Week 11 Flashcards
What is the purpose of the neurological system?
To process and receive messages from internal/external stimuli
The neurological system enables communication between different parts of the body and the environment.
What are the general structures and functions of the neurological system?
Includes neurons, glial cells, and the central and peripheral nervous systems
Neurons are responsible for transmitting signals, while glial cells provide support and nourishment.
What are age-related considerations for the neurological system?
Changes in cognitive function, increased risk of neurological disorders
Aging can affect the efficiency and function of the nervous system.
What does the assessment of the neurological system involve?
Neurological examinations, imaging studies, and functional assessments
Assessments help identify abnormalities and monitor patient status.
What is the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)?
A scale used to assess a patient’s level of consciousness
The GCS evaluates eye, verbal, and motor responses.
What are common diagnostics related to the neurological system?
CT scans, MRIs, EEGs, lumbar puncture, cerebral angiography
These diagnostics help identify issues within the nervous system.
What are the types of strokes?
- Ischemic Stroke
- Hemorrhagic Stroke
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Each type of stroke has different causes and treatment approaches.
What are common risk factors for stroke?
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- High alcohol intake
Managing these factors can help reduce stroke risk.
What is a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)?
A temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, often called a ‘mini-stroke’
Symptoms usually resolve within 24 hours but require medical attention.
What is the Circle of Willis?
A circulatory structure that connects anterior and posterior cerebral circulation
It provides collateral blood flow to the brain.
What are the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord?
- Dura mater
- Arachnoid layer
- Pia mater
These membranes protect the central nervous system from injury.
What is the function of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?
Surrounds the brain and spinal cord, carries nutrients, and provides protection
CSF is also subject to infection and pressure changes.
What is a dermatome?
An area of skin innervated by the sensory fibers of a single dorsal root of a spinal nerve
Dermatomes are important for diagnosing nerve root injuries.
What is hemiplegia?
Paralysis of one side of the body
It often results from a stroke affecting one hemisphere of the brain.
What are the phases of a CVA?
- Hyperacute Phase (first 24-48 hours)
- Acute Phase
Management strategies differ in each phase.
What is the significance of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)?
It evaluates neurologic outcome and degree of recovery for stroke patients
The NIHSS is a 15-item scale used in clinical settings.
Fill in the blank: The _____ are the cells that provide support and nourishment in the nervous system.
Glial Cells
True or False: The 12 cranial nerves are exclusively motor nerves.
False
Some cranial nerves are sensory, some are motor, and some have both functions.
What are common complications following a stroke?
- Neurological worsening
- New stroke
- Increased intracranial pressure
- Secondary complications like pneumonia
Complications can significantly affect recovery.
What lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of a CVA?
- Balanced diet
- Regular exercise
- Stress management
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol
These changes can improve overall health and reduce stroke risk.
Parts of the central nervous system
Brain and spinal cord
Peripheral nervous system
Somatic and automatic
-sympathetic
-parasympathetic
What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
A chronic disease characterized by inflammation and destruction of oligodendrocytes and myelin in the central nervous system.
What are the types of Multiple Sclerosis?
- RRMS (Relapse Remitting MS)
- SPMS (Secondary Progressive MS)
- PPMS (Primary Progressive MS)
What are common clinical manifestations of Multiple Sclerosis?
Varied symptoms including fatigue, motor dysfunction, sensory disturbances, and cognitive changes.
What is the role of pharmacological treatment in Multiple Sclerosis?
Pharmacological treatment aims to reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and prolong remission.
What is prednisone?
A synthetic glucocorticoid that reduces inflammation and provides immune suppression.
What are indications for using prednisone?
- Autoimmune diseases
- Inflammatory conditions
- Organ transplantation
What are some psychosocial considerations for patients with MS?
- Quality of life
- Chronic pain
- Emotional stress
- Financial constraints
- Career limitations
- Environmental concerns
- Support groups
What is dementia?
A general term for impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interfere with daily activities.
What is a common cause of degenerative dementia?
Alzheimer’s disease.
What are examples of secondary dementias?
- Parkinson’s
- Huntington’s
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Down syndrome
What is an important first step in diagnosing dementia?
A thorough medical, neurological, and psychological history.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
A progressive, degenerative disorder characterized by increased beta-amyloid plaques and tangles in the brain.
What is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?
Alzheimer’s is a specific neurodegenerative disease, while dementia is a decline in cognitive function associated with various diseases.
What is donepezil?
A cholinesterase inhibitor used as an anti-Alzheimer’s agent that enhances acetylcholine availability.
What is a key intervention to reduce the risk of dementia?
Physical exercise.
Fill in the blank: Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by increased _______ in the brain.
beta-amyloid plaques and tangles
True or False: Dementia is a normal part of aging.
False.
What are common warning signs of dementia?
Memory loss, difficulty performing familiar tasks, confusion with time or place.
What is the purpose of the neurological system?
To process and receive messages from internal/external stimuli.
This includes functions like excitability, conductivity, and influence.
What are the general structures of the neurological system?
Neurons and glial cells.
Neurons are responsible for transmitting signals, while glial cells provide support and nourishment.
What are common CNS neurotransmitters?
- Acetylcholine
- Glutamate
- Serotonin
- Dopamine
- GABA (Y-aminobutyric acid)
These neurotransmitters play crucial roles in communication within the nervous system.
What surrounds the brain and spinal cord?
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
CSF is normally clear and almost colorless, carries nutrients, and is subject to infection and pressure changes.
What is the function of the corpus callosum?
Connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
It facilitates communication between the two sides of the brain.
What are the three layers of protective membranes surrounding the brain?
- Dura mater
- Arachnoid mater
- Pia mater
The subarachnoid space lies between the arachnoid and pia mater and is filled with CSF.
What is a dermatome?
The area of skin innervated by the sensory fibres of a single dorsal root of a spinal nerve.
Dermatomes are important for understanding sensory nerve function.
What does the Circle of Willis connect?
The anterior and posterior circulation of the brain.
It stems from the carotid artery and basilar artery.
What is the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) used for?
To assess the level of consciousness in a patient.
GCS is a scale that evaluates eye, verbal, and motor responses.
What is a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)?
A temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, often referred to as a ‘mini-stroke’.
TIAs resolve within 24 hours but require medical attention.
What are the modifiable risk factors for stroke?
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Cigarette smoking
- Diabetes
- Dyslipidemia
- Obesity
- No physical activity
- High alcohol intake
- Stress
Managing these factors can significantly reduce the risk of stroke.
What are the non-modifiable risk factors for stroke?
- Age
- Ethnicity
- Family history
- Sex
- Prior stroke or TIA
These factors cannot be changed and may increase the likelihood of a stroke.
What are the phases of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA)?
- Hyperacute Phase (first 24-48 hours)
This phase is critical for identifying the nature and mechanism of the stroke.
What is hemiplegia?
Paralysis of one side of the body.
It often results from a stroke affecting one hemisphere of the brain.
What is the significance of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)?
It evaluates neurologic outcome and degree of recovery for patients with stroke.
The NIHSS is a 15-item impairment scale.
What is the role of thrombolytics in stroke management?
To dissolve blood clots in acute ischemic stroke.
Thrombolytics are indicated in specific cases where the benefits outweigh risks.
What are common complications after a stroke?
- Neurological worsening
- New stroke
- Increased intracranial pressure
- Seizures
- Pneumonia
- Depression
- Cardiac/respiratory disorders
- Dysphagia
- Infection
- Metabolic imbalance
- Sepsis
Monitoring for these complications is essential in post-stroke care.
What are some nutritional considerations after a stroke?
Ensure proper hydration and a balanced diet.
Nutrition is crucial for recovery and can affect overall health.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is a protective structure that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
meninges
The meninges consist of three layers: dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.
True or False: The American Heart Association recommends less than 1500 mg of sodium per day for stroke risk management.
True
This recommendation is especially important for individuals with stroke risk factors.
The central nervous system is comprised of
Brain and spinal cord
The peripheral nervous system is comprised of
- Somatic
- Automatic
—> sympathetic
—> parasympathetic
What is the purpose of the neurological system?
The neurological system processes and receives messages from internal and external stimuli.
What are the general structures and functions of the neurological system?
Includes neurons, glial cells, and cerebrospinal fluid, which support and protect the brain and spinal cord.
What age-related considerations are there for the neurological system?
Age-related changes can affect the structure and function of the neurological system.
What is assessed in the neurological system?
Includes subjective and objective evaluations, such as the Glasgow Coma Scale and neurological exams.
What is the purpose of common diagnostics related to the neurological system?
To identify and evaluate neurological conditions through tests like MRI, CT, and lumbar puncture.
What are the types of strokes?
- Ischemic Stroke
- Hemorrhagic Stroke
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
What are common risk factors for stroke?
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Cigarette smoking
- Diabetes
- Dyslipidemia
- Obesity
- No physical activity
- High alcohol intake
- Stress
What is a TIA?
A transient ischemic attack is a ‘mini-stroke’ caused by temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain.
What does the Circle of Willis connect?
Connects the anterior and posterior circulation of the brain.
What is the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)?
A scale used to assess consciousness and neurological function in patients.
Fill in the blank: The _______ provides nourishment and protection to the brain and spinal cord.
Cerebrospinal fluid
What are common CNS neurotransmitters?
- Acetylcholine
- Glutamate
- Serotonin
- Dopamine
- GABA
What is a dermatome?
The area of skin innervated by the sensory fibres of a single dorsal root of a spinal nerve.
What are the three layers of protective membranes around the brain?
- Dura mater
- Arachnoid layer
- Pia mater
What is the main goal of acute phase management for stroke patients?
To identify the nature and mechanism of the stroke and prevent further complications.
What is hemiplegia?
Complete paralysis of one side of the body.
What is dysarthria?
A speech disorder resulting from muscle control issues.
What does the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) evaluate?
Neurologic outcome and degree of recovery for patients with stroke.
What are the complications after a stroke?
- Neurological worsening
- New stroke
- Increased intracranial pressure
- Seizures
- Secondary complications like pneumonia and depression
True or False: Sodium intake should be less than 1500 mg/day for stroke risk reduction.
True
What is the importance of positioning after a stroke?
To prevent contractures and pressure ulcers.
What should be monitored after a stroke?
Signs of complications, rehabilitation needs, and patient safety.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is a major route for blood supply to the brain.
Carotid artery
What is the role of glial cells?
To provide support and nourishment to neurons.
What is apraxia?
A disorder of motor planning affecting the ability to perform tasks or movements.
What is the recommended approach to communicate with stroke patients?
Use short sentences, gestures, and be patient.
What is the role of thrombolytics in stroke treatment?
To dissolve blood clots if indicated.
What are common laboratory tests for stroke assessment?
- Coagulation tests (INR, PTT)
- CBC
- Blood glucose
- Electrolytes
- Lipid panel
What is the significance of the subarachnoid space?
It lies between the arachnoid layer and pia mater, filled with cerebrospinal fluid.
