Neurological Pathology

Question 1

Briefly describe the Nervous System

Answer 1

The nervous system is a complex network of nerves that carry signals/messages between the brain and spinal cord, to the rest of the body.

Question 2

Describe the two aspects of the nervous System.

Answer 2

Central Nervous System - CNS:

• brain
• spinal cord
• meninges (three layers of membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord)

Peripheral Nervous System - PNS:

• somatic nervous system
• autonomic nervous system

Question 3

Define ‘neurological disorder’.

Answer 3

Neurological disorders are diseases of the CNS and PNS, including the brain, spinal cord, nerves (cranial & peripheral), autonomic nervous system, neuromuscular junctions and muscles.

Question 4

List some neurological disorders.

Answer 4

stroke 
brain tumour 
neural tube defects e.g., spina bfida
muscle paralysis
dementia
parkinsons

Question 5

Describe some causes of neurological disorders.

Answer 5

Lifestyle and environment

• exposure to toxins
• poor diet e.g., folate deficiency
• injury

Infections
- polio virus

Congenital abnormalities

genetic disorders

Question 6

Explain one type of neural tube defect.
How is it diagnosed?
What is the treatment?

Answer 6

Spina Bfida

Birth defect where the spinal canal and backbone don’t close before birth.

Diagnosed by amniocentesis - high alpha-fetoprotein levels, as alpha-fetoprotein leaks into amniotic fluid from fetal blood due to tube not closed properly.

Permanent damage - no cure for spina bfida.

Question 7

Describe ‘hydrocephalus’.

Answer 7

Build up of fluid in the skull if body produces too much cerebrospinal fluid, or arachnoid villi stop absorbing CFS into bloodstream.

Causes build up of fluid and pressure resulting in brain damage.

Question 8

What are the 5 types of hydrocephalus?

Answer 8

• communicating hydrocephalus (non-obstructive)
• non-communicating hydrocephalus (obstructive)
• hydrocephalus ex vacuo
• arrested hydrocephalus
• normal pressure hydrocephalus

Question 9

What are the two ways in which hydrocephalus can be causes?

Answer 9

Congenital hydrocephalus
- symptoms present at childhood

Acquired hydrocephalus

• can occur at any point in life
• no known cause

Question 10

List some symptoms of hydrocephalus

Answer 10

headache 
confusion  
blurred/double vision 
poor co-ordination 
difficulty walking/different gait 
incontinence

Question 11

How is hydrocephalus diagnosed?

Answer 11

• MRI and CT scans
• eye tests to check for swelling behind eyes
• lumbar punctures to check pressure of CSF

Question 12

How is hydrocephalus treated using a shunt?

Answer 12

a shunt is used to drain excess CSF from the brain to relieve pressure.

it is a small tube that is implanted into the brain and usually runs to the stomach where the CFS is absorbed into the bloodstream.

Question 13

Describe muscular paralysis

Answer 13

The partial or complete loss of muscle function in parts of the body.
Can be widespread or in one area of the body.

Question 14

Describe the two types of paralysis.

What are their characteristics?

Answer 14

Flaccid paralysis

• motor neurones destroyed by disease
• muscle deprived of innervation = low muscle tone
• involves peripheral nerve destruction

Spastic paralysis

• reflex arc not disturbed
• injury to cortical neurones = no voluntary control of muscles
• muscle not deprived of innervation = increased muscle tone

Question 15

Sudden paralysis is most commonly caused by..?

Answer 15

injury or stroke

Question 16

During injury or stroke:

1. Damage to the right side of the brain causes?
2. Damage to the spine cause?
3. Damage to the lower spine causes?
4. damage higher up the spine causes?

Answer 16

1. paralysis in the left side of the body
2. equal sided paralysis
3. paraplegia - paralysis of both legs
4. quadriplegia - paralysis of arms and legs

Question 17

list some symptoms of paralysis

Answer 17

• tingling
• numbness
• pain
• difficulty walking
• difficulty breathing

Question 18

What are the 3 variations of paralysis based on severity?

Answer 18

Plegia - ‘true paralysis’ total loss of movement ability

Paresis - muscle weakness

Palsy - common term to describe paralysis

Question 19

What are polyneuropathies? Give example.

Answer 19

Group of rare disorders that can lead to widespread paralysis.
Can be inherited or triggered by environment. e.g., drugs

example: poliomyelitis

Question 20

How is paralysis treated?

Answer 20

• physical therapy to encourage movement/preservation of muscle
• occupational therapy
• speech therapy
• respiratory therapy to help coughing, breathing etc.
• psychological therapy