Pathology of the Nervous System

Question 1

Cephalagia

Answer 1

Headache

Question 2

Warning aura

Answer 2

A visual disturbance perceived by the patient preceding a migraine headache or epileptic seizure.

Question 3

Migrane headache

Answer 3

May be preceded by a warning aura, is characterized by throbbing pain on one side of the head. Migraine headaches primarily affect women and are sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound.

Question 4

Cluster headaches

Answer 4

Intensely painful headaches that affect one side of the head and may be associated with tearing of the eyes and nasal congestion. These headaches, which primarily affect men, are named for their repeated occurrence in groups or clusters.

Question 5

Encephalocele/craniocele

Answer 5

A congenital herniation of brain tissue through a gap in the skull.

Question 6

Meningocele

Answer 6

The congenital herniation of the meninges through a defect in the skull or spinal column.

Question 7

Hydrocephalus

Answer 7

A condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the ventricles of the brain. This condition can occur at birth or develop later in life from obstructions related to meningitis, brain tumors, or other causes.

Question 8

Meningioma

Answer 8

A common, slow-growing, and usually benign tumor of the meninges.

Question 9

Meningitis/infectious meningitis

Answer 9

An inflammation of the meninges of the brain and spinal cord. This condition, which can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection elsewhere in the body, is characterized by intense headache and flu-like symptoms. Bacterial meningitis, which is less common, is sometimes fatal.

Question 10

Mild cognitive impairment

Answer 10

A memory disorder, usually associated with recently acquired information, which may be an early predictor of Alzheimer’s disease.

Question 11

Dementia

Answer 11

A slowly progressive decline in mental abilities, including memory, thinking, and judgment, that is often accompanied by personality changes.

Question 12

Senile dementia

Answer 12

Dementia of the aged.

Question 13

Sundowning

Answer 13

Refers to a group of symptoms leading to a state of confusion that can happen towards the end of the day in patients with dementia.

Question 14

Vascular dementia

Answer 14

A form of dementia caused by a stroke or other restriction of the flow of blood to the brain. Although Alzheimer’s disease is the primary cause of dementia, vascular dementia accounts for about 10 to 20% of all cases.

Question 15

Encephalitis

Answer 15

An inflammation of the brain that can be caused by a viral infection such as rabies.

Question 16

Reye’s syndrome

Answer 16

A serious and potentially deadly disorder in children that is characterized by vomiting and confusion. This syndrome sometimes follows a viral illness in which the child was treated with aspirin.

Question 17

Tetanus/lockjaw

Answer 17

An acute and potentially fatal infection of the central nervous system caused by a toxin produced by the tetanus bacteria. Tetanus can be prevented through immunization. In unimmunized people, this condition is typically acquired through a deep puncture wound.

Question 18

Tourette’s syndrome

Answer 18

A complex neurological disorder characterized by involuntary tics, grunts, and compulsive utterances that sometimes include obscenities.

Question 19

Neurodegenerative disease/degenerative nerve disease

Answer 19

An umbrella term for disorders in which there is a progressive loss of the structure or functions of the neurons.

Question 20

Alzheimer’s disease

Answer 20

A group of disorders involving the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. It is the leading form of dementia and is marked by progressive deterioration that affects both the memory and reasoning capabilities of an individual.

Question 21

Parkinson’s disease (PD)

Answer 21

A chronic, degenerative central nervous disorder characterized by fine muscle tremors, rigidity, and a slow or shuffling gait. This slow or shuffling gait is caused by gradual progressive loss of control over movements due to inadequate levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain.

Question 22

Lewy body dementia

Answer 22

The second most common type of dementia, occurs when abnormal proteins interfere with cell function in the brain. It is named after neurologist Frederic Lewy.

Question 23

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), “Lou Gehrig’s disease”

Answer 23

A rapidly progressive neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. Patients affected with this condition become progressively weaker until they are completely paralyzed and die.

Question 24

Amnesia

Answer 24

A memory disturbance characterized by a total or partial inability to recall past experiences. This condition can be caused by a brain injury, illness, or a psychological disturbance.

Question 25

Concussion

Answer 25

A violent shaking up or jarring of the brain. A concussion may result in a temporary loss of awareness and function.

Question 26

Cerebral contusion

Answer 26

The bruising of brain tissue as the result of a head injury that causes the brain to bounce against the rigid bone of the skull.

Question 27

Cranial hematoma

Answer 27

A collection of blood trapped in the tissues of the brain. Cranial hematomas may be caused by a major or minor head injury.

Question 28

Epidural hematoma

Answer 28

Located above the dura mater

Question 29

Subdural hematoma

Answer 29

Located below the dura mater

Question 30

Traumatic brain injury

Answer 30

A blow to the head or a penetrating head injury that damages the brain. Not all blows to the head result in damage to the brain. When an injury does occur, it can range from mild, with only a brief change in mental status, to severe, with longer-lasting effects.

Question 31

Coup

Answer 31

An injury occurring within the skull near the point of impact, such as hitting the windshield in an auto accident.

Question 32

Contrecoup/counterblow

Answer 32

An injury that occurs beneath the skull opposite to the area of impact.

Question 33

Cerebrovascular accident - stroke

Answer 33

A CVA is damage to the brain that occurs when the blood flow to the brain is disrupted because a blood vessel is either blocked or has ruptured. Strokes are currently the third-leading cause of death and the primary cause of long-term disability.

Question 34

Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale

Answer 34

A three-question scale used to recognize CVA using the mnemonic FAST. This test can be used by members of the public as well as first responders to see if a stroke is occurring: Facial droop, Arm drift, Speech abnormality, Time

Question 35

Ischemic stroke

Answer 35

The most common type of stroke in older people, occurs when the flow of blood to the brain is blocked by the narrowing or blockage of a carotid artery. Ischemic means pertaining to the disruption of the blood supply

Question 36

Transient ischemic attack (TIA), “mini-stroke”

Answer 36

The temporary interruption in the blood supply to the brain. Transient means passing quickly. Symptoms of a TIA include numbness, blurred vision, dizziness, or loss of balance. A TIA passes in less than an hour; however, this incident is often a warning sign that the individual is at risk for a more serious and debilitating stroke.

Question 37

Aneurysm

Answer 37

A localized, weak, balloon-like enlargement of an artery wall. This type of stroke is less common than ischemic strokes and is often fatal. A hemorrhagic stroke affects the area of the brain damaged by the leaking blood

Question 38

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM)

Answer 38

One of the causes of hemorrhagic strokes. This abnormal connection between the arteries and veins in the brain is usually congenital and can rupture suddenly at any age

Question 39

Somnambulism, sleepwalking, noctambulism

Answer 39

The condition of walking or performing some other activity without awakening.

Question 40

Myelosis

Answer 40

A tumor of the spinal cord. Myelosis also means an abnormal proliferation of bone marrow tissue.

Question 41

Radiculitis, “pinched nerve”

Answer 41

An inflammation of the root of a spinal nerve that causes pain and numbness radiating down the affected limb. This term usually applies to that portion of the root that lies between the spinal cord and the intervertebral canal of the spinal column.

Question 42

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Answer 42

A progressive autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation that causes demyelination of the myelin sheath. This scars the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves and disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses. This damage leaves the patient with varying degrees of pain plus physical and cognitive problems.

Question 43

Demyelination

Answer 43

The loss of patches of the protective myelin sheath.

Question 44

Guillain–Barré syndrome/infections polyneuritis

Answer 44

An inflammation of the myelin sheath of peripheral nerves, characterized by rapidly worsening muscle weakness that can lead to temporary paralysis. This rare condition is an autoimmune reaction that can occur after certain viral infections or an immunization.

Question 45

Tonic-clonic seizure, grand mal seizure

Answer 45

Involves the entire body. In the tonic phase of the seizure, the body becomes rigid, and in the clonic phase, there is uncontrolled jerking.

Question 46

Absent seizure, petit mal seizure

Answer 46

A brief disturbance in brain function in which there is a loss of awareness often described as a staring episode.

Question 47

Seizure

Answer 47

A sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain that affects how a person feels or acts for a short time. Some seizures can hardly be noticed, whereas others cause a brief loss of consciousness. Seizures are symptoms of different disorders that can affect the brain and also can be caused by extreme high fever, brain injury, or brain lesions.

Question 48

Causalgia

Answer 48

Persistent, severe burning pain that usually follows an injury to a sensory nerve.

Question 49

Hyperesthesia

Answer 49

A condition of abnormal and excessive sensitivity to touch, pain, or other sensory stimuli.

Question 50

Paresthesia

Answer 50

Refers to a burning or prickling sensation that is usually felt in the hands, arms, legs, or feet but can also occur in other parts of the body. These sensations may constitute the first symptoms of peripheral neuropathy or may be a drug side effect.

Question 51

Peripheral neuropathy

Answer 51

A disorder of the peripheral nerves that carry information to and from the brain and spinal cord. This produces pain, the loss of sensation, and the inability to control muscles, particularly in the arms or legs.

Question 52

Restless leg syndrome (RLS)

Answer 52

A neurological disorder characterized by uncomfortable feelings in the legs, producing a strong urge to move them. The sensation is usually most noticeable at night or when trying to rest.

Question 53

Neuropathy

Answer 53

Any disease or damage to a nerve.