Lecture on Neurological Disorders and Diseases

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards on various neurological disorders and their symptoms, treatments, and pathophysiology.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

A chronic autoimmune disease that affects the myelin sheaths in the central nervous system leading to communication problems between the brain and the body.

Myelin Sheaths

Protective covering that surrounds nerve fibers, aiding in the speed of signal transmission.

Chronic Disorder

A long-lasting condition that can be controlled but not cured.

Autoimmune

A condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues.

Remission

A period during which the symptoms of a disease decrease or disappear.

Exacerbation

A worsening or flare-up of disease symptoms.

Relapsing-Remitting MS

The most common type of MS characterized by episodes of worsening symptoms followed by recovery.

Secondary Progressive MS

A stage of MS where the disease begins to worsen more consistently after an initial period of relapsing-remitting.

Primary Progressive MS

A form of MS characterized by a gradual worsening of symptoms without distinct relapses.

Progressive MS

A type of MS that steadily worsens over time without remission.

Neurological Symptoms of MS

Includes fatigue, weakness, difficulty walking, and impaired motor function.

Symptoms of MS

Can include tiredness, weakness, difficulty walking, and problems with speech.

Parkinson's Disease

A chronic condition affecting movement, often characterized by tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter that plays a key role in sending messages to the brain that help control movement and coordination.

Tremors

Involuntary muscle contractions that can cause shaking movements, particularly in the hands.

Muscle Atrophy

The gradual loss of muscle mass, often associated with extended periods of inactivity.

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)

A progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord.

Voluntary Muscles

Muscles under conscious control, responsible for movements such as walking and speaking.

Involuntary Muscles

Muscles not under conscious control, responsible for functions like breathing and heart rate.

Myasthenia Gravis

A chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder leading to varying degrees of weakness of the skeletal muscles.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter essential for communication between nerve cells and muscles.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

A condition characterized by extreme, sporadic, sudden burning or shock-like facial pain.

Bell's Palsy

Sudden weakness in the muscles on one half of the face, leading to drooping and difficulty in closing the eye.

Meningitis

Inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, often due to infection.

Encephalitis

Inflammation of the brain, typically caused by viral infection.

Corticosteroids

Anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used to reduce swelling and inflammation in conditions like MS and ALS.

Neuromuscular Junction

The site where a motor neuron connects with a muscle fiber, allowing muscle contraction.

Symptoms of Demyelination

Weakness, fatigue, visual disturbances, and cognitive problems associated with diseases like MS.

Viral Meningitis

The most common type of meningitis, usually less severe than bacterial meningitis and often resolves without treatment.

Bacterial Meningitis

A serious infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, requiring immediate medical attention.

Pathogen

An organism, such as a bacterium or virus, that causes disease.

Ventilator Support

Assistance provided by a machine to help a patient breathe when they are unable to do so on their own.

Neutropenic Precautions

Measures taken to protect patients with weakened immune systems from infections.

Dementia

A broad category of brain diseases that cause a gradual decrease in the ability to think and remember.

Alzheimer's Disease

A progressive neurological disease that causes memory loss and cognitive decline.

Sundowners Syndrome

A condition where individuals with dementia become increasingly confused and agitated in the late afternoon to evening.

Delirium

A severe disturbance in mental abilities that results in confused thinking and reduced awareness of the environment.

Physical Therapy (PT)

A treatment method that helps patients recover movement and function through exercise and rehabilitation.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

A therapeutic practice that helps patients develop, recover, or maintain daily living and work skills.

Neurotransmitter

Chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

Spinal Tap

A medical procedure used to collect cerebrospinal fluid for testing.

Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord.

Infections Prevention

Measures taken to reduce the risk of infections, especially in healthcare settings.

Remittance Strategy

An approach aimed at achieving and maintaining remission in chronic diseases.

Infusion Therapy

Medical treatment through the delivery of medications directly into the bloodstream.

Pain Management

The process of providing medical care that alleviates or reduces pain.

Motor Neurons

Nerve cells that convey impulses from the brain and spinal cord to muscles, causing movement.

Symptomatic Treatment

Approach to treat the symptoms of a disease rather than its underlying cause.

Clinical Signs

Objective evidence of disease observed during a clinical examination.

Surgical Intervention

An operative procedure to treat a medical condition.

Rehabilitation Medicine

A branch of medicine focused on restoring function and quality of life after injury or illness.

Immunosuppressants

Medications that reduce the strength of the body's immune system, often used in autoimmune diseases.