HLSC 301 Human Pathophysiology for Healthcare Majors - Neurologic Function

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards related to neurologic function to aid in exam preparation.

Nervous System

Composed of the central and peripheral systems responsible for transmitting signals between different body areas.

Cognitive Systems

Systems that involve processes associated with thinking, memory, and understanding.

Cerebral Hemodynamics

The study of blood flow in the brain.

Neuromotor Function

Function related to muscle movement and coordination.

Incontinence

Lack of voluntary control over urination or defecation.

Altered Level of Consciousness (LOC)

Changes in awareness and responsiveness to the environment.

Arousal

The state of being awake and responsive to stimuli.

Consciousness

Awareness of oneself and the environment.

Hypoxia

Deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues.

Amnesia

Loss of memory that can be temporary or permanent.

Seizure Disorder

Transient physical or behavioral alterations due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Focal Seizure

Seizures occurring in just one part of the brain.

Generalized Seizure

Seizures involving both sides of the brain leading to loss of consciousness.

Epilepsy

Recurrent, spontaneous seizures due to abnormal neuronal firing.

Cerebral Death

Irreversible coma with permanent brain damage.

Persistent Vegetative State

Complete unawareness with intact brain stem reflexes.

Executive Attention Deficits

Challenges in managing, focusing, and sustaining attention.

Dysphasia

Difficulty in understanding or producing speech.

Aphasia

Inability to communicate; often due to brain injury.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Temporary episode of neurologic dysfunction without acute infarction.

Ischemic Stroke

Stroke caused by blockage of blood flow to the brain.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Stroke caused by bleeding into or around the brain.

CVA (Cerebrovascular Accident)

Sudden impairment of cerebral blood flow leading to neurologic deficits.

Lumbar Sacral Injuries

Spinal injuries affecting lower extremities.

Cushing’s Reflex

Sympathetic stimulation in response to low mean arterial pressure.

Hydrocephalus

Accumulation of excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leading to increased intracranial pressure.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Autoimmune condition characterized by demyelination of the CNS.

Myasthenia Gravis

Autoimmune disease that affects communication between nerves and muscles.

Brain Aneurysm

Localized outpouching of an artery in the brain that may rupture.

Dementia

Progressive decline in cognitive function that affects daily living.

Alzheimer's Disease

Most common form of dementia, characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline.

Neuromotor Deficits

Problems related to the movement and coordination of muscles.

Seizure Management

Includes protective measures, airway management, and medications.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Injury to the brain resulting from an external force.

Epidural Hematoma

Collection of blood between the dura mater and skull, typically from arterial bleeding.

Subdural Hematoma

Blood collection between the dura mater and the brain, typically due to venous bleeding.

Intracerebral Hematoma

Bleeding within the brain tissue itself.

Spinal Shock

Temporary loss of function below the level of spinal injury.

Herniated Intervertebral Disc

Displaced disc that compresses spinal nerves.

Spina Bifida

Neural tube defect where the spine fails to close properly.

Hydrocephalus Signs

Enlarged head, bulging fontanel, and developmental delays in infants.

Kernig Sign

Resistance to leg extension when the hip is flexed, indicating meningeal irritation.

Brudzinski Sign

Involuntary lifting of the legs when lifting a patient's head, indicating meningeal irritation.

Meningitis

Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Encephalitis

Inflammation of the brain tissue typically resulting from an infection.

Symptoms of Increased ICP

Include headache, nausea, vomiting, and altered consciousness.

Cushing’s Triad

Increased blood pressure, bradycardia, and irregular respirations indicating ICP.

Acute Confusional State

Transient alteration of awareness due to various causes.