Nervous System Conditions

Question 1

Name a caution for massage for clients with peripheral neuropathy.

Answer 1

Numbness could interfere with a clients ability to give accurate feedback.

Question 2

What are the differences between Alzheimer’s and ALS?

Answer 2

Alzheimer’s is caused by shrinkage and death of neural tissue whereas ALS is degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons. Alzheimer’s includes memory loss whereas ALS usually affects the extremities and motor control.

Question 3

Name the causative agent of shingles, and another common infection caused by the same pathogen.

Answer 3

Herpes zoster - an infection of sensory neurons. You could also get chickenpox, postherpetic neuralgia, zoster sine herpete, or Ramsey hunt syndrome.

Question 4

Name 3 types of depression.

Answer 4

Major depressive disorder, psychotic depression, adjustment disorder, dysthymia, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, postpartum depression.

Question 5

Name 3 types of anxiety disorders.

Answer 5

General anxiety disorder, panic disorder, PTSD, acute traumatic stress disorder, OCD, phobias.

Question 6

Name the most subtle type of autism spectrum disorder.

Answer 6

Asperger syndrome, involves difficulties with socializing, but language skills and mental development are normal or above normal.

Question 7

Name 2 types of stroke, and explain how they differ.

Answer 7

Hemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke. Hemorrhagic strokes are bleeding inside the brain or on the surface of the brain. Ischemic strokes are the most common, and are caused by cerebral thrombosis (blood clot inside a vessel in the brain), or embolism (a clot travels from somewhere else and travels to the brain.)

Question 8

Name the nerve involved in Bell Palsy.

Answer 8

Cranial nerve 7, the facial nerve. Composed of almost entirely motor neurons, it provides facial expression.

Question 9

Name 3 complications of spinal cord injury.

Answer 9

Respiratory infection (pneumonia), deep vein thrombosis & pulmonary embolism, urinary tract infection, decubitus ulcers (bedsores or pressure sores), heterotopic ossification (bony growths around hips or knees), autonomic dysreflexia, cardiovascular disease, numbness, pain, spasticity & contractures.

Question 10

Name the differences between fibromyalgia syndrome tender points and myofascial pain trigger points.

Answer 10

The demographic of fibromyalgia is mostly women, whereas MPS affects men and women easily. Fibromyalgia is a lifelong problem, whereas MPS can be permanently solved. Careful massage can help fibromyalgia, but it’s easy to over treat. MPS responds well to pressure in massage.

Question 11

Name a trigger for tension type headaches and migraine headaches.

Answer 11

Migraines are triggered by stress, food, sensitivities, alcohol use, hormonal shifts, exercise, sleep changes. Tension headaches are triggered by soft tissue injury, muscle tightness and trigger points, subluxation or misalignment of cervical vertebrae, eye strain, poor ergonomics, and emotional stress.

Question 12

Name 3 major cautions for massage in the context of nervous system disorders.

Answer 12

Numbness, verbal communication, and medications.

Question 13

Name a feature that Alzheimer’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have in common.

Answer 13

They are both progressive and incurable. Both share elements of emotional issues.