Medical Terminology Chptr 10 The Nervous System and Mental Health Flashcards
Neurologists
are medical doctors who specialize in disorders of the nervous system.
Neurosurgeons
are medical doctors who perform surgical procedures on the nervous system.
Psychiatrists
are medical doctors who are licensed in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.
Anesthesiologists
are medical doctors who are certified to administer anesthetics and can also be responsible for pain management.
Psychologists
Psychologists are professionals who are licensed in the science concerned with the behavior of the human mind.
Neuropsychologists
are individuals who evaluate the patient’s memory, language, and cognitive functions, and develop appropriate treatment plans.
Electroneurodiagnostic technicians (also called EEG technicians)
are professionals who operate specialized equipment that measures the electrical activity of the brain, peripheral nervous system, and spinal cord.
ANS
ANS autonomic nervous system
CNS
CNS central nervous system
CT computed tomography
CT computed tomography - Computed tomography (CT scan) generates images of slices of the brain to detect tumors, tissue damage, and birth defects.
EEG
EEG electroencephalogram -
Electroencephalography (EEG) records the brain’s electrical activity to help identify epilepsy, sleep disturbances, degenerative brain disease, and brain damage
MRI
MRI magnetic resonance imaging
PNS
PNS peripheral nervous system
central nervous system (CNS)
The central nervous system (CNS), consisting of the brain and spinal cord
peripheral nervous system (PNS)
The peripheral nervous system (PNS), consisting of all the neurons and nerves outside the central nervous system. It includes 12 pairs of cranial nerves originating from the brain and 31 pairs of spinal nerves originating from the spinal cord.
The peripheral nervous system is further subdivided into:
- The sensory division (afferent nerves)
- The motor division (efferent nerves)
- The visceral motor division is called the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
- sympathetic division
- parasympathetic division
- somatic motor division
The sensory division (afferent nerves)
The sensory division, in which sensory nerves (afferent nerves) carry messages toward the spinal cord and brain from sense organs
The motor division (efferent nerves)
The motor division, in which motor nerves (efferent nerves) carry messages away from the brain and spinal cord to muscles and organs.
The visceral motor division is called the autonomic nervous system (ANS)
The visceral motor division is called the autonomic nervous system (ANS). It carries signals to glands and to cardiac and smooth muscle. It operates at a subconscious level outside your voluntary control, and it has two subdivisions:
sympathetic division
The sympathetic division arouses the body for action by increasing the heart and respiratory rates to increase oxygen supply to the brain and muscles.
parasympathetic division
The parasympathetic division calms the body, slowing down the heartbeat but stimulating digestion.
somatic motor division
The somatic motor division carries signals to the skeletal muscles and is within your voluntary control.
Sensory input
Sensory input to the brain comes from receptors all over your body at both the conscious and subconscious levels.
Motor output
Motor output from your brain stimulates the skeletal muscles to contract, which enables you to move.
Evaluation and integration
Evaluation and integration occur in your brain and spinal cord to process the sensory input, initiate a response, and store the event in memory.
Homeostasis
Homeostasis is maintained by your nervous system taking in internal sensory input and responding to it.
Mental activity
Mental activity occurs in your brain so that you can think, feel, understand, respond, and remember.
Neurons
Neurons (nerve cells) receive stimuli and transmit impulses to other neurons or to organ receptors. Each neuron consists of a cell body and two types of processes or extensions, called axons and dendrites
axons and dendrites
Dendrites bring information to the cell body and axons take information away from the cell body.
Dendrites are short, multiple, highly branched extensions of the neuron’s cell body.
A single axon, or nerve fiber, arises from the cell body, is covered in a fatty myelin sheath
fatty myelin sheath
Myelin is a lipid-rich (fatty) substance that surrounds nerve cell axons (the nervous system’s “wires”) to insulate them and increase the rate at which electrical impulses (called action potentials) are passed along the axon.
white matter and gray matter
Grey matter is distinguished from white matter in that it contains numerous cell bodies and relatively few myelinated axons, while white matter contains relatively few cell bodies and is composed chiefly of long-range myelinated axons. The colour difference arises mainly from the whiteness of myelin.
synapse (junction)
Synapse, also called neuronal junction, the site of transmission of electric nerve impulses between two nerve cells (neurons) or between a neuron and a gland or muscle cell (effector). A synaptic connection between a neuron and a muscle cell is called a neuromuscular junction.
Neurotransmitters
Examples of neurotransmitters are norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine.
Neurotransmitters are endogenous chemicals acting as signaling molecules that enable neurotransmission. They are a type of chemical messenger which transmits signals across a chemical synapse from one neuron to another ‘target’ neuron, to a muscle cell, or to a gland cell.
glial cells (neuroglia)
are non-neuronal cells in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system that do not produce electrical impulses. They maintain homeostasis, form myelin, and provide support and protection for neurons.
cerebrum makes up
The cerebrum makes up about 80% of your brain
cerebral hemispheres
The vertebrate cerebrum (brain) is formed by two cerebral hemispheres that are separated by a groove, the longitudinal fissure. The brain can thus be described as being divided into left and right cerebral hemispheres.
corpus callosum
a broad band of nerve fibers joining the two hemispheres of the brain.
gyri and sulci
Lobes of the Brain. - Each cerebral hemisphere is divided into four lobes by sulci and gyri. The sulci (or fissures) are the grooves and the gyri are the “bumps” that can be seen on the surface of the brain. The folding created by the sulci and gyri increases the amount of cerebral cortex that can fit in the skull.
cortex
the outer layer of the cerebrum (the cerebral cortex ), composed of folded gray matter and playing an important role in consciousness.
an outer layer of another organ or body part such as a kidney (the renal cortex ), the cerebellum, or a hair.
frontal lobe
located behind the forehead, forms the anterior part of the hemisphere. This lobe is responsible for intellect, planning, problem solving, and the voluntary motor control of muscles.
parietal lobe
is posterior to the frontal lobe. This lobe receives and interprets sensory information, like spoken words.
temporal lobe
is below the frontal and parietal lobes. This lobe interprets sensory experiences.
occipital lobe
forms the posterior part of the hemisphere. This lobe interprets visual images and written words.
ventricles
a hollow part or cavity in an organ.
each of the two main chambers of the heart, left and right.
each of the four connected fluid-filled cavities in the center of the brain.
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
CSF circulates through the ventricles and around the brain and spinal cord. It helps to protect, cushion, and provide nutrition for the brain and spinal cord.
Thalamus
which receives all sensory impulses and channels them to the appropriate region of the cortex for interpretation
Hypothalamus
which regulates blood pressure, body temperature, water, and electrolyte balance.
brainstem
relays sensory impulses from peripheral nerves to higher brain centers. It also controls vital cardiovascular and respiratory activities.
cerebellum
the most posterior area of the brain, coordinates skeletal muscle activity to maintain the body’s posture and balance.
cervical region of the spinal cord
is continuous with the brain stem (lower part of the brain). It contains the motor neurons that supply the neck, shoulders, and upper limbs through 8 pairs of cervical spinal nerves (C1–C8)
thoracic region of the spinal cord
contains the motor neurons that supply the thoracic cage, rib movement, vertebral column movement, and postural back muscles through 12 pairs of thoracic spinal nerves (T1–T12)
lumbar region of the spinal cord
supplies the hips and the front of the lower limbs through 5 pairs of lumbar nerves (L1–L5)
sacral region of the spinal cord
supplies the buttocks, genitalia, and backs of the lower limbs through 5 sacral nerves (S1–S5) and 1 coccygeal nerve, relative to the small bone at the base of the spine.
Your brain and spinal cord are protected by
the cranium and the vertebrae, cushioned by the CSF, and covered by the meninges
meninges
the three membranes (the dura mater, arachnoid, and pia mater) that line the skull and vertebral canal and enclose the brain and spinal cord.
dura mater
dura mater is the outermost layer of tough connective tissue attached to the cranium’s inner surface. Within the vertebral canal the dura mater splits into two sheets, separated by the epidural space, into which epidural injections of medication are given to produce analgesia during childbirth or for the treatment of low back pain.
arachnoid mater
arachnoid mater is a thin web over the brain and spinal cord. The CSF is contained in the subarachnoid space between the arachnoid and pia mater. It is into this space that a needle is introduced to obtain CSF for testing or to place medication in spinal anesthesia.
pia mater
pia mater is the innermost layer of the meninges, attached to the surface of the brain and spinal cord. It supplies nerves and blood vessels that nourish the outer cells of the brain and spinal cord.
AMS
AMS altered mental state
CVA
CVA cerebrovascular accident
FTD
FTD frontotemporal dementia
dementia
is a collective term used to describe various symptoms of cognitive decline, such as forgetfulness. It is a symptom of several underlying diseases and brain disorders. Dementia is not a single disease in itself, but a general term to describe symptoms of impairment in memory, communication, and thinking.
Senile dementia
severe mental deterioration in old age, characterized by loss of memory and control of bodily functions.
Alzheimer disease
— the most common form of dementia—affects 10% of the population over 65, and 50% of the population over 85. Nerve cells in the areas of the brain associated with memory and cognition are replaced by abnormal protein clumps and tangles.
Vascular dementia
—the second most common form of dementia—can come on gradually when arteries supplying the brain become arteriosclerotic (narrowed or blocked), depriving the brain of oxygen. It can also occur suddenly after a stroke
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)
is caused by progressive cell degeneration in the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes, which control planning and judgment, emotions, speaking and understanding speech, and certain types of movement. It accounts for 10% to 15% of all dementias, but it is more common in those younger than 65.
Other conditions causing dementia
include reactions to medications, like sedatives and antiarthritics; depression in the elderly; and infections, such as AIDS or encephalitis.
Delirium is an altered mental state (AMS)
characterized by the sudden onset of disorientation, an inability to think clearly or pay attention. The level of consciousness varies from increased wakefulness to drowsiness. It is not a disease, it is reversible, and it can be part of dementia or a stroke.
Epilepsy
is a chronic disorder in which clusters of neurons (nerve cells) discharge their electrical signals in an abnormal rhythm. This disturbed electrical activity (a seizure or a convulsion) can cause strange sensations and behavior, convulsions, and loss of consciousness. The causes of epilepsy are numerous, from abnormal brain development to brain damage.
partial seizures
occur when the epileptic activity is in one localized area of the brain only, causing, for example, involuntary jerking movements of a single limb.
Generalized seizures can be categorized into one of the following three types
Absence seizures, previously known as “petit mal”
Tonic-clonic seizures, previously called “grand mal”
Febrile seizures
Absence seizures, previously known as “petit mal”
Absence seizures, previously known as “petit mal,” which begin between ages 5 and 10. The child stares vacantly for a few seconds and may be accused of daydreaming.
Tonic-clonic seizures, previously called “grand mal,” which are dramatic.
The person experiences a loss of consciousness (LOC), breathing stops, the eyes roll up, and the jaw is clenched. This “tonic” phase lasts for 30 to 60 seconds. It is followed by the “clonic” phase, in which the whole body shakes with a series of violent, rhythmic jerkings of the limbs. The seizures last for a couple of minutes, and then consciousness returns.
LOC
loss of consciousness (LOC
Febrile seizures
Febrile seizures, which are triggered by a fever in infants and toddlers aged 6 months to 5 years. Very few of these children go on to develop epilepsy.
Status epilepticus
is considered to be a medical emergency. It is defined as having one continuous seizure or recurrent seizures without regaining consciousness for 30 minutes or more.
Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders
are characterized by episodes of involuntary, rapid, repetitive, fixed movements of individual muscle groups in the face or the limbs. They are associated with meaningless vocal sounds or meaningful words and phrases. The tics may be genetic.
Narcolepsy
is a chronic disorder in which patients fall asleep during the day—from a few seconds up to an hour. There is no cure.
ASD
ASD autism spectrum disorder
BSE
BSE bovine spongiform encephalopathy
CJD
CJD Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease ** human form of BSE
CVA
CVA cerebrovascular accident
TIA
TIA transient ischemic attack
tPA
tPA tissue plasminogen activator
bovine spongiform encephalopathy BSE
A brain disorder in adult cattle that may be spread to humans through diseased meat.
Humans may acquire the disorder by eating diseased meat products. When it comes from cattle, the disorder is called Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and ultimately leads to dementia and death. The condition is rare.
The disease is marked by rapid mental deterioration, usually within a few months. Most people eventually lapse into a coma.
Treatment focuses on keeping the person as comfortable as possible.
stroke (also known as a cerebrovascular accident or CVA)
occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is suddenly interrupted, depriving the brain cells of oxygen. Some cells die; others are badly damaged. With timely treatment, the damaged cells can be saved. There are two types of stroke
- Ischemic strokes
- Hemorrhagic strokes (intracranial hemorrhage)
Ischemic strokes
Ischemic strokes account for 90% of all strokes and are caused by:
a. Atherosclerosis: Plaque in the wall of a cerebral artery
b. Embolism: A blood clot in a cerebral artery originating from elsewhere in the body
tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)
is a protein involved in the breakdown of blood clots. It is a serine protease found on endothelial cells, the cells that line the blood vessels. As an enzyme, it catalyzes the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, the major enzyme responsible for clot breakdown.
Hemorrhagic strokes (intracranial hemorrhage)
occur when a blood vessel in the brain bursts or when a cerebral aneurysm ruptures.
(aneurysm-an excessive localized enlargement of an artery caused by a weakening of the artery wall.)
Cerebral arteriography
Cerebral arteriography can determine the site of bleeding in hemorrhagic stroke. A surgical procedure can be performed to stop the bleed or clip off the aneurysm.
aneurysm
- an excessive localized enlargement of an artery caused by a weakening of the artery wall.
Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)
are small, short-term strokes with symptoms lasting for less than 24 hours. If neurologic symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, the condition is a full-blown stroke with brain cell damage and death.
The most frequent cause of TIAs is a small embolus that occludes (blocks) a small artery in the brain. Often, the embolus arises from a clot in the atrium in atrial fibrillation or from an atherosclerotic plaque in a carotid artery. Treatment is directed at the underlying cause. A carotid endarterectomy may be necessary if a carotid artery is significantly blocked with plaque.
Parkinson disease
is caused by the degeneration of neurons in the basal ganglia that produce a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Motor symptoms of abnormal movements, tremor of the hands, rigidity, a shuffling gait, and weak voice appear, and gradually become more and more severe. There is no cure.
Creutzfeld-Jakob disease (CJD)
Creutzfeld-Jakob disease (CJD) produces a rapid deterioration of mental function, with difficulty in muscle movement coordination. Some cases are linked to the consumption of beef from cattle with mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalopathy, BSE).
Syncope
Syncope (fainting or passing out) is a temporary loss of consciousness and posture. It is usually due to hypotension and the associated deficient oxygen supply (hypoxia) to the brain.
Migraine
Migraine produces an intense throbbing, pulsating pain in one area of the head, often with nausea and vomiting. It can be preceded by an aura, visual disturbances like flashing lights, or temporary loss of vision. Prevention is difficult.
Encephalitis
Encephalitis, an inflammation of the parenchyma (tissue) of the brain, is often caused by a virus such as HIV, West Nile virus, herpes simplex, or childhood measles, mumps, chickenpox, and rubella.
Brain abscess
Brain abscess is usually a direct spread of infection from sinusitis, otitis media (middle ear infection), or mastoiditis (an infection in the skull bone behind the ear). It can also result from blood-borne pathogens arising from lung or dental infections.
Brain tumors
Brain tumors are often secondary tumors that have metastasized from cancers in the lung, breast, skin, or kidney. Primary brain tumors arise from any of the glial cells and are called gliomas.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of complex developmental disorders characterized by communication difficulties, impaired social interactions, and rigid or repetitive patterns of behavior.
ADL
ADL activity of daily living
NSAID
NSAID nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drug
SBS
SBS shaken baby syndrome
TBI
TBI traumatic brain injury
TN
TN trigeminal neuralgia
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Brain dysfunction caused by an outside force, usually a violent blow to the head.
Traumatic brain injury often occurs as a result of a severe sports injury or car accident.
Immediate or delayed symptoms may include confusion, blurry vision, and concentration difficulty. Infants may cry persistently or be irritable.
Treatment may involve rest, medication, and surgery.
contusion
is the medical term for a bruise. It is the result of a direct blow or an impact, such as a fall. Contusions are common sports injuries. Most people think of a bruise as a black-and-blue spot. This happens when small blood vessels get torn and leak blood under the skin.
contrecoup
con·tre·coup
a contusion resulting from the brain contacting the skull on the side opposite from where impact occurs.
concussion
is a traumatic brain injury that affects your brain function. Effects are usually temporary but can include headaches and problems with concentration, memory, balance and coordination. Concussions are usually caused by a blow to the head.
Shaken baby syndrome (SBS)
is a type of TBI produced when a baby is violently shaken. A baby has weak neck muscles and a heavy head. Shaking makes the brain bounce back and forth in the skull, leading to severe brain damage.
Posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD
A disorder in which a person has difficulty recovering after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event.
Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes (meninges) covering the brain and spinal cord. Viral meningitis—the most common form—can occur at any age. Bacterial meningitis predominantly affects the very young or very old.
Meningococcal meningitis
is a form of meningitis caused by a specific bacterium known as Neisseria meningitidis. Meningitis is characterized by inflammation of the membranes (meninges) around the brain or spinal cord. This inflammation can begin suddenly (acute) or develop gradually (subacute). It’s contagious
subdural hematoma
subdural hematoma is bleeding into the subdural space below the dura mater, which is frequently associated with closed-head injuries and bleeding from broken veins caused by violent head rotations.
epidural hematoma
epidural hematoma is a pooling of blood in the epidural space between the skull and the dura mater, often associated with a fractured skull and bleeding from an artery within the meninges.
Bell palsy - facial nerve (vii)
Bell palsy is a facial nerve (vii) disorder characterized by a sudden weakness or paralysis of muscles on one side of the face. The inability to smile or whistle, the uncontrollable drooping of the mouth and drooling of saliva, and an inability to close the eye are common symptoms. The use of steroids in the early stages can prevent the paralysis from becoming permanent.
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), tic douloureux
is a severe, stabbing pain to one side of the face. It stems from one or more branches of the nerve that supplies sensation to the face, the trigeminal nerve compressed. It is considered one of the most painful conditions to affect people.
acoustic neuroma
acoustic neuroma is a benign, slow-growing tumor on the vestibulocochlear (viii) nerve that causes hearing loss, tinnitus, and dizziness.
fibromyalgia
is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals.
physiatry
Dr’s in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Analgesics
Analgesics - pain reliever - (such as acetaminophen) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for mild pain
Opiates
Opiates - pain killer drug - (codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone) in combination with analgesics for moderate pain
morphine and fentanyl
fentanyl narcotic is an opiode - Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid analgesic that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent.
morphine - belongs to the group of medicines called narcotic analgesics (pain medicines). It acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain.
MS
MS multiple sclerosis
PNS
PNS peripheral nervous system
VEP
VEP visual evoked potential
VEP visual evoked potential
measures the electrical response of the brain’s primary visual cortex to a visual stimulus. To measure the electrical response, you first place three electrodes on the scalp
Demyelination
Demyelination, the destruction of an area of the myelin sheath, can occur in the PNS and be caused by inflammation, vitamin B12 deficiency, poisons, and some medications.
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic, progressive disorder, is the most common condition in which demyelination of nerve fibers in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves can occur
Intermittent
alternately ceasing and beginning again
exacerbations
a period when there is an increase in the severity of a disease
remissions
a period when there is a lessening or absence of the symptoms of a disease
SCI
SCI spinal cord injury
PPS
PPS Postpolio syndrome
ALS
ALS Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
POLIO
POLIO Poliomyelitis
The spinal cord can be injured in three ways
- Severed, by a fractured vertebra ;
- Contused, as in a sudden, violent jolt to the spine; and
- Compressed, by a dislocated vertebra, bleeding, or swelling
paralyzed
(of a person or part of the body) partly or wholly incapable of movement.
Paresis
Paresis is partial paralysis - a condition of muscular weakness caused by nerve damage or disease; partial paralysis.
Compression
causing an increase in pressure
EX:The definition of compression is the action or state of being squished down or made smaller or more pressed together.
herniated disc
is a condition in which the annulus fibrosus (outer portion) of the vertebral disc is torn, enabling the nucleus (inner portion) to herniate or extrude through the fibers.
Acute transverse myelitis
Acute transverse myelitis is a localized spinal cord disorder that blocks the transmission of impulses up and down the spinal cord.
Subacute combined degeneration
Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord is due to a deficiency of vitamin B12. The spinal cord’s sensory nerve fibers degenerate, producing weakness, clumsiness, tingling, and a sensory loss as to the position of the limbs. Treatment involves vitamin B12 injections.
syringomyelia
syringomyelia, fluid-filled cavities form in the spinal cord and compress nerves that detect pain and temperature.
Poliomyelitis (POLIO)
Poliomyelitis (POLIO) is an acute infectious disease, occurring mostly in children, due to the poliovirus. The virus destroys motor neurons - causes paralysis
Postpolio syndrome (PPS)
Postpolio syndrome (PPS) is when people develop tired, painful, and weak muscles many years after recovery from polio.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or “Lou Gehrig’s disease”
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or “Lou Gehrig’s disease,” occurs when motor nerves in the spinal cord progressively deteriorate.
-A nervous system disease that weakens muscles and impacts physical function.
In this disease, nerve cells break down, which reduces functionality in the muscles they supply.
Peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is used here as any disorder affecting one or more peripheral nerves - is damage to, and the simultaneous malfunction of, many motor and/or sensory peripheral nerves throughout the body.
Mononeuropathy
Mononeuropathy is damage to a single peripheral nerve.
Carpal tunnel syndrome CTS
Carpal tunnel syndrome, in which the median nerve at the wrist is compressed between the wrist bones and a strong overlying ligament.
Ulnar nerve palsy (Ulnar nerve entrapment)
Ulnar nerve palsy, which results from nerve damage as the forearm’s ulnar nerve crosses close to the surface over the humerus at the back of the elbow.
Peroneal nerve palsy (Peroneal nerve entrapment)
Peroneal nerve palsy, which arises from nerve damage as the peroneal or lower leg bone nerve passes close to the surface near the back of the knee. Compression of this nerve occurs in people who are bedridden or strapped in a wheelchair.
Herpes zoster, or shingles
Herpes zoster, or shingles, is an infection of peripheral nerves arising from a reactivation of the dormant childhood chickenpox (varicella) virus.
on a Quadriplegia
Quadriplegia: All four limbs are affected.
on a Paraplegia
Paraplegia: Both lower extremities are affected.
on a Hemiplegia
Hemiplegia: The arm and leg of one side of the body are affected.
on a Monoplegia
Monoplegia: Only one limb is affected, usually an arm.
CP
CP cerebral palsy
FAS
FAS fetal alcohol syndrome
teratogen
teratogen is an agent that can cause anomalies of an embryo or fetus. It can be a chemical, a virus, or radiation. Some teratogens found in the workplace include textile dyes, photographic chemicals, semiconductor materials, and the metals lead, mercury, and cadmium.
anomalies
Any deviation from normal, out of the ordinary. In medicine, an anomaly is usually something that is abnormal at birth.
Anencephaly
Anencephaly is the absence of the cerebral hemispheres and is incompatible with life.
Microcephaly
Microcephaly, decreased head size, is associated with small cerebral hemispheres and moderate to severe motor and mental retardation.
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is ventricular enlargement in the cerebral hemispheres with excessive CSF; it is usually due to a blockage that prevents the CSF from exiting the ventricles to circulate around the spinal cord. Treatment involves placing a tube (shunt) into the ventricle to divert the excess fluid into the abdominal cavity or a neck vein.
Spina bifida (neural tube defect)
Spina bifida (neural tube defect) occurs mostly in the lumbar and sacral regions. It is variable in its presentation and symptoms.
Spina bifida occulta
Spina bifida occulta has a small partial defect in the vertebral arch. The spinal cord or meninges do not protrude. Often the only sign is a tuft of hair on the skin overlying the defect.
spina bifida cystica
spina bifida cystica there is no vertebral arch formed. The spinal cord and meninges protrude through the opening and may or may not be covered with a thin layer of skin. Protrusion of only the meninges is called a meningocele.
meningomyelocele
Protrusion of the meninges and spinal cord is called a meningomyelocele (myelomeningomyelocele). The lower limbs may be paralyzed. (from - spina bifida cystica)
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) can occur when a pregnant woman drinks alcohol. A child born with FAS has a small head, narrow eyes, and a flat face and nose. Intellect and growth are impaired.
Cerebral palsy (CP)
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the term used to describe the motor impairment resulting from brain damage in an infant or young child. It is not hereditary. In congenital CP, the cause is often unknown but can be a brain malformation or maternal use of cocaine. CP developed at birth or in the neonatal period is usually related to an incident causing hypoxia of the brain.
anomalies
spastic (muscles are tight and resistant to stretch)
athetoid
is a symptom characterized by slow, involuntary, convoluted, writhing movements of the fingers, hands, toes, and feet and in some cases, arms, legs, neck and tongue. Movements typical of athetosis are sometimes called athetoid movements.
ataxia
usually results from damage to the part of your brain that controls muscle coordination (cerebellum). Ataxia describes a lack of muscle control or coordination of voluntary movements, such as walking or picking up objects.
LP Lumbar puncture (LP or spinal tap)
Lumbar puncture (LP or spinal tap) enables laboratory examination of the CSF to be made and helps diagnose meningitis, damage to the spinal cord, and brain hemorrhage.
Cerebral angiography
Cerebral angiography involves an injection of radiopaque dye into the blood vessels of the neck and brain to detect partial or complete blockages of blood vessels and aneurysms.
Color Doppler ultrasonography
Color Doppler ultrasonography uses high-frequency sound (ultrasound) waves to evaluate the rates of blood flow through arteries of the neck or base of the brain.
Positron emission tomography (PET scan)
Positron emission tomography (PET scan) involves attaching radioactive molecules to glucose to look at brain function
Evoked responses procedure
Evoked responses are a procedure in which stimuli for vision, sound, and touch are used to activate areas of the brain, and their responses are measured with EEG or PET scans. They are used to give information about how a specific area of the brain is functioning.
Electromyography EMG
Electromyography involves placing small needles into a muscle to record its electrical activity at rest and during contraction.
Nerve conduction studies NCS
Nerve conduction studies measure the speed at which sensory and motor nerves conduct impulses to focus on the function of peripheral nerves.
Psychosis
Psychosis is an abnormal mental state in which the individual has a loss of contact with reality. People suffering from psychosis are described as psychotic.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a form of psychosis in which the individual loses contact with reality. People with schizophrenia do not have a “split personality,” but their perceptions are separated from reality, their words are separated from their meanings, and their behaviors are separated from their thought processes. They perceive things without stimulation (hallucinations). They suffer from mistaken beliefs that are contrary to facts (delusions). The delusions can be paranoid, with pervasive distrust and suspicion of others. Their speech is disorganized and can be incoherent, and they may refuse or be unable to speak (mute)
CBT
CBT cognitive behavioral therapy
CPT
CPT cognitive processing therapy
GAD
GAD generalized anxiety disorder
ECT
ECT Electroconvulsive therapy
- is a procedure, done under general anesthesia, in which small electric currents are passed through the brain, intentionally triggering a brief seizure. ECT seems to cause changes in brain chemistry that can quickly reverse symptoms of certain mental health conditions
OCD
OCD obsessive-compulsive disorder
SAD
SAD seasonal affective disorder -
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) has episodes of depression that occur in the fall and winter months. It appears to be related to a lack of sunshine causing increased melatonin production by the pineal gland. It can be helped by phototherapy with bright white fluorescent lights and by antidepressant medications.
SSRI
SSRI selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor - Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, one of a family of antidepressant medications (brand names: Celexa, Luvox, Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft) that affect the neurotransmitter serotonin.
Major depression, also called unipolar
Major depression, also called unipolar disorder, occurs when a person is deeply sad, despairing, and hopeless for at least two weeks; sees nothing but sorrow and despair in the future; and may not want to live anymore.
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder, which used to be called manic-depressive disorder, is the alternation of major episodes of depression with periods of excessive overexcitement, impulsive behavior, insomnia, and lack of fatigue, called mania. Untreated mixed (manic and depressive) episodes usually last around four to five months.
Dysphoric mania
Dysphoric mania combines the frenetic energy of mania with dark thoughts and paranoid delusions. It may be the cause of some mass shootings.
Anxiety disorders are the most common category of mental disorder found in the United States. They are characterized by an unreasonable anxiety and fear so intense and persistent that it disrupts the person’s life. There are five categories of anxiety disorders:
Anxiety disorder - there are five:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Panic disorder
- Phobias
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) consists of uncontrollable anxiety not focused on one situation or event that has lasted for six months or more. People with the disorder develop physical fear reactions, including palpitations, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects about 7.7 million American adults. It arises after significant trauma, such as a life-threatening incident, loss of a loved one, abuse, torture, or combat in war, or a high level of stress in daily life. Symptoms include flashbacks of the traumatic event, nightmares, intense physical reactions to reminders of the event, feeling emotionally numb, irritability, outbursts of anger, and difficulty concentrating. Alcohol and drug abuse are common.
panic disorder
panic disorder is characterized by sudden, brief attacks of intense fear that cause physical symptoms, occur often for no reason, and peak in 10 minutes or less.
Phobias
Phobias differ from panic attacks in that a specific situation or event brings on the strong fear response. There are two categories of phobias:
- Situational phobias involve a fear of specific situations. Examples are acrophobia (fear of heights), agoraphobia (fear of crowded places), and claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces).
- Social phobias involve a fear of being embarrassed in social situations. The most common are fear of public speaking and fear of eating in public.
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), most patients have both obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are recurrent thoughts, fears, doubts, images, or impulses. Compulsions are recurrent, irresistible impulses to perform actions such as counting, hand washing, checking, and systematically arranging things.
Psychosomatic disorder
Psychosomatic disorder is a real physical illness in which anxiety and stress play a causative role.
- is a disease that involves both mind and body. Some physical diseases are thought to be particularly prone to be made worse by mental factors such as stress and anxiety. Your current mental state can affect how bad a physical disease is at any given time
- Examples are tension headaches and low back pain include eczema, psoriasis, high blood pressure, ulcers, and heart disease.
biofeedback
is a mind-body technique that involves using visual or auditory feedback to gain control over involuntary bodily functions. This may include gaining voluntary control over such things as heart rate, muscle tension, blood flow, pain perception, and blood pressure.
hypochondriac has hypochondriasis
Excessive preoccupation or worry about having a serious illness. - Patients having this disorder are known as hypochondriacs. Such patients may become alarmed about even minor physical symptoms, which they interpret as representing significant health problems.
Personality
Personality is defined as an individual’s unique and stable patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. When these patterns become rigid and inflexible in response to different situations, they can cause impairment of the individual’s ability to deal with other people
Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a frequent diagnosis in people who are impulsive, unstable in mood, and manipulative. They can be exciting, charming, and friendly one moment and angry, irritable, and sarcastic the next. Their identity is fragile and insecure, their self-worth low. They can be promiscuous and self-destructive; for example, with self-mutilation (self-injury) or suicide. People with narcissistic personality disorder have an exaggerated sense of self-importance and seek constant attention.
Antisocial personality disorder
Antisocial personality disorder, used interchangeably with the terms sociopath and psychopath, describes people who lie, cheat, steal, and have no sense of responsibility and no anxiety or guilt about their behavior. Psychopaths have these characteristics but tend to be more violent and anger easily.
Schizoid and paranoid personality disorders
Schizoid and paranoid personality disorders describe people who are absorbed with themselves, untrusting, and fearful of closeness with others.
Dissociative disorders involve a disassociation (splitting apart)
- DID
Dissociative disorders involve a disassociation (splitting apart) of past experiences from present memory or consciousness. The development of distinctly separate personalities is called dissociative identity disorder (DID). It was formerly called multiple personality disorder (MPD). Two or more distinct personalities, each with its own memories and behaviors, inhabit the same person at the same time. The basic origin of all these disorders is the need to escape, usually from extreme trauma, and most often from sexual, emotional, or physical abuse in childhood. Treatment is with psychotherapy.
Impulse control disorders
Impulse control disorders involve an inability to resist an impulse to perform an action that is harmful to the individual or to others. These disorders include:
- Kleptomania
- Trichotillomania (TTM)
- Pyromania
Kleptomania
Kleptomania, which is characterized by stealing—not for gain but to satisfy an irresistible urge to steal. Behavior therapy can help, and SSRIs appear to be of value.
Trichotillomania (TTM)
Trichotillomania (TTM), which is characterized by the repeated urge to pull out one’s own scalp, beard, pubic, and other body hair.
Pyromania
Pyromania, which is repeated fire setting with no motive other than a fascination with fire and fire engines. Some pyromaniacs end up as volunteer firefighters.
Substance abuse
Substance abuse involves a person’s continued use of psychoactive drugs, including alcohol and illicit drugs, despite having significant problems or distress related to their use. This continued use can lead to a dependence syndrome, which includes the strong need to take the drug, persistence in its use despite harmful consequences to the user and others, daily priority given to drug use, and increased tolerance. Tolerance is the process by which the body continually adapts to a substance and requires increasingly larger amounts to achieve the original effects.
Addiction
Addiction includes dependence syndrome, but it refers to not only psychoactive drugs but also such entities as exercise addiction, food addiction, computer addiction, and gambling. The patterns of behavior and habits of use associated with an addiction are characterized by immediate gratification coupled with the long-term harmful effects, which include changes in the structure and function of the brain.
Abused substances
Abused substances include tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, Ecstasy, LSD, and PCP. In addition, prescription drug abuse is increasing dramatically. The three classes of prescription drugs being abused are:
- Opioids -which include oxycodone (Oxycontin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), meperidine (Demerol), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), and fentanyl (Duragesic and others).
- CNS depressants such as the benzodiazepines Xanax and Valium.
- NS stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin.
