NERVOUS SYSTEM Flashcards
What does syncope mean?
Cerebral anoxia resulting in fainting.
What does unconsciousness mean?
Unawareness of the animals surrounding or external stimuli.
Term used to describe muscular weakness?
Paresis
Term used to describe complete loss of function of an area of the body.
Paralysis
What does paraplegia mean?
Paralysis of the hind limbs.
What does Tetraplegia mean?
Paralysis of all four limbs.
What does hemiplegia mean?
Paralysis of one side of the body (fore limb & hind limb on same side).
What does epilepsy mean?
Disorganised electrical activity in the brain.
What does epilepsy mean?
Disorganised electrical activity in the brain.
What does status epilepticus mean?
The state of repeated convulsions without the animal regaining consciouness.
What is a convulsion?
Violent and uncoordinated contractions of muscle.
What is ataxia?
Irregular or unsteady gait caused by incoordination of muscles.
What is the pre-ictal phase?
(Convulsions)
Period just before the fit starts.
Animal may be - restless, anxious (aura), be asleep, or be normal with no abnormal signs.
What is the ictal phase?
(Convulsions)
Animal collapses, falls onto side, loses consciousness, paddling of legs.
Involuntary urination & defecation, chomping of jaws, can have vocalisation.
What is the post-ictal phase?
(Convulsions)
The period of time immediately following the fit.
Animal will appear dazed or disorientated, exhausted, gradually returning to normal.
What is Grande Mal (convulsion)?
Where the animal has a large convulsion.
What is Petit mal (convulsions)?
When the animal has a short, minor convulsion where small muscle tremors are noticed but a full convulsion does not occur.
Name some causes of ataxia.
Muscle weakness
Depression of the CNS
Disease of the vestibular centre
Spinal disease
Sarcopenia
Cachexia
What is Chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy (CDRM)?
A degenerative functional change in the spinal cord which occurs in dogs over 8yrs old.
Most commonly affect GSD & other large breeds.
Slowly progressive disease; leading to limb ataxia, paresis & knuckling of hind paws.
What can Tetanus cause in patients?
Mild tetanus may cause stiffness of a limb.
Severe tetanus can affect all limbs & cause muscle spasms, protrusion of the nictitating membranes & curving of the tail.
What is Cervical spondylopathy (canine wobbler syndrome)?
Compression of the cervical spinal cord; it is congenital & degenerative.
Dogs show; neck discomfort & pain, hind limb ataxia, proprioceptive losses & hyperactive local reflexes.
List some nursing care requirements for patients with neurological conditions.
Assisted walking if appropriate.
Urinary catheterisation
Remove soiled bedding immediately
Monitor urine & faecal output
Soft supportive bedding
Turning patient every 2-4 hours
Grooming
Support sternal recumbency
Food & water within reach of animal
Physiotherapy
What are the 5 stages of cognitive dysfunction?
1 - Disorientation
2 - Changed in social interactions with human family members
3 - Loss of house training
4 - Changes in sleep wake cycle
5 - Altered activities levels
What are some causes of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction?
Reduced cerebral blood flow.
Reduced dopamine levels.
Increased free radicals which leads to decreased glucose metabolism by neurons & injury.
Senile plaques.
What are the signs of feline cognitive dysfunction?
Disorientation
Anxiety/restlessness
Irritability/aggression
Anorexia
Incontinence
Sleep cycle changes
Reduced play
Vocalisation
