neuro Flashcards
what are the 2 nervous systems?
the CNS and the PNS
what components are involved in the CNS?
the brain, brainstem, spinal cord, and the cerebellum
what components are involved in the PNS?
the cranial nerves and the spinal nerves
what are meninges?
layers of the brain
what is hydrocephalus?
“water on the brain” or cerebral spinal fluid buiding up on the skull
is hydrocephalus cogenetial?
yes it is, but it can also manifest later in life
what causes hydrocephalus?
when csf is not absorbed properly by the bloodstream
what are some risk factors for hydrocephalus?
being premature, having other birth defects, drug abuse, etc
how serious is hydrocephalus?
it can be fatal if it is left untreated
how does hydrocephalus manifest in children?
large heads, seizures, and developmental delay
how does hydrocephalus manifest in adults?
blurred vision, headaches, nausea, memory loss, irritability
how do we treat hydrocephalus?
surgical repair of the blockage
what is spina bifida?
a neural tube defect that affects the spinal cord
what is a cause behind spina bifida?
the spinal process doesn’t fuse properly so the meninges herniate (pop out)
what are some risk factors for spina bifida?
maternal neurological defecits, medications, diabetes mellitus
what is the mildest form of spina bifida?
occulta
what is the medium form of spina bifida
meningocele
what is the worst spina bifida?
myelomeningocele
what is cerebral paulsey?
a group of disorders that cause the person to lose motor function, muscle movement, etc at birth
where is damage usually going to be for cerebral paulsey?
the cerebellum
what are some maternal risk factors for cerebral paulsey?
low birth weights, multiple births, drug abuse, neuro infections, exposure to toxins
what are some manifestations of cerebral paulsey?
early reflexes, excessive drooling, developmental delays, trouble swallowing
does cerebral paulsey vary in severity?
yes it varies
what is meningitis?
inflammation of the meninges due to an infection
what are some causative agents for meningitis?
bacteria and viruses
what are manifestations of meningitis?
fever, chills, altered mental status, nausea, vomiting
what are some complications with meningitis?
neuro damage, renal failure, parylisis, speech damage
what is encephilitis?
an infection of the brain and spinal cord?
what is the cause of encephilitis?
virus or bacteria
what are the types of encephalitis and meningitis?
self limiting and life threatining
which people are at more of a risk for having progressive encephilitis?
the immunocompromised, old adults, and young children
what are the manifestations of encephilitis?
similar to meningitis
what is the zika virus?
an illnes that is caused by a virus that is transmitted by a mosquito
what are the manifestations of zika virus?
usually none, but in severe cases, it can be microcephaly, occular lesions
how do we prevent zika virus?
minimize outside exposure in zika affected areas, wearing spray with deet
what is a TBI?
when a sudden blow is dealt to the bead and the brain is injured
how do manifestations present with TBI?
can be a lot, can be a little, could be none at all
is outside head appearance an indicator of severity?
no
what is a closed TBI?
when the brain has lots of sudden movement and the neurological function is interupted
what is an open TBI
when there is a fracture of the skull and fragments enter the brain
what are some manifestations of a TBI?
not being able to recall events, behavior changes, siezures, mood and personality changes
what is increased cranial pressure?
when the volume of the cranium is increased due to something like CSF or blood building up on the area
do the blood vessels constrict or dilate when there is ICP?
they constrict (vasoconstriction)
what is cranial herniation?
when part of the brain comes out due to ICP
what is a hematoma?
a collection of blood and tissue from a damaged blood vessel
what do hematomas develop from?
TBI
what is an epidural hematoma?
tearing of the dura and the skull
is an epidural hematoma coming from an artery or vein?
artery
what is the pattern of epidural hematoma?
loss of consciousness, alterness, and then loss of consciousness again
what is a subdural hematoma?
a tear with the dura and the arachnoid space
is a subdural hematoma caused by a tear from artery or vein
vein
what is intracerebral hematoma?
bleeding from the brain tissue itself
what is subarachnoid hematoma?
bleeding from the subarachnoid tissue
what is a spinal cord injury?
an injury to the spinal cord or its surrounding accessories
what are some causes of spinal cord injuries?
accidents, falls, violence
what are manifestations of spinal cord injuries?
loss of neurological function, paralysis
what are some complications of spinal cord injuries?
loss of functions, icnontinence, respiratory failure
