Study Section

Question 1

aneurysm

Answer 1

Enlarged, weakness area in an arterial wall, which may rupture, leading to hemorrhage and CVA (stroke).

Question 2

astrocytoma

Answer 2

Malignant tumor of astrocytes (glial brain cells).

Question 3

aura

Answer 3

Peculiar symptoms or sensation occurring before the onset (prodromal) of an attack of migraine or an epileptic seizure.

Question 4

dementia

Answer 4

Mental decline and deterioration.

Question 5

demyelination

Answer 5

Destruction of myelin on axons of neurons (as in multiple sclerosis).

Question 6

dopamine

Answer 6

CNS neurotransmitter, deficient in patient with Parkinson disease.

Question 7

embolus

Answer 7

Clot of material that travels through the bloodstream and suddenly blocks a vessel.

Question 8

gait

Answer 8

Manner of walking.

Question 9

ictal event

Answer 9

Pertaining to a sudden, acute onset, as with the convulsions of an epileptic seizure.

Question 10

occlusion

Answer 10

Blockage.

Question 11

palliative

Answer 11

Relieving symptoms but not curing them.

Question 12

thymectomy

Answer 12

Removal of the thymus gland (a lymphocyte-producing gland in the chest); used as treatment for myasthenia gravis.

Question 13

TIA

Answer 13

Transient ischemic attack.

Question 14

tic

Answer 14

Involuntary movement of a small group of muscles, as of the face; characteristic of Tourette syndrome.

Question 15

tonic-clonic seizure

Answer 15

Major (grand mal) convulsive seizure marked by sudden loss of consciousness, stiffening of muscles, and twitching and jerking movements.

Question 16

absence seizure

Answer 16

Form of seizure consisting of momentary clouding of consciousness and loss of awareness of surroundings.