Brain, Spinal Cord, and Peripheral nerves

Disease State 1

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

A disruption in normal brain function caused by an external force, often resulting from a blow or jolt to the head.

Epidural hematoma

Occurs between the skull and the dura mater, often presenting with a lucid interval followed by rapid deterioration.

Subdural hematoma

Occurs between the dura mater and the brain, typically presenting with gradual symptoms.

Intracerebral hematoma

Occurs within the brain tissue itself, leading to localized neurological deficits.

Coup injury

Injury occurring at the site of impact.

Contrecoup injury

Injury occurring on the opposite side of the brain due to the brain's movement within the skull.

Focal brain injury

Localized to a specific area of the brain, often resulting in specific deficits.

Diffuse brain injury

Affects multiple areas of the brain, typically leading to widespread cognitive and functional impairments.

Mild concussion manifestations

Temporary confusion and headache.

Classic concussion manifestations

Can involve loss of consciousness, amnesia, and prolonged confusion.

Common causes for spinal cord trauma

Fractures, dislocations, and compression of the vertebrae.

Autonomic hyperreflexia

An exaggerated autonomic response to stimuli below the level of spinal cord injury, leading to severe hypertension.

Common causes for low back pain

Muscle strain, herniated disks, degenerative disk disease, and spinal stenosis.

Pathophysiology of a herniated intervertebral disk

Occurs when the nucleus pulposus protrudes through the annulus fibrosus, potentially compressing nearby spinal nerves.

Seizure

A sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain.

Aura

A perceptual disturbance experienced before a seizure, often as a warning sign.

Thrombotic stroke

Results from blood clots in the arteries supplying the brain.

Intracranial aneurysm

Characterized by bulges in the arterial wall that can lead to rupture and hemorrhage.

Chronic headaches

Can be categorized into migraine, cluster, paroxysmal hemicrania, and tension headaches.

Bacterial meningitis

Characterized by a rapid onset, severe symptoms, and often requires antibiotics.

Central nervous system abscess

Localized infections within the brain or spinal cord, often resulting from bacterial infections.

Neuropathy

A condition resulting from damage to the peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms such as pain and weakness.

Myopathy

A disease of the muscle tissue that leads to muscle weakness and pain.

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

A tool used to assess the severity of brain injury based on a patient's level of consciousness.

Moderate concussion score on GCS

A GCS score of 9–12 indicating possible structural injury.

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)

A neurodegenerative disease linked to brain injury from sports or military trauma.

Spinal shock

Complete loss of reflex function below the level of the spinal cord injury.

Autonomic hyperreflexia symptoms

Hypertension, bradycardia, pounding headache, and sweating above the lesion.

Role of corticosteroids in spinal cord injury

Administered to decrease secondary cord injury if given within 8 hours of the injury.

Spondylolisthesis

A condition where a vertebra slides forward in relation to the vertebra below it.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A disruption in normal brain function caused by an external mechanical force, resulting in impairment of cognitive, physical, and psychosocial functions.

Coup Injury

Brain injury that occurs at the site of impact.

Contrecoup Injury

Brain injury that occurs on the opposite side of the impact site due to the brain moving within the skull.

Epidural Hematoma

A type of hematoma occurring between the skull and dura mater, characterized by a lucid interval followed by rapid deterioration.

Subdural Hematoma

A hematoma occurring between the dura mater and the brain, often presenting with gradual symptoms.

Intracerebral Hematoma

A hematoma that occurs within brain tissue, leading to localized neurological deficits.

Focal Brain Injury

Localized brain injury that results in specific deficits.

Diffuse Brain Injury

Brain injury affecting multiple areas, leading to widespread impairment.

Mild Concussion

A concussion characterized by brief confusion or loss of consciousness.

Classic Concussion

A concussion with significant symptoms such as prolonged confusion and amnesia.

Autonomic Hyperreflexia

An exaggerated autonomic response to stimuli below the level of spinal cord injury, leading to severe hypertension and possible complications.

Degenerative Disk Disease

A spinal disorder involving the deterioration of intervertebral disks.

Spondylolysis

A defect in the vertebrae.

Spondylolisthesis

Displacement of a vertebra.

Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal canal.

Herniated Intervertebral Disk

Condition where the nucleus pulposus protrudes through the annulus fibrosus, potentially compressing spinal nerves.

Seizure

A sudden disruption in brain electrical function caused by abnormal discharges of cortical neurons.

Aura

Sensory changes that precede a seizure.

Prodroma

Early warning of an impending seizure.

Tonic Phase

Phase of seizure involving muscle stiffness.

Clonic Phase

Phase of seizure characterized by rhythmic jerking.

Postictal State

Recovery period after a seizure.

Partial Seizures

Seizures originating from a specific area of the brain that may or may not affect consciousness.

Generalized Seizures

Seizures involving both hemispheres from the onset, typically causing loss of consciousness.

Epilepsy

A neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures from abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)

A stroke, characterized by disruption of blood flow to the brain.

Thrombotic Stroke

Stroke caused by blood clots forming in arteries supplying the brain.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Temporary episodes of neurological dysfunction without permanent deficits.

Embolic Stroke

Stroke caused by clots that travel from other parts of the body to the brain.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Stroke resulting from bleeding into the brain.

Intracranial Aneurysm

Weak bulging area on an arterial vessel wall, often leading to rupture.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Bleeding into the subarachnoid space caused by ruptured blood vessels.

Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)

Abnormal connections between arteries and veins, leading to possible hemorrhage.

Migraine Headaches

Unilateral, pulsating headaches often associated with nausea and lasting 4–72 hours.

Cluster Headaches

Cyclical headaches characterized by intense, unilateral pain.

Tension Headaches

Common headaches characterized by a sensation of tightness or pressure around the head.

Neuropathy

Damage to peripheral nerves leading to symptoms such as pain and weakness.

Radiculopathies

Disorders of spinal nerve roots caused by various factors, including compression and inflammation.

Plexus Injuries

Injuries involving nerve plexus distal to spinal roots, leading to motor weakness and sensory loss.

Neuroprotective Agents

Substances like acetyl-L-carnitine or N-acetyl-cysteine that can protect nerve cells.

Meninges

The protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, consisting of three layers: dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.