Brain Injuries and Disorders

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to brain injuries and disorders.

Concussion

A temporary alteration in brain function due to injury.

Contusion

Permanent damage to the brain tissue following a traumatic injury.

Cerebral edema

Swelling of the brain associated with traumatic head injury.

Ischemia

Tissue deprived of blood supply, leading to death of brain tissue.

Hemiplegia

Paralysis on one side of the body.

Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)

Temporary episodes of reversible cerebral ischemia.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD)

A progressive degenerative brain disease resulting in dementia.

Parkinson’s disease

A degenerative disorder caused by the degeneration of dopamine-releasing neurons.

Huntington’s disease

A fatal hereditary disorder caused by the accumulation of huntingtin protein in brain cells.

Flaccid paralysis

Loss of voluntary and involuntary muscle control due to severe damage to ventral roots.

Spastic paralysis

Condition resulting from damage to upper motor neurons, leading to irregular muscle stimulation.

Poliomyelitis

Destruction of ventral horn motor neurons by poliovirus, leading to muscle atrophy.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease; involves destruction of motor neurons.

Cerebral palsy

A neuromuscular disability resulting from brain damage, often due to lack of oxygen during birth.

Spina bifida

A condition resulting from incomplete formation of vertebral arches, often due to lack of folic acid.

Anencephaly

A condition where the cerebrum and parts of the brain stem never develop.