Neurology Lecture Notes Review

These flashcards include key vocabulary terms related to neurology, their definitions, and important concepts covered in the lecture notes.

Neuron

The functional unit of the nervous system that conducts electrical impulses throughout the nervous system.

CNS

The central nervous system, composed of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The nerves in the peripheral parts of the body.

Increased ICP

Increased intracranial pressure that may impair cerebral tissue perfusion, leading to ischemia.

Signs of increased ICP

Decreasing level of consciousness, pupil dilation with no response to light, motor deficits, abnormal posture, fever, increased blood pressure, bradycardia, and respiratory depression.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid that circulates through the CNS.

Seizures

Abnormal activity and behavior caused by abnormal electrical impulses in the brain.

Meningitis

An infection of the nervous system.

Encephalitis

An infection of the nervous system that affects the brain.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

A condition thought to be an autoimmune response to a viral infection, characterized by progressive ascending neurologic deficits.

Parkinson Syndrome

A progressive disorder that results in loss of coordination and control over involuntary movement.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

A progressive degenerative disease that disrupts the motor pathways of the CNS.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

A rapidly progressive degenerative disease that usually results in death from respiratory complications.

Myasthenia Gravis

A condition caused by a defect in impulse conduction resulting in weakness of voluntary muscles.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

Intense pain along a branch of the trigeminal nerve, treatable with drugs or surgery.

Cerebral Palsy

A condition caused by cerebral damage resulting in loss of motor coordination.

CVA (Stroke)

An interruption of blood flow to part of the brain.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

An episode of temporary neurologic dysfunction caused by focal brain ischemia without acute infarction.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

A stroke caused by the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain.

Ischemic Stroke

A stroke caused by obstruction of a blood vessel by an embolus or thrombus.

Aphasia

The inability to understand words or respond with appropriate messages.

Dysarthria

The inability to speak clearly due to neurologic damage.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing.

Dyspraxia

Partial inability to initiate coordinated voluntary motor acts.

Hemiplegia

Paralysis of one side of the body, opposite the brain injury.

Rehabilitation after stroke

The goal is to enhance recovery of functional abilities through stimulation and practice.