Neurological disorders

Question 1

What effect would damage to thE UPPER motor neurons or to the cortical spinal tracts have on the body?

Answer 1

Interferes with voluntary movements causing weakness or paralysis on the OPPOSITE/contralateral side of the body

Question 2

What effect would damage to the LOWER motor neurons or to the cortical spinal tracts have on the body?

Answer 2

o Causes weakness or paralysis on the same side of the body, at and below the level of spinal cord damage
o Muscles flaccid, reflexes absent in affected area
o If the distal cord is intact some reflexes in that area may be present and hyperactive
o Lower motor neurons are also located in the nuclei of cranial nerves in brain stem and similarly, Flaccid paralysis: (ipsilateral) same side weakness results from damage to any cranial nerve that contain motor fibers

Question 3

What is cushing’s triad?

Answer 3

Cushing’s triad: irregular respirations (caused by impaired brain stem function), bradycardia, hypertension (widening pulse pressure)

Question 4

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

Answer 4

In the subarachnoid space

Question 5

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

Answer 5

Left hemisphere (L hemisphere is responsible for logical thinking ability, analytical skills, other intellectual abilities, communication skills)

Question 6

What is the major function of the limbic system:

Answer 6

Determines emotional response (limbic system consists of many nuclei and connecting fibers & is responsible for emotional reactions or feelings)