The nervous system - Disorders of the nerves - ch 12

Question 1

Name 4 disorders of the nerves?

Answer 1

1. carpal tunnel syndrome
2. sciatica
3. cerebral concussion
4. cerebral contusion

Question 2

Give the definition of carpal tunnel syndrome

Answer 2

CTS is the entrapment of the median nerve in the wrist. Compression of the nerve causes loss of movement and sensation in the wrist, hand and fingers.

Question 3

Name 4 symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Answer 3

1. weakness
2. pain
3. burning
4. numbness or paraesthesia in the hand

Question 4

Name 3 oedema-producing (excessive accumulation of fluid) conditions of CTS

Answer 4

1. diabetes
2. pregnancy
3. pre-existing hypothyroidism

Question 5

True/False: Treatment depends on the severity and presence of any underlying condition.

Answer 5

True

Question 6

Name 3 types of conservative treatments for mild cases of CTS?

Answer 6

1. splinting the wrist
2. corticosteroid injections
3. oral NSAIDS

Question 7

Name the treatment for severe cases?

Answer 7

surgical decompression of the nerve

Question 8

Give the definition of sciatica?

Answer 8

An inflammation of the sciatica nerve resulting in pain in the buttock, thigh and leg.

Question 9

What causes sciatica?

Answer 9

compression of the nerve often due to osteoarthritis of the lumbosacral spine or a ruptured intervertebral disc

Question 10

Give the definition of cerebral concussion?

Answer 10

A transient neurological dysfunction caused by a force to the brain. It is the most common form of head injury.

Question 11

Name 3 symptoms of cerebral concussion?

Answer 11

1. confusion
2. disorientation
3. retrograde amnesia with or without loss of consciousness

Question 12

A concussion occurs when the head hits or is hit by an object, or when the brain is jarred against the skull, as can happen in a motor vehicle accident, a fall or in collision/contact sports. True or False?

Answer 12

True

Question 13

Give the definition of cerebral contusion?

Answer 13

Scattered areas of bleeding on the surface of the brain resulting in bruising of the brain tissue. They occur when the brain rebounds against the skull in a serious head injury.

Question 14

Name signs and symptoms of a cerebral contusion?

Answer 14

1. severe headache
2. dizziness
3. vomiting
4. increased size of one pupil
5. sudden weakness in an arm or leg
6. restlessness
7. agitation
8. irritable
9. memory loss

Question 15

As the cerebral oedema (swelling) progresses, the person may not feel increasingly drowsy or confused. True or False.

Answer 15

False - the person will feel increasingly drowsy or confused as the oedema progresses

Question 16

What type of examination would be performed if cerebral contusion is suspected?

Answer 16

CT Brain scan

Question 17

If the pressure on the brain increases significantly or if there is a large blood clot, what type of procedure would need to be performed to remove the cerebral contusion?

Answer 17

craniotomy