Neurological System

A comprehensive set of 80 vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to the neurological system and associated pathologies.

Neurological System

The intricate network that integrates sensory information with motor responses, controlling bodily functions.

Syncope

A sudden loss of consciousness or fainting due to inadequate blood flow to the brain.

Coma

A prolonged state of deep unconsciousness where a person cannot be awakened.

Paresthesia

An abnormal sensation in the skin such as tingling, numbness, or a feeling of pinpricks.

DTR (Deep Tendon Reflex)

Reflexive muscle contraction when a muscle tendon is tapped.

Ataxia

Lack of coordination and balance affecting voluntary movements.

Agnosia

Inability to recognize or process sensory stimuli, often resulting from brain damage.

Agraphia

Difficulty expressing thoughts in writing due to neurological impairment.

Allodynia

Pain from stimuli that do not usually provoke pain.

Anisocoria

Unequal pupil sizes, which can indicate neurological issues.

Aphasia

Loss or impairment of the ability to communicate, often due to brain injury.

Apraxia

Inability to perform movements or actions despite having the desire and physical capability.

Babinski's reflex

An abnormal response where the toes extend upward upon foot stimulation, indicating potential neurological damage.

Brudzinski's sign

Involuntary flexion of the legs when the neck is flexed, suggests meningeal irritation.

Decerebrate rigidity

Abnormal muscle rigidity with extension of arms and legs, suggesting severe brain injury.

Decorticate rigidity

Abnormal flexion of arms and extension of legs indicating damage to the brain.

Diplopia

Double vision; a common symptom of neurological disorders.

Dysarthria

Slurred or unclear speech due to muscle control problems.

Dysdiadochokinesia

Inability to perform rapid alternating movements, indicating cerebellar dysfunction.

Fasciculations

Involuntary contractions of muscle fibers, often indicating motor nerve damage.

Footdrop

Condition where the patient cannot dorsiflex the foot, leading to dragging while walking.

Gait, spastic

Abnormal walking pattern often seen in patients with spasticity.

Hemianopia

Loss of vision in half of the visual field.

Hyperesthesia

Increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli such as touch, pain, or temperature.

Incontinence

Inability to control urination or defecation.

Kernig's sign

Pain and resistance when extending the leg while flexing the hip, indicating meningeal irritation.

Level of consciousness

The degree of awareness one has of themselves and their environment.

Light flashes

Visual phenomena experienced prior to migraines or seizures.

Miosis

Constricted pupil, often seen in cluster headaches.

Muscle atrophy

Reduction in muscle mass due to lack of use or neurological conditions.

Muscle flaccidity

Weakness with no muscle tone or ability to move.

Muscle spasticity

Increased resistance to passive movement, often due to neurological disorders.

Myoclonus

Sudden muscle jerks or spasms that can occur in various conditions.

Nuchal rigidity

Stiff neck which is often a sign of meningitis.

Nystagmus

Involuntary eye movements, indicating possible CNS disorders.

Ocular deviation

Misalignment of the eyes, suggesting neurological impairment.

Paralysis

Loss of voluntary movement in parts of the body.

Photophobia

Increased sensitivity to light, common in migraines.

Ptosis

Drooping of the upper eyelid.

Pupils, nonreactive

Pupils that do not constrict in response to light, indicating neurological issues.

Pupils, sluggish

Slow response of pupils to light, often indicating CNS problems.

Rhinorrhea

Clear discharge from the nasal passages, often experienced in headaches.

Romberg's sign

Loss of balance when standing with feet together and eyes closed, indicating cerebellar dysfunction.

Scotoma

An area of impaired or lost vision within the visual field.

Seizure

Sudden neurological event characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Tremors

Involuntary, rhythmic muscle contractions resulting in shaking movements.

Vision, blurred

Decreased clarity of vision due to neurological or ocular issues.

Vision, lost

Complete inability to perceive visual stimuli.

Genetic factors

Inherited traits that can increase susceptibility to neurological conditions.

Cerebrovascular accident (CVA)

Commonly known as a stroke, it involves interruption of blood flow to the brain.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Temporary period of symptoms similar to those of a stroke.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome

An autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Chronic pain condition usually affecting a limb after an injury.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

A chronic disease affecting the central nervous system leading to varying degrees of disability.

Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS)

A progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

Bell’s Palsy

Temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles.

Cerebral Palsy

A group of disorders affecting movement and muscle tone due to brain damage.

Muscular Dystrophy

A group of genetic diseases leading to muscle weakness and loss.

Spina Bifida

A birth defect where the spine does not close completely.

Tourette Syndrome

A neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations.

Episodic in nature

Referring to conditions that occur in discrete episodes, such as seizures or migraines.