neurological disorders Flashcards

1
Q

Aphasia

A
  • Definition: A language disorder caused by brain damage, affecting the ability to speak, understand, read, or write.
  • Role in Assessment: Indicates potential damage to language centers in the brain, such as Broca’s (expressive aphasia) or Wernicke’s area (receptive aphasia). It helps identify the location and severity of a stroke, brain injury, or tumor.
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2
Q

Clonus

A
  • Definition: A series of involuntary, rhythmic muscle contractions typically triggered by stretching a muscle.
  • Role in Assessment: Suggests upper motor neuron lesions or neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, or strokes. It reflects hyperactive reflexes and is often seen in spastic paralysis.
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3
Q

Dysarthria

A
  • Definition: Difficulty in articulating speech due to muscle weakness or coordination issues affecting speech production.
  • Role in Assessment: Indicates damage to the motor pathways or cranial nerves controlling speech (e.g., cranial nerves IX, X, or XII) or conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or ALS.
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4
Q

Graphesthesia

A
  • Definition: The ability to recognize a number or letter traced on the skin without visual input.
  • Role in Assessment: Tests the sensory cortex and parietal lobe function. Deficits may indicate sensory cortical damage or parietal lobe dysfunction, often caused by strokes.
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5
Q

Extinction

A
  • Definition: The inability to perceive simultaneous stimuli on both sides of the body, typically during bilateral testing.
  • Role in Assessment: Indicates lesions in the contralateral sensory cortex, such as in strokes or tumors, affecting spatial attention.
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6
Q

Nystagmus

A
  • Definition: Involuntary, rhythmic oscillation of the eyes, which can occur horizontally, vertically, or rotationally.
  • Role in Assessment: Indicates dysfunction in the vestibular system, cerebellum, or brainstem, often seen in conditions like multiple sclerosis, inner ear disorders, or brainstem lesions.
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7
Q

Stereognosis

A
  • Definition: The ability to recognize objects by touch without visual input.
  • Role in Assessment: Tests higher sensory functions and integration in the parietal lobe. Impairments (astatognosis) suggest sensory cortical damage, as seen in strokes or brain injuries.
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8
Q

Two-point Discrimination

A
  • Definition: The ability to differentiate two separate points touching the skin.
  • Role in Assessment: Assesses the integrity of fine sensory pathways and cortical function. Impairments may suggest damage to the sensory cortex or peripheral neuropathy.
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9
Q
  1. Alzheimer’s Disease
A

o Cause: Amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles.
o Symptoms: Memory loss, language issues, cortical atrophy.

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10
Q
  1. Parkinson’s Disease
A

o Cause: Dopamine depletion in substantia nigra.
o Symptoms: Tremor, rigidity, postural instability.

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11
Q
  1. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
A

Symptoms: Weakness, muscle twitching, trouble speaking, swallowing, or breathing.
Cause: Mostly unknown; 5–10% genetic.

Progressive Muscle Weakness:
Affects muscles for movement, speech, swallowing, and breathing.
Motor Neuron Damage:
Upper and lower motor neurons degenerate, leading to muscle atrophy (wasting).
No Cure:
ALS is currently incurable, but treatments can help manage symptoms.

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12
Q

Huntington’s Disease

A

What: A genetic brain disorder causing progressive breakdown of nerve cells.
Symptoms: Uncontrolled movements, mood changes, memory loss, difficulty speaking/swallowing, dementia.
Cause: Genetic mutation; inherited from a parent (CAG repeats).

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13
Q

Multiple Sclerosis

A

What: A chronic disease where the immune system attacks the nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
Symptoms: Fatigue, vision problems, muscle weakness, numbness, coordination issues.
Cause: Unknown; likely immune-related with genetic and environmental factors.o Cause: Autoimmune destruction of myelin in CNS.

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14
Q
  1. Signs of Stroke or Increased Intracranial Pressure:
A

o Sudden headache, speech changes, or limb weakness.
o Visual disturbances or loss of consciousness.

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15
Q
  1. Seizure Red Flags:
A

o Sudden onset, motor activity, postictal confusion, triggers.

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16
Q

cerebral palsy

A

What: A group of disorders affecting movement and posture due to brain damage before, during, or after birth.
Symptoms: Muscle stiffness or weakness, coordination problems, speech difficulties, seizures (in some cases).
Cause: Brain injury or abnormal development (e.g., during pregnancy or birth).

17
Q

Poliomyelitis (Polio)

A

What: A viral disease that can cause nerve damage and paralysis.
Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, stiffness; severe cases lead to paralysis.
Cause: Poliovirus, spread through contaminated food, water, or contact.