PATHS OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

Question 1

Type of senile dementia with characteristic lesions of the central cortex

Answer 1

Alzheimer’s Disease

Question 2

Progressive, degenerative disease of motor neurons leading to muscle wasting & death; most common in 40 - 70 year old men

Answer 2

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (A.L.S. )
a.k.a. Lou Gehrig’s Disease

Question 3

Weakening and bulging of an artery; may leak and cause transient headaches & neck stiffness ; if bursts can be fatal

Answer 3

Aneurysm

Question 4

Permanent , non- progressive damage to motor areas of brain before or during birth; symptoms often include spastic paralysis

Answer 4

Cerebral Palsy

Question 5

Buildup of arteriosclerotic lesions (thickened, hardened areas of reduced elasticity ); blood clots or hemorrhage may lead to stroke

Answer 5

Cerebrovascular Disease

Question 6

Brain trauma Mild, Moderate, or Severe Confusion , headache , vomiting

Answer 6

Concussion

Question 7

Group of Disorders Progressive degeneration of neurons in the brain leading to personality changes , loss of memory & diminished capabilities

Answer 7

Dementia

Question 8

Inflammation of the brain

Answer 8

Encephalitis

Question 9

Inherited, progressive disorder causing uncontrolled muscular contractions (chorea); onset in 30s & death w/in 25 yrs

Answer 9

Huntington’s Disease

Question 10

Inflammation of the meninges with symptoms of fever, headache , stiff neck malaise, & photophobia

Answer 10

Meningitis

Question 11

Loss of myelin sheath covering neurons & plaque formation in CNS that decreases nerve conduction; muscle wasting; common in women 20-40 years old; remission & relapse can occur

Answer 11

Multiple Sclerosis

Question 12

Chronic nervous disorder; degeneration of motor neurons of the mid- brain & decreases of a neurotransmitter; tremors, mask-like expression & shuffling gait

Answer 12

Parkinson’s Disease

Question 13

Abnormal neuron activity Range from minor moments of “blankness” to extreme physical convulsions

Answer 13

Seizures
a.k.a. Convulsions

Question 14

Failure of the dorsal structures to fuse during development including the vertebra ; the spinal cord or meninges may be exposed

Answer 14

Spina Bifida

Question 15

Severity dependent on location of the cord damage

Decubitus Ulcers : bed sores

Answer 15

Spinal Cord Injuries
- Paraplegia
- Quadriplegia

Question 16

Death or dysfunction of neurons from ischemia or hemorrhage ; paralysis, paresis ( weakness), aphasia (unable to speak ); confusion

Answer 16

Cerebrovascular Accident
a.k.a. Stroke , CVA

Question 17

Vascular disturbance in brain tissue; stroke-like symptoms last less than 24 hours followed by complete recovery ; slurred speech; often a warning of a major stroke

Answer 17

Transient Ischemic Attack
a.k.a. Ministroke, TIA

Question 18

Inflammation of the facial nerve (7th cranial nerve); unilateral pain, numbness & paralysis of face

Answer 18

Bell’s Palsy

Question 19

Palmar pain & numbness in first three digits

Answer 19

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Question 20

Pain or loss of function (motor, sensory, or both) of the nerves as a result of chronic compression . Tissues that can bind and impinge on nerves are the skin, fasciae , muscles , ligaments , and bones.

Answer 20

Compression Syndromes
- Entrapment
- Impingement

Question 21

Burning pain and rash in a dermatomal pattern

Answer 21

Herpes Zoster
a.k.a. Shingles

Question 22

Pain, numbness or tingling along the sciatic nerve

Answer 22

Sciatica

Question 23

An impingement of the brachial plexus Often misdiagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome

Answer 23

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Question 24

An impingement of the brachial plexus

Answer 24

Whiplash

Question 25

Referred pain

Answer 25

Cervicogenic Headaches

Question 26

Fluid pressure & pain felt as throbbing inside the head; cluster headaches occur on one side; sinus drainage is common

Answer 26

Vascular Headaches
- Classified as Migraines
- Cluster Headaches

Question 27

Soft tissue shortening; feels like squeezing inside the head NOTE: no pain receptors in the brain

Answer 27

Tension Headaches

Question 28

Alterations of mood Ex. Mania, Major Depression, Bipolar

Answer 28

Affective Disorders

Question 29

Neurotic symptoms
Ex. Panic Attacks , Phobias , GAD , PTSD , OCD

Answer 29

Anxiety Disorders

Question 30

Dementia or illness due to diseases of the brain

Answer 30

Organic Disorders

Question 31

Life-long patterns of behavior that are unacceptable with regard to accepted social norms
Ex. Borderline , Antisocial , Narcissistic , Dependent , Passive-aggressive , etc.

Answer 31

Personality Disorders

Question 32

Thought disorder leading to misinterpretation of reality; delusions and hallucinations

Answer 32

Schizophrenia