WEEK 10 NSE Neurological

Stroke

A common neurological condition caused by a blocked or leaking cerebral artery, leading to brain damage.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

A temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain, often referred to as a mini-stroke.

Atherosclerosis

A condition involving the hardening or narrowing of the arteries due to plaque buildup.

Nociceptors

Sensory receptors that respond to harmful stimuli and can trigger headaches.

Paresis

Decreased muscle strength or muscle weakness.

Paralysis

The inability to move a muscle or group of muscles.

Paraesthesia

Abnormal sensory sensations such as numbness or tingling.

Dysarthria

A neuromotor impairment that affects speech clarity and strength.

Visual Impairment

Disturbance in the ability to see, including blurred or double vision.

Dizziness

Impaired spatial orientation, associated with light-headedness or wooziness.

Ataxia

Loss of coordination and control over body movements.

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

A scale used to assess a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury.

Ictal phase

The active phase of a seizure characterized by symptoms such as twitching or loss of consciousness.

Postictal phase

The recovery phase following a seizure, often marked by fatigue and confusion.

Seizures

Sudden changes in brain activity that can affect senses, consciousness, and movement.

Tonic-clonic seizures

Seizures characterized by muscle stiffening and twitching.

Absence seizure

A seizure where the individual typically stares off into space without movement.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain responsible for coordination, balance, and fine motor control.

Stereognosis

The ability to recognize objects by touch alone.

Graphesthesia

The ability to recognize letters or numbers drawn on the skin.

Reflex testing

Assessment of involuntary responses to stimuli to evaluate neurological function.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

A condition where increased pressure on the median nerve causes numbness in the hand.

Pre-eclampsia

A condition in pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure that can lead to eclampsia.

Phalen’s test

A test to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome by flexing the wrist.

Tinel’s test

A test that involves tapping over the median nerve to elicit pain or tingling.

Cranial Nerve I

Olfactory nerve responsible for the sense of smell.

Cranial Nerve II

Optic nerve responsible for vision.

Cranial Nerve III

Oculomotor nerve responsible for eye movement and pupillary response.

Cranial Nerve V

Trigeminal nerve responsible for facial sensation and movement.

Cranial Nerve VII

Facial nerve responsible for facial expressions and sensory functions.

Cranial Nerve VIII

Vestibulocochlear nerve responsible for hearing and balance.

Cranial Nerve IX and X

Glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves involved in gag reflex and swallowing.

Cranial Nerve XI

Spinal accessory nerve responsible for shoulder and neck movement.

Cranial Nerve XII

Hypoglossal nerve responsible for tongue movement.

Normal visual acuity

A measure of the eye's ability to see that is often recorded as 20/20.

Vital Signs

Measurements of body functions including temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure.

Abnormal pupil response

A serious condition that indicates potential brain herniation or increased intracranial pressure.

Fatigue in neurological conditions

A common symptom that can occur with many neurological disorders.

Tremors

Rhythmic, involuntary muscle contractions causing shaking movements.

Fasciculations

Non-rhythmic contractions of small groups of muscle fibers, often seen in muscle denervation.

Confusion

A state of being unable to think clearly, often associated with neurological issues.

Hearing impairment

A reduction in the ability to hear, which may be related to neurological conditions.

Difficulty breathing

Impairment in the ability to breathe normally, significant in neurological assessments.

Subjective assessment in neurology

An evaluation that includes client-reported symptoms and experiences.

Objective data in neurology

Clinical findings that can be observed, measured, or documented in a neurological assessment.

Emergency care priority

Immediate action required for sudden changes in neurological signs such as vision loss.

Nausea and vomiting

Potential symptoms associated with dizziness and neurological dysfunction.

Mental status assessment

Evaluation of a client's cognitive function and emotional state.

Neurological assessment

A comprehensive evaluation of the nervous system to identify dysfunction or disease.