Neurological System

Cerebrum

Largest part of brain; controls thinking, memory, emotions, and voluntary movement

Cerebellum

Coordinates balance, posture, and movement

Brainstem

Controls vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and consciousness

Brain Lobes

• Frontal = thinking, movement, speech
• Parietal = sensory processing
• Temporal = hearing, language
• Occipital = vision

Broca’s Area

Speech production (expressive language)

Wernicke’s Area

Language comprehension (understanding speech)

Sympathetic Nervous System

“Fight or flight”; increases heart rate and stress response

Parasympathetic Nervous System

“Rest and digest”; decreases heart rate and promotes relaxation

Cranial Nerves

2 pairs; control sensory, motor, or both functions of head and neck

CN I (Olfactory)

Smell; abnormal = anosmia (loss of smell)

CN V (Trigeminal)

Facial sensation and chewing

CN VII (Facial)

Facial expressions; smiling, frowning

CN VIII

Hearing and balance

CN IX & X

Swallowing and gag reflex

CN XI

Shoulder movement and head turning

CN XII

Tongue movement

Nuchal Rigidity

Stiff neck; sign of meningitis

Neuropathy

loss of sensations/ Nerve damage causing numbness or tingling

TIA vs CVA

temporary neurological deficit

stroke) = permanent brain damage

F.A.S.T is for what?

Stroke Signs

Stroke Signs are

• Face drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulty
• Time to act

Vertigo

Sensation of spinning or dizziness

Aphasia

Loss of ability to communicate

Expressive Aphasia

Difficulty speaking

Receptive Aphasia

Difficulty understanding

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing

Paresthesia

Tingling or numbness sensation

Normal LOC

Alert and oriented to person, place, time, situation

Abnormal LOC Levels

Disoriented
• Obtunded
• Stupor
• Comatose

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

Measures eye, verbal, and motor response; score 3–15

Normal Glasgow Coma Scale

15 (alert and oriented)

Muscle Strength (Normal)

Equal strength and tone on both sides

Hypotonia vs Hypertonia

decreased muscle tone
increased muscle tone

Spasticity

Increased muscle tone with stiffness

Flaccidity

Decreased muscle tone; limp muscles

Hemiparesis

Weakness on one side of body

Paraplegia vs Quadriplegia

• lower body paralysis
  * all four limbs

Decorticate Posturing

Arms flexed inward; indicates brain injury

Decerebrate Posturing

Arms extended outward; indicates more severe brain damage

Gait (Normal)

Smooth, balanced, coordinated walking

Ataxia

Unsteady, uncoordinated movement

Finger-to-Nose Test

Tests coordination; normal = smooth accurate movement

Heel-to-Shin Test

Tests lower body coordination

Rapid Alternating Movements

Tests cerebellar function; normal = smooth and quick

Dysdiadochokinesia

Inability to perform rapid alternating movements

Romberg Test

Tests balance; positive = swaying indicates neurological issue

Pronator Drift

Arms drift downward indicates weakness

Babinski Reflex

Normal in infants; big toe extends upward → indicates neurological damage in adults

Graphesthesia

Ability to recognize writing on skin

Stereognosis

Ability to recognize objects by touch

TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)

• Temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain
• Symptoms are short-term and reversible
• No permanent brain damage

“Warning stroke”

CVA (Stroke)

• Decreased or blocked blood flow to brain
• Causes permanent brain damage
• Can be:
– Ischemic (blockage/clot)
– Hemorrhagic (bleeding)

“Brain cells die due to lack of oxygen”

Pack Year Calculations Formula

Packs per day × years smoked

Prevent Stroke & Neuro Problems

• Smoking cessation
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain healthy weight
• Control blood pressure and diabetes

Prevent Respiratory Problems:

• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
• Stay active
• Vaccinations (flu, pneumonia)