Neurological Dysfunctions

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards related to neurological dysfunctions, encompassing anatomy, pathophysiology, and disorders.

Neuroanatomy

The study of the structure of the nervous system.

CNS

Central Nervous System; consists of the brain and spinal cord.

PNS

Peripheral Nervous System; includes cranial nerves and spinal nerves.

Spinal Cord

The part of the central nervous system that carries messages to and from the brain.

Upper Neurons

Neurons located within the brain that initiate movement.

Lower Neurons

Neurons located in the spinal cord that send signals to the muscles.

Thalamus

A brain structure that relays sensory information.

Hypothalamus

A brain region controlling important functions such as hunger and thirst.

Pituitary Gland

The gland that secretes hormones controlling various bodily functions.

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain, responsible for higher brain functions.

Cerebellum

A brain structure that regulates motor control and coordination.

Medulla

The part of the brainstem that controls vital life functions.

Brainstem

Controls basic life functions such as breathing and heart rate.

Decussation

The crossing over of nerve fibers in the brainstem.

Corticospinal Tract

A pathway that transmits motor signals from the brain to the spinal cord.

Corticobulbar Tract

A pathway that controls the muscles of the face and neck.

Spinothalamic Tract

A sensory pathway that carries pain and temperature sensations.

Contralateral

Refers to structures on the opposite side of the body.

Ipsilateral

Refers to structures on the same side of the body.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse.

Seizures

Sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain.

Aura

A perceptual disturbance experienced prior to a seizure.

Postictal Period

The recovery phase after a seizure.

Generalized Seizures

Seizures that affect both hemispheres of the brain.

Focal Seizures

Seizures that originate in one hemisphere of the brain.

Clonic Seizures

Characterized by rhythmic jerking of the muscles.

Tonic Seizures

Characterized by stiffening of the muscles.

Tonic-Clonic Seizures

Seizures with both tonic (stiffening) and clonic (jerking) phases.

Atonic Seizures

Causes sudden loss of muscle tone.

Absence Seizures

Brief lapses of consciousness with staring.

Myoclonic Seizures

Sudden, brief jerks or twitches of the body.

Epilepsy

A chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.

Status Epilepticus

A medical emergency characterized by continuous seizure activity.

Antiepileptic Agents

Medications used to control seizures.

Tension Headaches

A common type of headache caused by muscle tension.

Migraine Headaches

Severe, recurring headaches often accompanied by nausea.

Cluster Headaches

Severe headaches that occur in clusters over periods of time.

Multiple Sclerosis

A chronic disease characterized by demyelination of nerve fibers.

Parkinson's Disease

A progressive neurological disorder characterized by tremors and rigidity.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

A fatal neurodegenerative disorder affecting motor neurons.

Myasthenia Gravis

An autoimmune disorder affecting communication between nerves and muscles.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

A severe facial pain condition related to trigeminal nerve dysfunction.

Bell's Palsy

A temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial nerve.

Meningitis

Inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain.

Encephalitis

Inflammation of the brain caused by an infection.

Alzheimer's Disease

The most common form of dementia characterized by memory decline.

Delirium

A rapid onset of confusion often confused with dementia.

Cerebrovascular Accident

A medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted.

Neurodegenerative Disorders

Disorders characterized by the progressive degeneration of the structure and function of the nervous system.

Cognitive Impairment

Difficulty with processes such as thinking, memory, and judgment.

Sensory Loss

A reduction or loss of the ability to perceive sensations.

Muscle Atrophy

A decrease in the size of muscle fibers leading to weakness.

Reflex Arc

The neural pathway that mediates a reflex action.

Dysarthria

Difficulty in articulating words due to muscle control issues.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing.

Tinnitus

The perception of noise or ringing in the ears.

Agnosia

Inability to interpret sensations and therefore recognize things.

Apraxia

Difficulty with the motor planning to perform tasks or movements.

Aphasia

Loss of ability to understand or express speech.

Nystagmus

Involuntary eye movement that can affect vision.

Tachycardia

A fast heart rate that may occur with stress.

Bradycardia

A slow heart rate that can be a sign of various medical conditions.

B-cell

A type of white blood cell important for immune response.

Neuromuscular Junction

The synapse or junction between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber.

T-cell

Another type of white blood cell involved in immune response.

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls involuntary bodily functions.