Topic 43 - Changes in behaviour/sensorium: excitation and depression. Flashcards
Which part of the brain is responsible for mental status/behavior?
thalamocortex
The brainstem also influences
How can we “measure” the mental status?
By the level of consciousness
What does consciousness mean?
Being aware of the surroundings, ability to learn and remember
Able to react to environmental simuli: pain, sound, visual
Normal level of consciousness:
Alert or attentive
Pathological level of consciousness:
Decreased or increased
Differences exist between species, even between breeds
Name the levels of consciousness:
- Normal
- Inappropriate
- Stuporous
- Comatose
What is inappropriate consciousness?
Unwilling to perform
normally, but responsive
Responsive, but responses are
not normal
What is Stuporous consciousness?
Remains unresponsive to
normal stimuli, but responses
to pain
What is Comatose consciousness?
Nonresponsive to normal and even to painful stimuli
Examples of decreased consciousness:
- Depressed = decreased functional activity
- Dementia = loss of intellectual function
- Delirium = mental disturbance
- Somnolentia = drowsiness
Examples of increased consciousness:
- Excitatio = excitement
- Aggressive = attacking
- Furor = rage
Alterations in behaviour:
- aggression
- vocalization
- excessive/abnormal sexual activity
- excessive compulsive activity (tail chasing, fly biting)
- Can be age related
Episodic alteration of consciousness
- Narcolepsy = rapid fall into deed sleep
- Syncope = episodic loss of consciousness
- Seizure
Age related behavioral change in older animals:
Loss of cognitive function:
- alteration in sleep-wake cycles
- inappropriate urination, defecation
- aimless wandering, pacing
- irritability
