Unit 26 Flashcards
Neurologist
A physician specializing in treatment of brain injury and dysfunction
Cerebral vascular accident
A.k.a. stroke
Infarct
Area of dead or dying tissue resulting from an obstruction of blood vessels
Most common types of vascular disorders affecting the CNS
Ischemia, migraine stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, angioma, arteriovenous aneurisms
Embolism
Clots or other plug brought through the blood from a larger vessel and forced into a smaller one, obstructing circulation
Area most affected by embolism
Middle cerebral artery of the left side
Thrombosis
Blood clot in a vessel that has remained at the place of its formation
Cerebral arteriosclerosis
Thickening and hardening of brains arteries
Cerebral vascular insufficiency/transient ischaemia
Passing attacks of ischemia. Experienced as fleeting giddiness or impaired consciousness
Migraine strokes
Due to spontaneous blood vessel constriction causing ischemia. Cause unknown
Causes of cerebral haemorrhage
High blood pressure, congenital defects in arteries, blood disorders, toxic chemicals, brain trauma
Angioma
Congenitally abnormal vessels forming masses (arteriovenous malformations). Causes abnormalities in blood flow patterns and are inherently weak. Can result in stroke
Aneurysms
Vascular dilation due to localize defect in a blood vessels elasticity. Usually congenital but may develop from hypertension, embolism, infection, arteriosclerosis
Metabolic syndrome
Combination of medical disorders including obesity and insulin abnormalities, increases risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes
Contrecoup
Bruise from brain hitting the opposite end of the skull
Coup
Bruise from brain hitting the skull
Dementia pugilistica
Subsequent to repeated concussions and periods of unconsciousness. Common in boxers
Glasgow coma scale
Scale that provides an indicator of unconsciousness and potential recovery. Evaluate eye-opening, motor response, and verbal response, sums them
Time when brain is most epileptogenic
When inactive and person is still.
Three most common symptoms of epilepsy
Onset of aura, loss of consciousness, movement
Four common types of seizures
Focal seizures, generalized seizures, akinetic seizures, and myoclonic spasms
Focal seizures
Originate in a point in the near cortex representing a region of the body, or movement is first scene. Movement spreads
Complex partial seizure
Type of focal seizure originating usually in the temporal lobe. Characterized by subjective experiences prior to the attack, automatisms, and postural changes
Automatisms
Automatic, non-reflexive actions performed without conscious volition. E.g. lip smacking, chewing, undoing buttons
Generalized seizures
Bilaterally symmetrical and without focal on set. Includes loss of consciousness and stereotyped motor activity. Has three stages
Three stages of generalized seizures
Tonic- body stiffens and breathing stops
Clinic- rhythmic shaking
Postseizure- lack of affect and confusion
Akinetic seizures
Usually only in children. Very short duration, child usually falls down and gets up after a few seconds