Nervous System Pathology

Question 0

compression

Answer 0

pressure applied to nerve root

Question 1

radiculopathy

Answer 1

also called radiculitis
inflammation of the nerve root associated with the spinal column
most common is cervicular radiculopathy and lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica)

Question 2

decompression surgery

Answer 2

surgery to remove pressure on nerve root

Question 3

cerebrovascular disease

Answer 3

refers to any functional abnormality of the cerebrum caused by disorders of the blood vessels of the brain.
most commonly associated with stroke (CVA)

Question 4

ichemic stroke

Answer 4

80% of all strokes

caused by narrowing of arteries of brain or carotid arteries usually due to atherosclerosis

Question 5

intracerebral hemorrhage

Answer 5

caused by a sudden rupture of an artery within the brain; released blood compresses brain structures and destroys them

Question 6

subarachnoid hemorrhage

Answer 6

blood is released into the space surrounding the brain.

commonly caused by a ruptured aneurysm and is usually fatal

Question 7

LOC

Answer 7

loss of consciousness

Question 8

TIA

Answer 8

transient ischemic attack

stroke symptoms that resolve within 24 hours; about 1/3 of strokes are preceded by TIA

Question 9

hemiparesis

Answer 9

weakness in one half of the body

Question 10

epilepsies

Answer 10

chronic or recurring seizure disorders

Question 11

partial seizures

Answer 11

only a portion of the brain is involved

short alteration of consciousness of about 10 to 30 seconds with repetitive, unusual movements and confusion.

Question 12

generalized seizure

Answer 12

entire brain is involved
most common: tonic-clonic seizure (grand mal)
tonic phase: entire body becomes rigid
clonic phase: uncontrolled jerking

Question 13

status epliepticus

Answer 13

tonic-clonic seizures follow one after the other without intervening period for recovery
life threatening emergency

Question 14

Parkinson disease

Answer 14

"shaking palsy"
progressive neurological disorder affecting the portion of the brain responsible for controlling movement. 
uncontrollable head nodding
decreased speed of movement
shuffling gate
tremors
joint stiffness
flat affect
dopamine lacking in brain; L-dopa reduces symtpoms

Question 15

multiple sclerosis

Answer 15

progressive degenerative disease of the CNS
inflammation, hardening, and loss of myelin (demyelination) throughout the spinal cord and brain
transmission among neurons is impeded
symptoms: tremors, bradykinesia, and muscle weakness
women between 20 and 40 most common victims

Question 16

neurosis

Answer 16

mental disorder caused by an emotion experienced in the past that overwhelmingly interferes or affects a present emotion
includes phobias, hysterias, and OCD

Question 17

primary intracranial tumors

Answer 17

tumors that originate directly in brain tissue
commonly classified according to histological type and those that develop in neurons and those that develop in glial tissue
signs and symptoms: headaches, especially upon rising in the morning, during coughing episodes, and sudden movement
papilledema (swelling of optic disc in back of eyeballs)
personality changes
can arise from any structure in cranial cavity and can be the sites of metastatic spread
most require radiation therapy and often chemotherapy after surgery