Neurological Disorders Review

Flashcards for reviewing key concepts in neurological disorders, including nervous system assessment, seizures, stroke, and multiple sclerosis.

What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?

Central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and Peripheral nervous system

What are the two divisions of the peripheral nervous system?

Autonomic nervous system and Somatic nervous system

What are the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

Sympathetic division (arousing) and Parasympathetic division (calming)

The somatic nervous system communicates with what?

Sense organs and voluntary muscles

The autonomic nervous system communicates with what?

Internal organs and glands

What is the function of the sympathetic nervous system?

Fight or flight response, increases heart rate, dilates airways, stimulates adrenaline production

What is the function of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Rest and digest, slows heartbeat, constricts airways, stimulates digestive activity

What is the basic functional unit of the nervous system?

Neuron

What is the function of dendrites?

Receive electrochemical messages

What is the function of the axon?

Carries electrical impulses away from the cell body

What is the function of the myelin sheath?

Increases speed of conduction in the axon

What do neurotransmitters do?

Communicate messages from one neuron to another or to a specific target tissue

What is the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) used for?

Evaluation for changes in mental status

What is the scoring range for the Glasgow Coma Scale?

3-15

What GCS score generally indicates coma?

8 or less

What is the Glasgow Coma Scale composed of?

Eye opening, Motor Response, Verbal Response

What is a seizure?

Transient, uncontrolled electrical discharge of neurons in the brain that interrupts normal function

What is epilepsy?

Neurological condition marked by recurring seizures with no underlying causes

What are the two main categories of seizures?

Focal seizures and Generalized seizures

Name the stages of a seizure.

Aura stage, Tonic stage, Clonic stage, Postictal stage

What is a stroke?

Ischemia to part of brain or hemorrhage into the brain that results in death of brain cells

What are the five sudden warning signs of a stroke?

Sudden vision problems, dizziness, weakness, trouble speaking, headache

Name some disabilities that can result from Strokes.

Hemiparesis, aphasia, depression

What are the two main types of stroke?

Ischemic and Hemorrhagic

What are the two types of ischemic stroke?

Thrombotic and Embolic

What are the two types of hemorrhagic stroke?

Intracerebral and Subarachnoid

What arteries supply blood to the brain?

Carotid Arteries and Vertebral Arteries

Define Multiple Sclerosis

A chronic, progressive, degenerative disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by disseminated demyelination of nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord.

What are some common symptoms of multiple sclerosis?

Fatigue, depression, cognitive impairment, unstable mood, dysphagia, weakness, muscle cramping, muscle spasms, lack of coordination, increased sensitivity to pain, tingling, pins and needles feeling

What is Uhthoff's phenomenon?

Symptoms during heat sensitivity in multiple sclerosis

What is Lhermette's Sign?

An electrical shock feeling that is a symptom of MS