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Medical Terminology > Medical Terminology: Neurology > Flashcards

Medical Terminology: Neurology Flashcards

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USMLE® Step 1 flashcards
1
Q

nerv/o-

A

nerve

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2
Q

peripher/o-

A

outer aspects

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3
Q

crani/o-

A

cranium (skull)

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4
Q

cav/o-

A

hollow space

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5
Q

cerebr/o-

A

cerebrum

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6
Q

front/o-

A

front

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7
Q

gustat/o-

A

the sense of taste

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8
Q

pariet/o-

A

wall of a cavity

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9
Q

somat/o-

A

body

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10
Q

sens/o-

A

sensation

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11
Q

tempor/o-

A

temple (side of the head)

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12
Q

audit/o-

A

the sense of hearing

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13
Q

olfact/o-

A

the sense of smell

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14
Q

occipit/o-

A

occiput (back of the head)

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15
Q

vis/o-

A

sight; vision

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16
Q

fiss/o-

A

splitting

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17
Q

cortic/o-

A

cortex (outer region)

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18
Q

thalam/o-

A

thalamus

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19
Q

ventricul/o-

A

ventricle (lower left heart chamber; chamber in the brain)

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20
Q

ependym/o-

A

cellular thing

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21
Q

spin/o-

A

spine; backbone

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22
Q

cerebell/o-

A

cerebellum (posterior part of the brain)

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23
Q

mening/o-

A

meninges

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24
Q

dur/o-

A

dura mater

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25
Q

arachn/o-

A

spider; spider web

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26
Q

sens/o-

A

sensation

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27
Q

mot/o-

A

movement

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28
Q

opt/o-

A

eye; vision

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29
Q

ocul/o-

A

eye

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30
Q

trochle/o-

A

structure shaped like a pulley

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31
Q

gemin/o-

A

set or group

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32
Q

faci/o-

A

face

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33
Q

vestibul/o

A

vestibule (entrance)

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34
Q

cochle/o-

A

cochlea (of the inner ear)

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35
Q

audit/o-

A

the sense of hearing

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36
Q

gloss/o-

A

tongue

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37
Q

pharyng/o-

A

pharynx (throat)

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38
Q

vag/o-

A

wandering; vagus nerve

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39
Q

access/o-

A

supplemental or contributing part

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40
Q

dors/o-

A

back; dorsum

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41
Q

affer/o-

A

bring toward the center

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42
Q

ventr/o-

A

front; abdomen

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43
Q

effer/o-

A

go out from the center

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44
Q

autonom/o-

A

independent; self-governing

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45
Q

pathet/o-

A

suffering

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46
Q

somat/o-

A

body

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47
Q

astr/o-

A

starlike structure

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48
Q

ependym/o-

A

cellular lining

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49
Q

micr/o

A

one millionth; small

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50
Q

olig/o-

A

scanty; few

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51
Q

dendr/o-

A

branching structure

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52
Q

cyt/o-

A

cell

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53
Q

transmitt/o-

A

to send across or through

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54
Q

recept/o-

A

receive

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55
Q

myelin/o-

A

myelin

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56
Q

encephal/o-

A

brain

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57
Q

meningi/o-

A

meninges

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58
Q

esthes/o-

A

sensation; feeling

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59
Q

esthet/o-

A

sensation; feeling

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60
Q

amnes/o-

A

forgetfulness

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61
Q

phas/o-

A

speech

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62
Q

express/o-

A

communicate

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63
Q

glob/o-

A

shaped like a globe

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64
Q

arteri/o-

A

artery

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65
Q

ven/o-

A

vein

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66
Q

format/o-

A

structure; arrangment

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67
Q

malign/o-

A

intentionally causing harm; cancer

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68
Q

alg/o-

A

pain

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69
Q

gli/o-

A

cells that provide support

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70
Q

blast/o-

A

immature; embryonic

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71
Q

lymph/o-

A

lymph; lymphatic system

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72
Q

dendr/o-

A

branching structure

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73
Q

vascul/o-

A

blood vessel

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74
Q

infarct/o-

A

area of dead tissue

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75
Q

isch/o-

A

keep back; block

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76
Q

log/o-

A

word; the study of

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77
Q

pleg/o-

A

paralysis

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78
Q

comat/o-

A

unconsciousness

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79
Q

concuss/o-

A

vilent shaking or jarring

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80
Q

contus/o-

A

bruising

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81
Q

ment/o-

A

mind; chin

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82
Q

sen/o-

A

old age

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83
Q

fibrill/o-

A

muscle fiber; nerve fiber

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84
Q

retard/o-

A

slow down; delay

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85
Q

lex/o-

A

word

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86
Q

phot/o-

A

light

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87
Q

phob/o-

A

fear; avoidance

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88
Q

convuls/o-

A

seizure

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89
Q

epilept/o-

A

seizure

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90
Q

ict/o-

A

seizure

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91
Q

ton/o-

A

pressure; tone

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92
Q

clon/o-

A

rapid contracting and relaxing

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93
Q

psych/o-

A

mind

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94
Q

foc/o-

A

point of activity

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95
Q

hemat/o-

A

blood

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96
Q

hydr/o-

A

water

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97
Q

nuch/o-

A

neck

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98
Q

narc/o-

A

stupor; sleep

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99
Q

syncop/o-

A

fainting

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100
Q

radicul/o-

A

spinal nerve root

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101
Q

herni/o-

A

hernia

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102
Q

sect/o-

A

to cut

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103
Q

ly/o-

A

break down; destroy

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104
Q

spast/o-

A

spasm

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105
Q

troph/o-

A

development

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106
Q

scler/o-

A

hard; sclera (white of the eye)

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107
Q

carp/o-

A

wrist

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108
Q

caus/o-

A

burning

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109
Q

fibr/o-

A

fiber

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110
Q

diabet/o-

A

diabetes

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111
Q

axi/o-

A

axis

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112
Q

tom/o-

A

cut; slice; layer

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113
Q

magnet/o-

A

magnet

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114
Q

emiss/o-

A

to send out

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115
Q

electr/o-

A

electricity

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116
Q

potent/o-

A

being capable of doing

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117
Q

conduct/o-

A

carrying; conveying

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118
Q

somn/o-

A

sleep

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119
Q

lumb/o-

A

lower back; area between the ribs and pelvis

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120
Q

man/o-

A

thin; frenzy

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121
Q

tract/o-

A

pulling

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122
Q

cutane/o-

A

skin

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123
Q

bi/o-

A

life; living organisms; living tissue

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124
Q

excis/o-

A

to cut out

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125
Q

disk/o-

A

disk

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126
Q

lamin/o-

A

lamina (flat area on a vertebra)

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127
Q

rhiz/o-

A

spinal nerve root

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128
Q

stere/o-

A

three dimensions

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129
Q

tact/o-

A

touch

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130
Q

surg/o-

A

operative procedure

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131
Q

peritone/o-

A

peritoneum

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132
Q

alges/o-

A

sensation of pain

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133
Q

convuls/o-

A

seizure

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134
Q

AFP

A

alpha fetoprotein

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135
Q

ALS

A

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

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136
Q

AVM

A

arteriovenous malformation

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137
Q

BAEP

A

brainstem auditory evoked potential

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138
Q

BAER

A

brainstem auditory evoked response

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139
Q

CNS

A

central nervous system

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140
Q

CP

A

cerebral palsey

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141
Q

CRPS

A

chronic regional pain syndrome

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142
Q

CSF

A

cerebrospinal fluid

143
Q

CT, CAT

A

computed (axial) tomography

144
Q

CTS

A

carpal tunnel syndrome

145
Q

CVA

A

cerebrovascular accident

146
Q

EEG

A

electroencephalogram, electroencephalography

147
Q

END

A

electroneurodiagnostic (technician)

148
Q

GCS

A

Glasgow Coma Scale (or score)

149
Q

HNP

A

herniated nucleus pulposus

150
Q

ICP

A

intracranial pressure

151
Q

LOC

A

loss of consciousness

152
Q

LP

A

lumbar puncture

153
Q

MMSE

A

mini mental status examination

154
Q

MRI

A

magnetic resonance imaging

155
Q

MS

A

multiple sclerosis

156
Q

NICU

A

neurologic intensive care unit

157
Q

PET

A

positron emission tomography

158
Q

REM

A

rapid eye movement

159
Q

RIND

A

reversible ischemic neurologic deficit

160
Q

SCI

A

spinal cord injury

161
Q

SSEP

A

somatosensory evoked potential

162
Q

SSER

A

somatosensory evoked reponse

163
Q

TENS

A

transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (unit)

164
Q

TIA

A

transient ischemic attack

165
Q

VEP

A

visual evoked potential

166
Q

VER

A

visual evoked response

167
Q

afferent nerves

A

Nerves that carry sensory nerve impulses from the body to the spinal cord or brain.

168
Q

autonomic nervous system

A

Division of the peripheral nervous system that carries nerve impulses to the heart, involuntary smooth muscles, and glands. It includes the parasympathetic division and the sympathetic division.

169
Q

central nervous system

A

Division of the nervous system that includes the brain and the spinal cord.

170
Q

efferent nerves

A

Nerves that carry motor nerve impulses from the spinal cord or brain to the body.

171
Q

nervous system

A

Body system that consists of the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, and spinal nerves. It includes the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system and its divisions. Made of neural tissue.

172
Q

parasympathetic division

A

Division of the autonomic nervous system. Its neurotransmitter is acetylcholine. It directs the activity of the heart, involuntary smooth muscles, and glands while the body is at rest.

173
Q

peripheral nervous system

A

Division of the nervous system that includes the cranial nerves and the spinal nerves.

174
Q

receptor

A

Structure of the cell membrane of a dendrite (or on a muscle, organ, or gland) where a neurotransmitter binds.

175
Q

reflex

A

Involuntary muscle reaction that is controlled by the spinal cord.

176
Q

reflex arc

A

The entire circuit that the nerve impulse travels during a reflex.

177
Q

somatic nervous system

A

Division of the peripheral nervous system that controls the movements of voluntary skeletal muscles.

178
Q

sympathetic division

A

Division of the autonomic nervous system. Its neurotransmitter is norepinephrine. It directs activity of the heart, involuntary muscles, and glands during times of increased activity. During danger or stress (“fight or flight”), it stimulates the adrenal gland to release the hormone epinephrine into the blood.

179
Q

arachnoid

A

Thin, middle layer of the meninges that contains a spider-weblike network of fibers that go into the subarachnoid space.

180
Q

auditory cortex

A

Area in the temporal lobe of the cerebrum that analyzes sensory information from receptors in the cochlea for the sense of hearing.

181
Q

brain

A

Largest organ of the nervous system. It is part of the central nervous system and is located in the cranial cavity.

182
Q

brainstem

A

Most inferior part of the brain that joins with the spinal cord. It is composed of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.

183
Q

cerebellum

A

Small, rounded structure that is the most posterior part of the brain. It monitors muscle tone and position and coordinates muscle movements.

184
Q

cerebral cortex

A

The outermost surface of the cerebrum. It consists of gray matter that contains the cell bodies of neurons.

185
Q

cerebrospinal fluid

A

Clear fluid that is produced by the ependymal cells that line the ventricles in the brain and the canal within the spinal cord. It circulates through the ventricles, into the spinal canal, back to the brain and through the subarachnoid space of the meninges. It cushions and protects the brain and contains and contains glucose and other nutrients.

186
Q

cerebrum

A

The largest and most visible part of the brain. Its surface contains gyri and sulci, and it is divided into two hemispheres.

187
Q

corpus callosum

A

Connecting band of neurons between the two hemispheres of the cerebrum that allows them to communicate and coordinate their activities.

188
Q

cranial cavity

A

Hollow cavity inside the cranium that contains the brain.

189
Q

cranium

A

Rounded dome of bone at the top of the skull.

190
Q

dura mater

A

Tough, outermost layer of the meninges. The dura mater lies just beneath the bones of the cranium and within the foramen of each vertebra.

191
Q

fissure

A

Deep division that runs in an anterior-to-posterior direction through the cerebrum that divides it into right and left hemispheres.

192
Q

frontal lobe

A

Lobe of the cerebrum that predicts future events and consequences. Exerts conscious control over the skeletal muscles. Contains the gustatory cortex for the sense of taste.

193
Q

gustatory cortex

A

Area in the frontal lobe of the cerebrum that analyzes sensory information from taste receptors in the tongue for the sense of taste.

194
Q

gyrus

A

One of many elevated folds on the surface of the cerebrum. In between each gyrus is a sulcus (narrow groove).

195
Q

hemisphere

A

One half of the cerebrum.

196
Q

right hemisphere

A

Side of the brain that recognizes patterns and three-dimensional structures (including faces) and the emotions of words.

197
Q

left hemisphere

A

Side of the brain that deals with mathematical and logical reasoning, analysis, and interpreting sights, sounds, and sensations. It is active in reading, writing, and speaking.

198
Q

hypothalamus

A

Area in the center of the brain just below the thalamus that coordinates the activities of the pons and medulla oblongata. It controls heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, body temperature, sensations of hunger and thirst. it also produces hormones as part of the endocrine system; it has a stalk of tissue that connects it to the pituitary gland of the endocrine system.

199
Q

lobe

A

Large area of the cerebrum. Each lobe is named for the bone of the cranium that is above it: frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, and occipital lobe.

200
Q

medulla oblongata

A

Most inferior part of the brainstem that joins to the spinal cord. It relays nerve impulses from the cerebrum, to the cerebellum. It contains the respiratory centers. The motor portions of the cranial nerves IX through XII begin here. The sensory portions of cranial nerves IX and X end here.

201
Q

meninges

A

Three separate membranes that envelop and protect the entire brain and spinal cord. The meninges include the dura mater, arachnoid, and pia mater.

202
Q

midbrain

A

Most superior part of the brainstem. It keeps the mind conscious, coordinates immediate responses, and maintains muscle tone and body position. It contains the substantia nigra. Cranial nerves III and IV begin here.

203
Q

occipital lobe

A

Lobe of the cerebrum that receives and analyzes sensory information from the eyes. Contains the visual cortex for the sense of light.

204
Q

olfactory cortex

A

Area in the temporal lobe of the cerebrum that analyzes sensory information from receptors in the nose for the sense of smell.

205
Q

parietal lobe

A

Lobe of the cerebrum that receives and analyzes sensory information about temperature, touch, vibration, and pain from the skin, joints, and muscles.

206
Q

pia mater

A

Thin, delicate, innermost layer of the meninges. It covers the surface of the brain and contains many small blood vessels.

207
Q

pons

A

Middle part of the brainstem that relays nerve impulses from the spinal cord to the midbrain, hypothalamus, and cerebrum. The motor portions of cranial nerves V through VII begin here. The sensory portions of cranial nerves V and VII end here.

208
Q

somatosensory area

A

Area of the parietal lobe of the cerebrum that analyzes sensory information (touch, temperature, vibration, and pain) from receptors in the skin, joints, and muscles.

209
Q

subarachnoid space

A

Space beneath the arachnoid layer of the meninges. It is filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

210
Q

substantia nigra

A

A gray-to-black pigmented area in the midbrain of the brainstem that produces the neurotransmitter dopamine.

211
Q

sulcus

A

Groove between two gyri on the surface of the cerebrum.

212
Q

temporal lobe

A

Lobe of the cerebrum that analyzes sensory information. It contains the auditory cortex for the sense of hearing and the olfactory cortex for the sense of smell.

213
Q

thalamus

A

Area in the center of the cerebrum that is a relay station. It takes sensory nerve impulses from the cranial and spinal nerves and sends them to the midbrain and the cerebrum.

214
Q

ventricle

A

One of four hollow chambers in the brain that contains cerebrospinal fluid. The two lateral ventricles are in the right and left hemispheres of the cerebrum. The small third ventricle is between and two lobes of the thalamus. The long, narrow fourth ventricle connects to the spinal cavity.

215
Q

visual cortex

A

Area in the occipital lobe of the cerebrum that analyzes sensory information from receptors in the retina of each eye for the sense of sight.

216
Q

cauda equina

A

Group of nerve roots that begin where the spinal cord ends and continue inferiorly within the spinal cavity. They look like the tail (cauda) of a horse (equine).

217
Q

epidural space

A

Area between the dura mater and the vertebral body. It is filled with fatty tissue and blood vessels.

218
Q

spinal cavity

A

Hollow cavity within each vertebra. It contains the spinal cord. AKA spinal canal

219
Q

spinal cord

A

Part of the central nervous system. It begins at the medulla oblongata of the brain and extends down the back within the spinal cavity. It ends at lumbar vertebra L2 and separates into nerve roots (cauda equina).

220
Q

abducens nerve

A

Cranial nerve VI. Motor nerve. Movement of the eye.

221
Q

accessory nerve

A

Cranial nerve XI. Motor nerve. Movement of the muscles for swallowing, the vocal cords, and muscles of the neck and upper back. Two of its nerve branches also assist the vagus nerve.

222
Q

cranial nerves (I-XII)

A

Twelve pairs of nerves that originate in the brain. They carry sensory nerve impulses to the brain and/or motor nerve impulses from the brain.

223
Q

facial nerve

A

Cranial nerve VII. Sensory and motor nerve. Sense of taste for the front of the tongue. Movement of the facial muscles and salivary and lacrimal glands.

224
Q

glossopharyngeal nerve

A

Cranial nerve IX. Sensory and motor nerve. Sense of taste for the back of the tongue. Movement of the muscles for swallowing and the parotid salivary glands.

225
Q

hypoglossal nerve

A

Cranial nerve XII. Motor nerve. Movement of the tongue.

226
Q

oculomotor nerve

A

Cranial nerve III. Motor nerve. Movement of the eyeball, eyelids, and iris (to change the diameter of the pupil).

227
Q

olfactory nerve

A

Cranial nerve I. Sensory nerve. Sense of smell.

228
Q

optic nerve

A

Cranial nerve II. Sensory nerve. Sense of vision.

229
Q

trigeminal nerve

A

Cranial nerve V. Sensory and motor nerve. Sensation in the face and mouth. Movement of the muscles of chewing. It consists of three branches: opthalmic nerve, maxillary nerve, mandibular nerve.

230
Q

trochlear nerve

A

Cranial nerve IV. Motor nerve. Movement of the eyeball.

231
Q

vagus nerve

A

Cranial nerve X. Sensory and motor nerve. Sensation of taste from the soft palate and throat. Sensation in the ears, diaphragm, and the internal organs. It controls the heart rate and the smooth muscles in the bronchi and GI tract.

232
Q

vestibulocochlear nerve

A

Cranial nerve VIII. Sensory nerve. Sense of hearing and balance. AKA the auditory nerve.

233
Q

dorsal nerve roots

A

Group of spinal nerve roots that enter the posterior (dorsal) part of the spinal cord and carry sensory nerve impulses from the body to the spinal cord.

234
Q

spinal nerves

A

Thirty-one pairs of nerves. Each pair joins the spinal cord in the area between two vertebrae. An individual spinal nerve consists of dorsal nerve roots and ventral nerve roots.

235
Q

ventral nerve roots

A

Group of spinal nerve roots that exit from the anterior (ventral) part of the spinal cord and carry motor nerve impulses to the body.

236
Q

axon

A

Part of the neuron that is a single, elongated branch at the opposite end from the dendrites. It conducts the electrical impulse and releases neurotransmitters into the synapse. Larger axons are covered by an insulating layer of myelin.

237
Q

cytoplasm

A

Area in the cell body of a neuron that contains structures that produce neurotransmitter and energy for the neuron.

238
Q

dendrites

A

Multiple branches at the beginning of a neuron whose receptors bind with a neurotransmitter and convert it to an electrical impulse.

239
Q

myelin

A

Fatty sheath around a larger axon. It is an insulating layer that is important for the conduction of electrical impulses. An axon with myelin is myelinated. Myelin around larger axons in the brain and spinal cord is produced by oligodendroglia. Myelin around larger axons in the cranial and spinal nerves is produced by the Schwann cells.

240
Q

nerve

A

A bundle of individual neurons.

241
Q

neuron

A

An individual nerve cell. The functional part of the nervous system.

242
Q

nucleus

A

Structure in the cell body of a neuron that directs cellular activities.

243
Q

synapse

A

Space between the axon of one neuron and the dendrites of the next neuron. Space between the axon of a neuron and the cells of a muscle, organ, or gland.

244
Q

astrocyte

A

Star-shaped cell that provides structural support for neurons, connects them to capillaries, and forms the blood-brain barrier.

245
Q

ependymal cells

A

Cells that line the walls of the ventricles, spinal cavity, and the central canal within the spinal cord and produce cerebrospinal fluid.

246
Q

microglia

A

Cells that move, engulf, and destroy pathogens anywhere in the central nervous system.

247
Q

neuroglia

A

Cells that hold neurons in place and perform specialized tasks. Neuroglia include astrocytes, ependymal cells, microglia, oligodendroglia, and Schwann cells.

248
Q

oligodendroglia

A

Cells that form the myelin sheath around larger axons in the brain and spinal cord. These cells have few branching structures.

249
Q

Schwann cells

A

Cells that form the myelin sheath around larger axons of the cranial and spinal nerves.

250
Q

acetylcholine

A

Neurotransmitter in synapses between neurons of the parasympathetic division. It is also in synapses between motor neurons and voluntary skeletal muscles in the somatic nervous system.

251
Q

dopamine

A

Neurotransmitter in the synapses between neurons in the cerebral cortex, hypothalamus, and limbic system in the brain. Produces by the substantia nigra of the midbrain.

252
Q

endorphins

A

Neuromodulators that are one of the several natural pain relievers produced by the brain.

253
Q

epinephrine

A

Neurotransmitter secreted by the adrenal gland and released into the blood. It stimulates the body to prepare for “flight or fight.”

254
Q

neurtransmitter

A

Chemical messenger that travels across the synapse between neurons.

255
Q

norepinephrine

A

Neurotransmitter of the sympathetic division.

256
Q

serotonin

A

Neurotransmitter in synapses between neurons in the limbic system, hypothalamus, cerebellum, and spinal cord.

257
Q

amnesia

A

Partial or total (global) loss of memory of recent or remote (past) experiences. It is often a consequence of brain injury or a stroke that damages the hippocampus where short-term memories are converted to long-term memories.

258
Q

anencephaly

A

Rare congenital condition in which some or all of the cranium and cerebrum are missing. The newborn breathes because the respiratory center in the medulla oblongata are present, but only survives a few hours or days.

259
Q

aphasia

A

Loss of the ability to communicate verbally or in writing.

260
Q

expressive aphasia

A

Inability to verbally express thoughts.

261
Q

receptive aphasia

A

Inability to understand the spoken or written word

262
Q

global aphasia

A

Having both expressive and receptive aphasia.

263
Q

arteriovenous malformation (AVM)

A

Abnormality in which arteries in the brain connect directly to veins (rather than capillaries), forming an abnormal twisted nest of blood vessels.

264
Q

brain tumor

A

Benign or malignant tumor of any area of the brain. Named according to the type of cell from which they originated. As they grow they cause intracranial pressure (ICP), which destroys brain tissue.

265
Q

cephalalgia

A

Pain in the head. AKA a headache.

266
Q

cerebral palsy (CP)

A

Caused by a lack of oxygen to parts of the fetus’ brain during birth. Can cause spastic muscles; lack of coordination in walking, eating, and talking; muscle paralysis; seizures; or metal retardation.

267
Q

astrocytoma

A

Malignant brain tumor originating from an astrocyte in the cerebrum.

268
Q

ependymoma

A

Benign brain tumor originating from ependymal cells that line the ventricles.

269
Q

glioblastoma multiforme

A

Malignant brain tumor originating from an immature astrocyte in the cerebrum.

270
Q

glioma

A

Benign or malignant brain tumor originating from any neuroglial cell.

271
Q

lymphoma

A

Malignant brain tumor originating from a microglia in the cerebrum.

272
Q

meningioma

A

Benign brain tumor originating from the meninges around the brain or spinal cord.

273
Q

oligodendroglioma

A

Malignant brain tumor originating from the oligodendroglia in the cerebrum.

274
Q

schwannoma

A

Benign brain tumor originating from Schwann cells near the cranial or spinal nerves.

275
Q

cerebrovascular accident (CVA)

A

Disruption or blockage of blood flow to the brain, which causes tissue death and an area of necrosis known as an infarct. AKA stroke or brain attack.

276
Q

transient ischemic attack (TIA)

A

Temporary lack of oxygenated blood to an area of the brain where the effects only last 24 hours.

277
Q

reversible ischemic neurologic deficit (RIND)

A

A TIA whose effects last for several days.

278
Q

hemiparesis

A

Muscle weakness on one side of the body.

279
Q

hemiplegia

A

Paralysis on one side of the body.

280
Q

coma

A

Deep state of unconsciousness and unresponsiveness caused by trauma or disease in the brain, metabolic imbalance with accumulation of waste products in the blood (hepatic coma) or too little glucose in the blood (hyoglycemia)

281
Q

brain death

A

Condition in which there is irreversible loss of all brain function as confirmed by an electroencephalogram (EEG) that is flat, showing no brain wave activity of any kind for 30 minutes.

282
Q

concussion

A

Traumatic injury to the brain that results in an immediate loss of consciousness (LOC) for a brief or prolonged period of time.

283
Q

contusion

A

Traumatic injury to the brain or spinal cord.

284
Q

shaken baby syndrome

A

Caused by an adult vigorously shaking an infant in anger or to discipline, causing a contusion, concussion, hemorrhaging, mental retardation, coma, or even death.

285
Q

Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease

A

Fatal neurologic disorder caused by a prion (small infectious protein particle) contracted from cows with mad cow disease.

286
Q

dementia

A

Disease of the brain in which many neurons in the cerebrum die, the cerebral cortex shrinks in size, and there is progressive deterioration in mental function.

287
Q

senile-onset dementia

A

Dementia associated with old age.

288
Q

multi-infarct dementia

A

Dementia associated with multiple small cerebrovascular accidents.

289
Q

Alzheimer’s disease

A

Hereditary dementia that is known to run in families with inherited mutations on chromosomes 1, 14, and 21. Neurons show characteristic neurofibrillary tangles and microscopic beta amyloid senile plaques.

290
Q

presenile dementia

A

Alzheimer’s disease that occurs in early middle age.

291
Q

Down syndrome

A

Hereditary genetic defect in which there are three of chromosome 21, instead of two, affecting every cell in the body, but most obvious as mild-to-severe mental retardation and characteristic physical features of a large, protruding tongue, short fingers, and a single transverse crease in the palm of the hand.

292
Q

dyslexia

A

Difficulty reading and writing words even though visual acuity and intelligence are normal. Prevalent in left handed persons and in males.

293
Q

encephalitis

A

Inflammation and infection of the brain caused by a virus.

294
Q

epilepsy

A

Recurring condition in which a group of neurons in the brain spontaneously sends out electrical impulses in an abnormal, uncontrolled way. AKA seizures or convulsions.

295
Q

postictal state

A

Sleepiness and confusion experienced after a tonic-clonic seizure.

296
Q

status epilepticus

A

Prolonged, continuous seizure or repeated seizures that occur without the patient regaining consciousness.

297
Q

tonic-clonic (grand mal)

A

Seizure with unconsciousness with excessive motor activity. The body alternates between excessive muscle tone and rigidity (tonic) and jerking muscle contractions (clonic) in the extremities, with tongue biting and sometimes incontinence.

298
Q

absence (petit mal)

A

Seizure with impaired consciousness with slight or no muscle activity. Muscle tone is retained and the patient does not fall down, but is unable to respond to external stimuli.

299
Q

complex partial (psychomotor)

A

Seizure with some degree of impairment of consciousness. Involuntary contractions of one or several muscle groups.

300
Q

simple partial (focal motor)

A

Seizure with no impairment of consciousness. The patient is aware of the seizure but is unable to stop the involuntary motor activity, such as jerking of one hand or turning of the head.

301
Q

hematoma

A

Localized collection of blood that forms in the brain because of trauma to the cranium or the rupture of an intracranial aneurysm or an AVM.

302
Q

Huntington’s chorea

A

Progressive inherited degeneration of the brain that begins in middle age.

303
Q

hydrocephalus

A

Condition in which an excessive amount of cerebrospinal fluid is produced or the flow of cerebrospinal fluid is blocked. Intracranial pressure increases, distends the ventricles in the brain, and compresses the brain tissue.

304
Q

meningitis

A

Inflammation and infection of the meninges of the brain or spinal cord caused by a bacterium or virus.

305
Q

migraine headache

A

Specific type of recurring headache that has a sudden onset with severe, throbbing pain, often on just one side of the head.

306
Q

narcolepsy

A

Brief, involuntary episodes of falling asleep during the daytime while engaged in activity.

307
Q

Parkinson’s disease

A

Chronic, degenerative disease due to an imbalance in the levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain. AKA parkinsonism

308
Q

syncope

A

Temporary loss of consciousness.

309
Q

syncopal episode

A

The patient becomes lightheaded and then faints and remains unconscious briefly.

310
Q

neural tube defect

A

Congenital abnormality of the neural tube (embryonic structure that becomes the fetal brain and spinal cord). The fetus’ vertebrae form incompletely (spina bifida), and there is an abnormal opening in the verebral column that is only covered by meninges and skin.

311
Q

meningocele

A

A protrusion of the meninges through the skin.

312
Q

myelomeningocele

A

A protrusion of the meninges and the spinal cord through the skin. AKA meningomyelocele.

313
Q

radiculopathy

A

Acute or chronic condition that occurs because of a tumor, arthritis, or a herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP). AKA slipped disk or sciatica.

314
Q

spinal cord injury (SCI)

A

Trauma to the spinal cord with a partial or complete transection of the cord causing partial or complete anesthesia and paralysis.

315
Q

paraplegia

A

Injury to the lower spinal cord that causes paralysis of the legs.

316
Q

quadriplegia

A

Injury to the spinal cord that causes paralysis to all four extremities.

317
Q

flaccid paralysis

A

The loss of muscles tone and firmness that leads to atrophy as a result of paralysis.

318
Q

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

A

Chronic, progressive disease of the motor nerves coming from the spinal cord. AKA Lou Gehrig’s disease

319
Q

anesthesia

A

Condition in which sensation of any type, including touch, pressure, propioception, or pain, has been lost.

320
Q

Bell’s palsy

A

Weakness, drooping, or actual paralysis of one side of the face because of inflammation of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), caused by a viral infection.

321
Q

carpal tunnel syndrome

A

Chronic condition (tingling caused by inflammation and swelling) caused by repetitive motions of the hand and wrist, often from constant typing or data entry.

322
Q

Guillain-Barre syndrome

A

Autoimmune disorder in which the body makes antibodies against myelin.

323
Q

hyperesthesia

A

Condition in which there is a heightened awareness and sensitivity to touch and increased response to painful stimuli.

324
Q

multiple sclerosis (MS)

A

Chronic, progressive, degenerative autoimmune disorder in which the body makes antibodies against myelin.

325
Q

neuralgia

A

Pain along the path of a nerve and its branches that is caused by an injury.

326
Q

trigeminal neuralgia

A

Neuralgia characterized by episodes of brief, but severe, stabbing pain on one or both sides of the face or jaw along the distribution of the trigeminal nerve. AKA tic douloureux

327
Q

Causalgia

A

Severe, burning pain along a nerve and its branches.

328
Q

complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

A

Causalgia with hyperesthesia, changes in skin color and temperature, and swelling.

329
Q

postherpetic neuralgia

A

Lingering, chronic pain from shingles.

330
Q

neuritis

A

Inflammation or infection of a nerve.

331
Q

polyneuritis

A

A generalized inflammation of many nerves in one part of the body or all the nerves in the body.

332
Q

neurofibromatosis

A

Hereditary disease with multiple benign fibrous tumors (neurofibromata) that grow on the peripheral nerves. AKA von Recklinghausen’s.

333
Q

neuroma

A

Benign tumor of a nerve or any of the specialized cells of the nervous system.

334
Q

Morton’s neuroma

A

Specifically forms from repetitive damage to the nerve that is near the metatarsophalangeal joints between the ball of the foot and the toes.

335
Q

neuropathy

A

General category for any type of disease or injury to a nerve.

336
Q

paresthesia

A

Condition in which abnormal sensations, such as tingling, burning, or pinpricks, are felt on the skin.

337
Q

alpha fetoprotein (AFP)

A

Test of a sample of amniotic fluid taken from the uterus by amniocentesis during pregnancy to diagnose neural tube defect in the fetus before birth.

338
Q

cerebrospinal fluid (CFS) examination

A

Examines the color of CFS. Used to test for encephalitis or meningitis, a brain bleed, tumor, infection, or MS.

339
Q

cerbral angiography

A

Procedure in which a radiopaque contrast dye is injected into the carotid arteries, and an x-ray is taken to visualize the arterial circulation in the brain.

340
Q

computed axial tomography (CAT, CT)

A

Procedure that uses x-rays to create many individual, closely spaced images.

341
Q

myeography

A

Radiopaque contrast dye is injected in to the subarachnoid space of the level of the L3 and L4 vertebrae. The contrast dye outlines the spinal cavity and shows spinal nerves, nerve roots, and intervertebral disks, as well as tumors, herniated disks, or obstructions within the cavity.

342
Q

positron emission tomography (PET) scan

A

Procedure that uses a radioactive substance that is combined with glucose molecules and injected intravenously. Used to view areas of metabolism.

343
Q

skull x-ray

A

Procedure in which a plain film (without contrast dye) is taken of the skull.

344
Q

electroencephalography (EEG)

A

Procedure to record the electrical activity of the brain.

345
Q

evoked potential testing

A

EEG used to record changes in brain waves that occur following various stimuli. It is used to evaluate the potential ability of a particular nervous pathway to conduct nerve impulses.

346
Q

nerve conduction study

A

Procedure to measure the speed at which an electrical impulse travels along a nerve.

347
Q

polysomnography

A

Procedure to diagnose the underlying conditions that cause insomnia, sleep disruption, sleep apnea, or narcolepsy.

348
Q

Babinski’s sign

A

Neurologic test in which the end of the metal handle of a percussion hammer is used to firmly stroke the lateral sole of the foot from the heel to the toes. Tests for injury to the parietal lobe of the cerebrum or to the spinal nerves.

349
Q

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

A

Numerical scale that measures the depth of a coma.

350
Q

lumbar puncture

A

Procedure to obtain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for testing. AKA spinal tap.

351
Q

mini mental status examination (MMSE)

A

Tests the patient’s concrete and abstract thought processes and long and short-term memory.

352
Q

neurologic examination

A

Tests coordination, sensation, balance, and gait.

353
Q

spinal traction

A

Procedure in which a fracture of the vertebrae is immobilized while it heals.

354
Q

transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit

A

Procedure that uses an electrical device to control chronic pain.

Medical Terminology (6 decks)

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