetic current applied to body, flips protons in water molecules
- image formed from 3 planes (3D)
PROs of MRI
- better images
- images in multi-dimensions
- no x-rays
- no preparation
CONs of MRI
- more expensive
- patients with metal in body
- patients must be still
- claustrophobia struggles
Angiography
imaging structure of vascular system (x-rays used)
PROs of angiography
- excellent images
- assess + treat in same session
CONs of angiography
- invase
- risk of bleeding, clotting, bruising, swelling
- x-ray/radiation
Spatial resolution
location of brain activity when a stimulus is introduced
Temporal resolution
time between stimulus presented and brains response to that stimulus
Functional Imaging: PET
Positron Emission Tomography
- image based on glucose metabolism in brain
- uses radioisotope
- emitted radiation is detected & image is formed from it
underlying logic of PET
active brain areas need more energy
PROs of PET
good image of location of brain activity
CONs of PET
- invasive
- radioactive material used
- more expensive
Functional Imaging: EEG & MEG
Electrophysiology
Magneto-physiology
- shows electrical responses to particular stimulus
- stimuli can be presented in any modality (visual, auditory, somatosensory, olfactory)
PROs of EEG/MEG
- low cost
- readily available
- good info on brain function
CONs of EEG/MEG
- image quality
Structural+Functional imaging: fMRI
functional magnetic resonance imag.
- blood oxygenation in brain during intro of stimulus
- no contrast needed
PROs of fMRI
- can see structure & function
- safe
CONs of fMRI
- expensive
- not widespread
CAUTIONS for neuro-imaging
- tempted to correlate every thought or action with specific area of the brain that may light up in an image
- if an area lights up – does not mean its the only area responsible for a function
