NEUROLOGIC ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Question 1

Hemiparesis

Answer 1

weakness of the entire left or right side of body

Question 2

Hemiparalysis

Answer 2

paralysis of one side of the body

Question 3

Hypokinesia

Answer 3

refers to decreased bodily movement

Question 4

Akinesia

Answer 4

inability to initiate movement d/t difficulty selecting and/or activating motor programs in the CNS

Question 5

Ataxia

Answer 5

lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements

Question 6

Asterixis

Answer 6

Liver Flap; flapping tremor
o Tremor of the hand when the wrist is extended
o Resembles bird flapping its wings
o Inability to actively maintain a position, which is demonstrated by jerking movements of the outstretched hands when bent upward at the wrist

Question 7

Essential Tremor

Answer 7

involves a tremor of the arms, hands, or fingers but sometimes involving the head, vocal cords or other body parts during voluntary movements such as eating + writing

Question 8

Hemianopsia

Answer 8

decreased vision or blindness in half the visual field of one of both eyes, usually on one side of the vertical midline

Question 9

Aphasia

Answer 9

inability to comprehend or express language appropriately

Question 10

What are the diagnostic tests for ICP?

Answer 10

• Computed tomography (CT) scans
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Cerebral angiography
• Doppler ultrasound
• EEG
• Radionuclide may be used to track perfusion in CNS.
• Lumbar puncture used to check pressure and analyze CSF
• Clinical Assessment routinely includes assessment of normal reflexes; Glascow coma scale (assess LOC)

Question 11

What are the general signs of increased ICP?

Answer 11

Decreased LOC, headache, vomiting

Question 12

How will the vital signs change in a person with increased ICP?

Answer 12

• Vital signs will be irregular: Increase systemic BP, increase pulse pressure (difference btwn systolic and diastolic pressures—significant in ppl with ICP). This results from the slower HR and effects of the Cushings Reflex

Question 13

What are the signs of increased ICP that affect vision?

Answer 13

Papilledema (optic disc swelling) and pupils are fixed and dilated due to pressure on cranial nerve III

Question 14

What are two involuntary movements that may occur w/ brain tumors?

Answer 14

o Decorticate: Severe brain damage (cerebral hemispheres) rigid flexion in upper limbs, abducted arms, internal rotation of hands, lower limbs extended (may occur in people w/ severe damage in cerebral hemispheres
o Decerebrate: occur in persons with brain stem lesions/damage and CNS depression caused by systemic effects
• BOTH upper and lower limbs/head extended, body is arched

Question 15

What does the skull contain?

Answer 15

brain tissue, blood and CSF

Question 16

Through what area does the CSF circulate around the brain and spinal cord?

Answer 16

In the subarachnoid space

Question 17

Which of the following is the usual location of language centers?

a. Left hemisphere
b. R hemisphere
c. hypothalamus
d. brainstem

Answer 17

a. left hemisphere
The L hemisphere is responsible for logical thinking ability, analytical skills, other intellectual abilities, communication skills

Question 18

What is a major function of the limbic system?

Answer 18

Determines emotional response.

The limbic system consists of many nuclei and connecting fibers and is re ponsible for emotional reactions or feelings.

Question 19

What is the best definition of aphasia?

Answer 19

The inability to comprehend or express language appropriately

Question 20

What is an early indicator or increasing ICP?

Answer 20

Decreasing responsiveness (lethargy) and LOC.