Nervous System and OT Interventions Flashcards

Flashcards based on lecture notes about the nervous system, motor control, and occupational therapy interventions.

What are the main cells that send messages in your brain and body?

Neurons

What type of cells feed, protect neurons, make myelin, clean up waste, and fight infections?

Glial cells

Which part of the neuron receives messages?

Dendrites

Which part of the neuron is the control center and contains the nucleus?

Cell body (soma)

Which part of the neuron sends messages away from the cell?

Axon

What is the layer that covers the axon and helps messages travel quickly?

Myelin sheath

Where do messages leave the neuron to communicate with the next cell?

Axon terminals

How do neurons communicate with each other?

Using chemicals called neurotransmitters

What is the gap between two neurons called?

Synapse

What two components constitutes the Central Nervous System?

Brain and spinal cord

What nervous system includes all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord?

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

In the CNS, what is a group of neuron cell bodies called?

Nucleus

In the CNS, what is a bundle of axons called?

Tract

In the PNS, what is a group of neuron cell bodies called?

Ganglion

In the PNS, what is a bundle of axons called?

Nerve

What type of neurons bring information into the brain?

Sensory neurons

What type of neurons send messages out from the brain to muscles?

Motor neurons

What type of neurons connect neurons to each other?

Interneurons

Name three types of motor control circuits.

Voluntary, postural, and reflexes

Name three subdivisions of the motor system (pathways/tracts).

Corticobulbospinal, reticulospinal, and vestibulospinal tracts

Where do Upper Motor Neurons (UMNs) start and travel?

Start in the brain and travel down the spinal cord.

Where do Lower Motor Neurons (LMNs) start and where do they go?

Start in the spinal cord and go out to the muscles.

What are some effects of UMN damage?

Spasticity and hyperreflexia

What are some effects of LMN damage?

Weakness, muscle wasting, and low tone

What are automatic movements babies have called?

Primitive Reflexes

What does hypertonicity refer to?

Muscles are too tight

What does hypotonicity refer to?

Muscles are too floppy

Name some examples of barriers to occupational performance.

Stairs with no rail, uneven footpaths, tight spaces

Name some examples of enablers to occupational performance.

Ramps, grab rails, accessible transport

Name common mobility issues in neuro disorders.

Weakness, poor balance, fatigue, spasticity, pain, sensory loss

Name some OT interventions for functional mobility.

Training for safe walking, wheelchair use, transfers, mobility aids, home modifications, and education

What primary functions does the Vestibular System provide?

Balance, orientation, and stabilising vision.

Where is the Vestibular System located?

Inner ear

What problems can arise if the Vestibular System is damaged?

Dizziness/vertigo, balance problems, nausea, unsteady walking, blurred vision

Give an example of transport enablers.

Real-time accessible transport info, ramps, wheelchair spaces

Give an example of transport barriers.

Long journey, possible platform gaps

Give an example of playground enablers.

Soft surfaces, inclusive swings/slides, wide paths, ramps

Give an example of playground barriers.

Sandpits or bark chips, narrow gates or steps, no shade/rest areas

Give an example of movie theatre enablers.

Accessible entry, wheelchair seating options, companion seating, hearing loops or captions

Give an example of movie theatre barriers.

Stairs only, poor seating location, no space for companion

Name some OT sensory tests.

Monofilaments, 2-point test, Moberg test

Give examples of what OTs do for desensitisation.

Rub skin with soft → rough textures, tapping, massage, mirror therapy

What techniques do OTs use for re-education?

Rub different textures on skin, ask them to name what’s touching them, play games like “guess the object”

Name compensation techniques for sensation.

Use your eyes more, use the other hand, check skin for cuts/burns, change how you do things

How do sensory neurons work?

Body to brain (feeling something)

How do motor neurons work?

Brain to body (moving something)

How do interneurons work?

Connect everything inside the brain and spinal cord

Name the structures involved in basic vision anatomy.

Cornea, lens, retina, optic nerve, occipital lobe

What are some common vision issues?

Hemianopia and neglect

Name some cognitive skills.

Attention, memory, problem solving, and executive function

Give examples of perceptual problems.

Agnosia, apraxia, and neglect

Name two OT cognitive-perceptual assessments.

MoCA and MMSE

What is a TENS machine?

Tiny electrical pulses to reduce pain or improve muscle activity

What is SaeboFlex?

A glove that helps fingers move

What is the difference between degenerative and traumatic disorders?

Degenerative disorders get worse over time, while traumatic disorders are caused by injury

What are some common problems caused by degenerative and traumatic disorders?

Movement issues, cognition problems, sensation changes, and emotional changes

What are some rehabilitation approaches for degenerative and traumatic disorders?

Exercise, task training, assistive devices, cognitive rehab, and emotional support

What is often the goal of OT Intervention strategies for degenerative and traumatic disorders?

Improve independence in daily life, modify environments, teach energy conservation, and train use of adaptive equipment

Describe what happens during a stroke.

Blood flow is blocked or there is bleeding in the brain, causing sudden brain damage

What are common problems following stroke?

Weakness/paralysis, speech problems, swallowing problems, and cognitive/perception issues

What are the purposes of a post-stroke screening assessment?

Check for swallowing, speech, and motor function early

Describe examples of rehab strategies post-stroke.

Task-specific training, speech therapy, positioning and muscle tone management