PATHS OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM Flashcards
Type of senile dementia with characteristic lesions of the central cortex
Alzheimer’s Disease
Progressive, degenerative disease of motor neurons leading to muscle wasting & death; most common in 40 - 70 year old men
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (A.L.S. )
a.k.a. Lou Gehrig’s Disease
Weakening and bulging of an artery; may leak and cause transient headaches & neck stiffness ; if bursts can be fatal
Aneurysm
Permanent , non- progressive damage to motor areas of brain before or during birth; symptoms often include spastic paralysis
Cerebral Palsy
Buildup of arteriosclerotic lesions (thickened, hardened areas of reduced elasticity ); blood clots or hemorrhage may lead to stroke
Cerebrovascular Disease
Brain trauma Mild, Moderate, or Severe Confusion , headache , vomiting
Concussion
Group of Disorders Progressive degeneration of neurons in the brain leading to personality changes , loss of memory & diminished capabilities
Dementia
Inflammation of the brain
Encephalitis
Inherited, progressive disorder causing uncontrolled muscular contractions (chorea); onset in 30s & death w/in 25 yrs
Huntington’s Disease
Inflammation of the meninges with symptoms of fever, headache , stiff neck malaise, & photophobia
Meningitis
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
Multiple Sclerosis
Chronic nervous disorder; degeneration of motor neurons of the mid- brain & decreases of a neurotransmitter; tremors, mask-like expression & shuffling gait
Parkinson’s Disease
Abnormal neuron activity Range from minor moments of “blankness” to extreme physical convulsions
Seizures
a.k.a. Convulsions
Failure of the dorsal structures to fuse during development including the vertebra ; the spinal cord or meninges may be exposed
Spina Bifida
Severity dependent on location of the cord damage
Decubitus Ulcers : bed sores
Spinal Cord Injuries
- Paraplegia
- Quadriplegia
Death or dysfunction of neurons from ischemia or hemorrhage ; paralysis, paresis ( weakness), aphasia (unable to speak ); confusion
Cerebrovascular Accident
a.k.a. Stroke , CVA
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
Transient Ischemic Attack
a.k.a. Ministroke, TIA
Inflammation of the facial nerve (7th cranial nerve); unilateral pain, numbness & paralysis of face
Bell’s Palsy
Palmar pain & numbness in first three digits
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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.
Compression Syndromes
- Entrapment
- Impingement
Burning pain and rash in a dermatomal pattern
Herpes Zoster
a.k.a. Shingles
Pain, numbness or tingling along the sciatic nerve
Sciatica
An impingement of the brachial plexus Often misdiagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
An impingement of the brachial plexus
Whiplash
Referred pain
Cervicogenic Headaches
Fluid pressure & pain felt as throbbing inside the head; cluster headaches occur on one side; sinus drainage is common
Vascular Headaches
- Classified as Migraines
- Cluster Headaches
Soft tissue shortening; feels like squeezing inside the head NOTE: no pain receptors in the brain
Tension Headaches
Alterations of mood Ex. Mania, Major Depression, Bipolar
Affective Disorders
Neurotic symptoms
Ex. Panic Attacks , Phobias , GAD , PTSD , OCD
Anxiety Disorders
Dementia or illness due to diseases of the brain
Organic Disorders
Life-long patterns of behavior that are unacceptable with regard to accepted social norms
Ex. Borderline , Antisocial , Narcissistic , Dependent , Passive-aggressive , etc.
Personality Disorders
Thought disorder leading to misinterpretation of reality; delusions and hallucinations
Schizophrenia
