HOSA: Nervous System

parasympathetic nerves

The division of the autonomic nervous system mediated by the release of acetylcholine, which has many effects on body functions such as slowing the heart rate and stimulating peristalsis.

autonomic

Refers to the part of the nervous system that has two divisions.

cerebrovascular accident (stroke)

Occurs when the brain is damaged by a sudden disruption in the flow of blood to a part of the brain or by bleeding inside the head.

aphasia

A nerve defect that results in loss of speech.

hemiparesis

Paralysis affecting one side of the body.

diplopia

Double vision.

transient ischemic attack

Temporary episode with a duration of less than 24 hours of impaired neurologic functioning caused by an inadequate flow of blood to a portion of the brain.

epidural hematoma

A collection or mass of blood that forms between the skull and the dura mater, the outermost of the three meningeal layers covering the brain.

subdural hematoma

The blood collects or pools between the dura mater and the arachnoid membrane, the second meningeal membrane.

cerebral concussion

A possible bruising of the cerebral tissue that is caused by back and forth movement of the head.

cerebral contusion

More serious; involves bruising of tissue along or just beneath the surface of the brain.

depressed skull fracture

Occurs with a break or fracture in one of the bones of the cranium. When the bones are torn loose, they are pushed below the normal surface of the skull.

paraplegia

Loss of nerve function below the waist and paralysis of the lower trunk and legs.

quadriplegia

Loss of nerve function at the cervical region resulting in paralysis of the arms, hands, trunk, and legs.

paresis

Partial paralysis.

degenerative disk disease

May result in pain in the areas served by the spinal nerves of the involved disk space. A natural part of aging occurring in almost everyone over time.

herniated and bulging disk

The rupture of the nucleus pulposus through the annular wall of the disk and into the spinal canal.

spinal stenosis

A narrowing of the spinal canal or nerve root foramen.

cephalalgia (headache)

Pain in the head that is not confined to any one specific nerve distribution area.

migraine

Periodic severe headaches that may be completely incapacitating and almost always are accompanied by other symptoms.

aura

A sensation or phenomenon that signals the onset of an epileptic seizure or a migraine.

epilepsy

A chronic brain disorder characterized by sudden episodes of abnormal intense electrical activity in the brain, which results in seizure activity.

Parkinson's disease

A common, slowly progressive neurologic disorder characterized by the onset of recognizable disturbances: a pill-rolling tremor of the thumb and forefinger, muscular rigidity, slowness of movement, and postural instability.

neurotransmitter

A chemical released by the terminal end fibers of an axon.

Huntington's disease

A hereditary degenerative disease of the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia; progressive atrophy of the brain occurs.

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

A progressive, destructive motor neuron disease that results in muscular atrophy.

fasciculations

Small local involuntary muscular contractions.

restless legs syndrome

A neurologic condition typified by an overwhelming urge to move the legs. This irresistible urge to move the legs or body part is to stop an uncomfortable or odd sensation.

transient global amnesia

Usually a benign event. Having a duration of 1 to 6 hours, it involves the total loss of recent memory and the learning process is completely blocked.

peripheral neuritis

A degeneration of the peripheral nerves.

trigeminal neuralgia

Pain of the area innervated by the fifth cranial nerve, the trigeminal nerve.

Bell's palsy

A disorder of the facial nerve that causes a sudden onset of weakness or paralysis of facial muscles.

meningitis

An inflammation of the meninges, the membranous coverings of the brain, and spinal cord.

encephalitis

Inflammation of brain tissue.

Guillain-Barre syndrome

An acute, rapidly progressive disease of the spinal nerves.

brain abscess

A collection of pus that can occur anywhere in the brain tissue.

poliomyelitis

A viral infection of the anterior horn cells of the gray matter of the spinal cord and causes a selective destruction of the motor neurons.