Damage to the Central Nervous System Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the damage to the central nervous system as discussed in the Week 5 lecture.

CNS Damage

Damage to the central nervous system, which can result from various causes including tumors, cerebrovascular disorders, infections, neurotoxins, and neuropsychological disorders.

Tumour

Cells that grow independently from the body, which can be benign (non-threatening) or malignant (can spread and return). Symptoms may include seizures and mood swings.

Cerebrovascular Disorders

Conditions where parts of the brain are affected by ischemia (lack of blood flow) or bleeding, leading to strokes or vascular malformations.

Closed Head Injuries

Injuries resulting from a blow to the head that do not penetrate the skull, which can lead to concussions or contusions.

Encephalitis

Brain inflammation caused by a viral or bacterial infection, leading to neurological symptoms such as seizures and confusion.

Neurotoxins

Toxins or chemicals that can damage or impair the functioning of the nervous system, which can be endogenous (produced in the body) or exogenous (from the environment).

Alzheimer’s Disease

A neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes, typically starting around age 65.

Parkinson’s Disease

A progressive neurological disorder caused by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons, resulting in tremors, rigidity, and motor control difficulties.

Huntington’s Disease

A genetic motor disorder characterized by neurodegeneration, leading to involuntary movements and cognitive decline.

Multiple Sclerosis

A disease characterized by the degradation of myelin sheaths around nerves in the CNS, resulting in various neurological symptoms.

Epilepsy

A chronic CNS disorder characterized by recurrent, spontaneous seizures resulting from excessive neural activity.

Neuropsychological Disorders

Disorders that impact cognitive functions and behavior due to underlying neurological conditions, including various types of dementia.