Neuro/Psych

Question 1

a psychological term for the observable expression of emotion; common abnormal affects may be “flat” or “blunted”

Answer 1

affect (noun)

Question 2

a sustained and pervasive state of emotion

Answer 2

mood

Question 3

loss of consciousness resulting from insufficient blood flow to the brain; commonly known as “passing out”

Answer 3

syncope

Question 4

the symptomatic inability to express oneself through communication such as speaking

Answer 4

aphasia

Question 5

a scale used to assess the consciousness of a patient upon physical examination, typically in patients with neurological concerns following head trauma

Answer 5

glasgow coma scale (GCS)

Question 6

muscular weakness or partial paralysis of the entire left or right side of the body (a neurologic finding/symptom)

Answer 6

hemiparesis

Question 7

total paralysis of the entire left or right side of the body

Answer 7

hemiplegia (-plegia suffix refers to a paralysis, quad is all four extremities, paraplegia is a motor or sensory loss in the legs extending up the trunk)

Question 8

an indefinite feeling of weakness or lack of health often indicative of or accompanying the onset of an illness; feeling generally weak or “wiped out”

Answer 8

malaise (mal- prefix meaning bad)

Question 9

pain along the distribution of a nerve(s), typically perceived as burning or stabbing in nature

Answer 9

neuralgia

Question 10

an abnormal sensation of the skin associated with nerve dysfunction; most commonly described as “pins and needles”

Answer 10

paresthesia

Question 11

abnormal sensitivity to noise commonly associated with migraines

Answer 11

phonophobia

Question 12

abnormal sensitivity to light commonly associated with migraines

Answer 12

photophobia

Question 13

medical term for ringing in the ears

Answer 13

tinnitus

Question 14

involuntary muscle contraction elicited by percussion of a muscle tendon (the test with the hammer we have all seen before); rated on a number scale with 2+ being normal

Answer 14

deep tendon reflexes (DTRs)

Question 15

the area on either side of the spine (directly over the spine would be “midline”); typically used when describing tenderness or muscle spasm

Answer 15

paraspinal

Question 16

unequal pupil size that may indicate serious neurologic dysfunction. it can also be baseline or normal for many patients

Answer 16

anisocoria

Question 17

medical term for incoordination due to dysfunction of the central nervous system (CNS)

Answer 17

ataxia

Question 18

a neurologic test on a PE that involved stimulation to the sole of the foot to elicit certain responses

Answer 18

babinski reflex

Question 19

a test performed on a PE that involves flexing the neck and/or lower extremities to monitor involuntary movements; performed when there is concern for meningitis

Answer 19

brudzinki’s sign

Question 20

unilateral sagging of the face due to paralysis of the muscles on one side, typically a neurologic PE finding with stroke and Bell’s palsy

Answer 20

facial droop

Question 21

a severe reduction in emotional expressiveness, typically noted as a psychologic PE finding in patients with depression and/or schizophrenia

Answer 21

flat affect

Question 22

decreased level of consciousness, typically noted as a general PE finding. Note: This term in the technical/medical context represents a more severe altered status than the Layman’s version. Use with caution.

Answer 22

lethargic

Question 23

rapid, involuntary movement of the eyes, typically noted as a neurologic PE finding

Answer 23

nystagmus

Question 24

a state of decreased/altered level of consciousness following an epileptic seizure

Answer 24

postictal state

Question 25

a neurologic test on a PE that involves holding both arms straight out at shoulder height with palms facing upward; if one side of the body is weaker than the other, as in a stroke, one arm will drop and turn inward

Answer 25

pronator drift

Question 26

medical term for drowsy or less alert than baseline, typically as it relates to a general PE finding

Answer 26

somnolent

Question 27

a PE test that involves lifting the fully extended legs of a supine patient one at a time; this is typically performed in patients with back pain

Answer 27

Straight Leg Raise (SLR) Test