Caring for Clients With Central and Peripheral Nervous System Disorders

These flashcards cover critical vocabulary related to central and peripheral nervous system disorders, their pathophysiology, symptoms, and management.

Increased Intracranial Pressure

Condition caused by elevated pressure within the skull, potentially leading to brain dysfunction.

Cushing Triad

A clinical syndrome characterized by hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respiratory patterns, indicating increased intracranial pressure.

Meningitis

Inflammation of the meninges, typically caused by infections from microorganisms such as bacteria or viruses.

Brudzinski Sign

A clinical sign indicative of meningitis where a patient's legs flex when the neck is flexed.

Encephalitis

Swelling of the brain often caused by viral infections that can lead to severe neurological symptoms.

Guillain–Barré Syndrome

An autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.

Multiple Sclerosis

A demyelinating disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to varying degrees of disability.

Myasthenia Gravis

A neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness of skeletal muscles due to impaired communication between nerves and muscles.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

A progressive and fatal neurologic disorder involving degeneration of motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy.

Parkinson Disease

A neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a deficiency of dopamine, leading to motor control symptoms such as tremors and rigidity.

Seizure Disorders

Conditions characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, leading to various forms of seizures.

Tic Douloureux

A condition involving severe facial pain due to irritation of the trigeminal nerve, often triggered by touch or movement.

Bell Palsy

Temporary facial paralysis or weakness due to inflammation of the facial nerve, often associated with viral infections.

Huntington Disease

A hereditary neurodegenerative disorder characterized by chorea, psychiatric symptoms, and cognitive decline.

Brain Tumors

Abnormal growths in the brain that can be benign or malignant, leading to increased intracranial pressure and neurological symptoms.