Neurology Flashcards
reticular activating system (RAS)
The reticular activating system (RAS) is a network of neurons located in the brain stem that project anteriorly to the hypothalamus to mediate behavior, as well as both posteriorly to the thalamus and directly to the cortex for activation of awake, desynchronized cortical EEG patterns. The reticular formation may be best known for its role in promoting arousal and consciousness. This function is mediated by the reticular activating system (RAS), also known as the ascending arousal system.
schiz·o·phre·ni·a
a long-term mental disorder of a type involving a breakdown in the relation between thought, emotion, and behavior, leading to faulty perception, inappropriate actions and feelings, withdrawal from reality and personal relationships into fantasy and delusion, and a sense of mental fragmentation.
(in general use) a mentality or approach characterized by inconsistent or contradictory elements. 精神分裂症
organic brain disorders
What are examples of organic brain disorders?
Examples of common Organic Mental Disorders are delirium, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and amnesia. Delirium is an acute onset neuropsychiatric disorder characterized
by confusion, incoherent thought and speech, hallucinations, and delusions.
What are 4 causes of an organic mental disorder?
The brain cells could be damaged due to a physical injury (a severe blow to the head, stroke, chemical and toxic exposures, organic brain disease, substance abuse, etc.) or due to psycho-social factors like severe deprivation, physical or mental abuse, and severe psychological trauma.
seizure
A seizure is a sudden change in brain function due to a massive electrical discharge in a group of nerve cells. The increased electrical activity will typically cause an altered level of consciousness and various changes in behavior, such as convulsions, automatisms, or a blank stare.
What can cause a seizure?
Anything that interrupts the normal connections between nerve cells in the brain can cause a seizure. This includes a high fever, high or low blood sugar, alcohol or drug withdrawal, or a brain concussion. But when a person has
2 or more seizures with no known cause, this is diagnosed as epilepsy. What are the 4 types of seizures?
Epilepsy is a common long-term brain condition. It causes seizures, which are bursts of electricity in the brain. There are four main types of epilepsy: focal, generalized, combination focal and generalized, and unknown. The three primary seizure types are:
Agonist vs antagonist
Agonists are substances that bind to synaptic receptors and increase the effect of the neurotransmitter. Antagonists also bind to synaptic receptors but they decrease the effect of the neurotransmitter.
