Neurology Exam Review Flashcards

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to neurological health and emergency care.

Shock

A critical condition resulting from insufficient blood flow to the organs, leading to low oxygen supply.

Emergency Trauma

Physical injuries or wounds to a patient requiring immediate medical attention.

Neuron

The basic unit of the nervous system responsible for transmitting signals throughout the body.

Action Potential

The electrical impulse that travels along the axon of a neuron.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter involved in alertness, attention, and arousal.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and digestion.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with movement, motivation, and reward.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle contraction and other functions.

Glia

Supportive cells in the nervous system that do not carry action potentials.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The part of the nervous system responsible for regulating involuntary body functions.

Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)

The part of the ANS that triggers the body's fight or flight response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)

The part of the ANS that promotes rest and digest functions.

Homeostasis

The body's regulatory process to maintain a stable internal environment.

Fight or Flight

The body's immediate response to perceived threats or stress.

Rest and Digest

The body's response to promote relaxation and digestion.

Mental Status

An assessment of a person's cognitive functions including awareness and alertness.

Cranial Nerves

Twelve pairs of nerves that control various functions including movement and sensation in the head and neck.

Glasgow Coma Scale

A scale used to assess a patient's level of consciousness based on eye, verbal, and motor responses.

Reflexes

Automatic responses of the body to stimuli that do not involve conscious thought.

Neurological Assessment

A systematic examination of the nervous system to determine its functioning.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

A temporary period of symptoms similar to those of a stroke.

Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)

A medical term for a stroke or brain damage due to interrupted blood flow.

B.E.F.A.S.T

A mnemonic for the signs of a stroke: Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time.

Tissue Plasminogen Activator (TPA)

A medication used to dissolve blood clots in emergency treatment of strokes.

NIH Stroke Scale

A tool used to measure the severity of a stroke.

Ischemic Stroke

A type of stroke caused by a blockage in an artery supplying blood to the brain.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

A type of stroke caused by bleeding in or around the brain.

Anticoagulants

Medications that prevent blood clot formation.

Patient Assessment

The process of evaluating a patient's condition to determine appropriate care.

Neurological Functions

Various functions controlled by the nervous system including movement, sensation, and thought.

Sensation

The ability to perceive stimuli from the environment through the senses.

Muscle Contraction

The process by which muscle fibers generate force and shorten.

Pain Management

Techniques and medications used to alleviate pain.

Coordination

The ability to use different parts of the body together smoothly and efficiently.

Motor Function

The ability to move and control body parts.

Cranial Nerve Functions

Functions controlled by cranial nerves such as smell, vision, and facial sensation.

Neurological Disorders

Conditions affecting the nervous system including epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.

Deep Tendon Reflexes

Involuntary muscle contractions in response to a stimulus applied to a tendon.

Visual Fields

The full area that can be seen when the eyes are fixed in one position.

Cerebral Edema

Swelling of the brain due to excess fluid.

Acute Stroke Care

Immediate and ongoing assessment and treatment for stroke patients.

Emergency Protocols

Pre-planned responses for handling medical emergencies.

Hypoglycemia

An abnormally low level of glucose in the blood.

Blood Pressure Management

Maintaining a normal blood pressure in patients to prevent complications.

Neurological Examination

A systematic evaluation of the nervous system to detect abnormalities.

Motor Skills

The abilities required to perform movements and tasks.

Epidural Hematoma

A type of bleed that occurs between the skull and the dura mater.

Acute Ischemic Stroke Treatment

Management strategies used to treat an ischemic stroke.

Cranial Nerve Assessment

Evaluating the function of cranial nerves during a neurological exam.

Aneurysm

A bulge in a blood vessel caused by weakness in the vessel wall.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

A chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve in the face.

Bell's Palsy

A sudden weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face.

Dysarthria

A speech disorder resulting from muscle weakness affecting speech.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize itself and form new connections.

Epilepsy

A neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures.

Migraine

A type of headache often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord providing protection.

Seizures

Sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain.

Sensory Processing

The way the nervous system receives and interprets sensory input.

Fine Motor Skills

Small movements typically involving the coordination of hands and fingers.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

Professional emergency responders providing immediate medical care.

Spinal Cord Injury

Damage to the spinal cord that results in loss of function, sensation, or mobility.

Intracranial Pressure (ICP)

Pressure inside the skull that can affect brain function.

Acute Care Settings

Health care environments focused on short-term diagnosis and treatment.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A broad term describing brain injuries due to external force.

Rehabilitation

The process of restoring skills and functions after an injury or illness.

Pharmacological Management

Use of medications to treat health conditions.

Patient Advocacy

Supporting and representing patients' needs and preferences.

Sleep Disorders

Disturbances in normal sleep patterns, potentially affecting neurological health.

Blood Clot Formation

The process of blood coagulating to form a gel-like substance as a reaction to injury.

Long-term Effects of Stroke

Persistent impacts on health, mobility, or cognitive functions following a stroke.

Psychiatric Assessment

Evaluation of a patient's psychological state or mental conditions.

Diagnosis and Treatment Protocols

Standardized plans for identifying and managing medical conditions.