Central Nervous System Disorders Overview: Migraines, Trauma, Epilepsy, Autoimmune Disorders, Narcolepsy, and Mental Health

A comprehensive set of practice flashcards covering migraines, CNS trauma, epilepsy, autoimmune CNS disorders, narcolepsy, and mental health conditions as described in the lecture notes.

What is the primary symptom of migraine?

A moderate to very severe headache often accompanied by reversible symptoms such as photophobia, phonophobia, cutaneous allodynia, dizziness, and nausea.

What mechanism is commonly associated with migraine aura?

Cortical spreading depression—a wave of cortical hyperexcitability followed by a wave of depression across the cortex.

How can migraine be genetically diverse?

It can be caused by a single mutation (e.g., familial hemiplegic migraine) or be polygenic with many SNPs (over 180 identified), often affecting vascular or neuronal tissue.

Which neural system is involved in migraine alongside genetic factors?

The trigeminovascular system, leading to release of vasoactive peptides, vascular dilation, and increased pain signaling.

What are the main pharmacological classes mentioned for treating migraines?

Triptans (serotonin receptor agonists) and neuronally acting ditans (do not cause vasoconstriction); plus neuromodulation as a non-pharmacological option.

What is neuromodulation in the context of migraine treatment?

Non-invasive brain stimulation targeting specific brain regions to dampen pathological signaling.

Name the three hematoma types that can occur after traumatic brain injury.

Epidural hematoma (between skull and dura), subdural hematoma (within the meninges), intracerebral hematoma (within brain tissue).

List common acute symptoms of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Loss of consciousness, headache, vomiting/nausea, convulsions or seizures, blurred vision, and severe fatigue.

What are common long-term symptoms following TBI?

Depression, fatigue, and sleep disruption (daytime sleepiness or insomnia).

What are potential consequences of spinal cord injury?

Loss of sensory and motor function below the injury, plus risks to respiration, bladder, and bowel function; rehabilitation is common.

How do brain tumors cause symptoms?

Symptoms depend on tumor location (e.g., cerebellum affecting motor/balance; frontal lobe affecting behavior/cognition); may include nausea, vomiting, seizures.

What is epilepsy?

A chronic neurological condition with recurrent seizures due to excessive, synchronized neuronal activity spreading across the cortex.

What are focal onset and generalized onset seizures?

Focal onset begins in a specific brain area; generalized onset involves both hemispheres; some seizures have unknown onset.

What are the six broad categories of epilepsy causes?

Structural changes, immune/infection, genetic, metabolic, unknown, and acquired injuries.

What genetic changes can underlie some epilepsies?

Ion channel mutations, GPCR alterations, and changes in GABA signaling that affect neuronal excitability.

What treatments are used for epilepsy?

Antiseizure medications; surgery for focal onset; deep brain stimulation; ketogenic diet.

How is epilepsy diagnosed using EEG?

An EEG cap records brain activity; interictal epileptiform discharges help identify epileptogenic activity between seizures.

What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?

A neuroinflammatory autoimmune disease with demyelination of CNS neurons, more common in women (3:1); linked to Epstein-Barr virus exposure.

What are common MS symptoms?

Walking/balance issues, vision changes, numbness/tingling, muscle spasms, and cognitive changes.

How is MS commonly treated?

Disease-modifying therapies targeting the immune system; steroids to reduce inflammation; symptoms managed but disease not cured.

What is narcolepsy?

A sleep disorder due to disruption in orexin (hypocretin) signaling, causing excessive daytime sleepiness and sometimes cataplexy.

Where are orexins produced and what is their role?

Produced by neurons in the lateral hypothalamus; orexin A/B bind receptors to promote wakefulness and suppress REM sleep.

How do narcolepsy types 1 and 2 differ?

Type 1 has low orexin and often cataplexy; Type 2 has normal orexin levels with excessive daytime sleepiness but less or no cataplexy.

How is narcolepsy diagnosed?

Polysomnography in a sleep lab with the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) and daytime sleepiness assessment (Epworth Sleepiness Scale).

What treatments are used for narcolepsy?

Stimulants like modafinil to promote wakefulness; SSRIs to suppress REM sleep; sodium oxybate to treat cataplexy.

What is the DSM-5 used for in mental health?

Providing standardized diagnostic criteria for mental health disorders.

What are the core symptoms required for a depression diagnosis (DSM-5)?

At least five symptoms including depressed mood or anhedonia, plus changes in appetite, sleep, energy, concentration, or suicidal thoughts.

What are common antidepressant classes?

SSRIs (e.g., citalopram, fluoxetine) as first line; SNRIs; atypicals (e.g., trazodone); TCAs; MAOIs (with dietary cautions).

What are common risk factors for generalized anxiety disorder?

Genetic and environmental influences; childhood shyness; exposure to stress; family history; caffeine can worsen symptoms.

What are the main psychotic disorders discussed and their core idea?

Schizophrenia (psychosis with positive and negative symptoms), schizoaffective disorder (psychosis with mood changes), and paraphrenia (delusions with preserved personality).

What neurotransmitter imbalance is linked to schizophrenia's positive symptoms?

Increased dopamine activity; antipsychotics reduce dopamine signaling.

What role does neuroinflammation play in psychotic disorders?

Neuroinflammation is implicated in the pathophysiology of psychosis and is a consideration in treatment approaches.

What is the difference between positive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia?

Positive: hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking; Negative: withdrawal, anhedonia, reduced motivation.

What is a common pharmacological treatment for schizophrenia?

Antipsychotic medications that inhibit dopamine signaling, often with psychotherapy as an adjunct.