Neuro - Key Words (Prof. Cowley made these last year for another class; they include links!) Flashcards
Absence seizure
A type of generalized (involves both sides of brain) onset, non-motor seizure; usually seen in children & rarely beyond adolescence. Typical vs atypical vs myoclonic
Acetylcholine
A neurotransmitter. Myasthenia gravis is caused by an autoimmune process in which antibodies attack the acetylcholine receptors.
Aphasia
Impaired ability to communicate (comprehensive, expressive or both); often seen with CVA patients
Ataxia
Inability to coordinate voluntary muscular movements; often looks as if patient is intoxicated
Autonomic dysfunction
Sometimes occurs with Guillain Barre Syndrome patients; disturbance in ANS results in orthostatic hypotension or hypertension, bradycardia, facial flushing, bowel/bladder problems
Automatism
Happens with partial complex seizures; a set of brief unconscious behaviors; several seconds to minutes to longer; examples include finger rubbing, lip smacking, chewing, swallowing - or more complex actions, such as sleepwalking or incoherent speech.
Dopamine
Neurotransmitter; a deficit is found in Parkinson’s Disease
Dysarthria
Problem with muscular control with speech; many stroke patients have dysarthria; problems with pronunciation, articulation & phonation
Dyskinesia
Impairment of voluntary movement, resulting in fragmentary or incomplete movements
Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing
Dysphasia
Impaired ability to communicate; often used interchangeably with aphasia
EEG
Electroencephalography - electrical activity of brain using scalp electrodes.
EMG
Electromyography - recording of electrical activity associated with innervation of skeletal muscle (needles used)