Key Terms in Neurology and Mental Health

Meninges

The three protective layers covering the brain and spinal cord.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Controls the body's fight-or-flight response.

Meninges

The three protective layers covering the brain and spinal cord.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Controls the body's fight-or-flight response.

Aura

A sensory disturbance that can occur before a migraine.

Angiography

An imaging test used to examine blood vessels, often to detect blockages or abnormalities.

Craniectomy

A surgical procedure where part of the skull is removed to relieve pressure on the brain, often due to swelling.

Temporal Lobe

Processes auditory information and is responsible for hearing.

Corpus Callosum

A thick band of nerve fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Parietal Lobe

Processes sensory information such as touch, temperature, and pain.

Medulla Oblongata

Controls heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Controls the 'rest and digest' response.

CVA

Another name for a stroke.

Bell's Palsy

Causes sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, usually affecting one side of the face.

Cerebral Palsy

A movement and coordination disorder caused by brain damage before or during birth.

Paresthesia

A tingling or numb sensation, often due to nerve damage, poor circulation, or pressure on a nerve.

Bipolar Disorder

A mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings between mania and depression.

Analgesic Drug

A drug that relieves pain, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Brain Tumor

An intracranial mass, which may be neoplastic, cystic, or inflammatory.

Cerebral Aneurysm

Abnormal, localized dilation of a blood vessel in the cerebrum.

Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)

Death of brain tissue due to blockage or rupture of an artery, also known as a stroke.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

A chronic disease of the central nervous system where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves.

Parkinson's Disease

A progressive disorder of the nervous system marked by tremors, slow movement, muscle rigidity, and an irregular gait.

Shingles

A viral infection that causes a painful rash, usually along a peripheral nerve.

Contusion

A bruise to the brain, causing localized bleeding.

Cerebral Angiography

X-ray imaging of the brain's blood vessels after a contrast medium has been injected.

Electroencephalography (EEG)

A test that records the electrical impulses in the brain.

Babinski Sign

Reflex in which the toes curl upward when the plantar surface of the foot is stimulated.

Sedative (Somatic Drug)

Produces a soothing or restful effect.

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

Causes flashbacks, severe anxiety, and emotional distress due to a traumatic event.

Dyslexia (Somatic Disorder)

A learning disorder causing difficulty recognizing and understanding written language.

Neuroleptic (Antipsychotic Drug)

Used to manage symptoms of psychosis, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Schizophrenia (Mental Disorder)

A disorder causing hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.

Stimulant (Somatic Drug)

A drug that increases activity in the nervous system.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A disability characterized by difficulty communicating and focusing beyond oneself.

Bulimia Nervosa (Mental Disorder)

An eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by purging.

Spina Bifida (Somatic Disorder)

A congenital defect where the spinal cord membrane protrudes outside the body.

Antianxiety (Drug Class)

Used to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

Postpartum Psychosis (Mental Disorder)

A severe form of postpartum depression that includes hallucinations and mood swings.

Hypnotic

Produces a soothing effect and induces sleep.

Concussion

A traumatic brain injury causing temporary loss of brain function due to impact.

OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)

Characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.

Phobia

An intense, irrational fear of specific objects or situations.

Migraine

An intense headache causing pain, nausea, and light sensitivity.

Alzheimer's Disease

A condition marked by memory loss and inability to care for oneself due to mental deterioration.

ID (Intellectual Disability)

Characterized by limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior.

Hydrocephalus

A condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain, causing pressure.

ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

A disorder characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.

Narcotic

A drug that relieves pain and can cause drowsiness or euphoria.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

A type of stroke that occurs when a blood vessel ruptures and bleeds in the brain.

Grand Mal Seizure (Tonic-Clonic Seizure)

A type of seizure characterized by violent muscle contractions and loss of consciousness.

SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

A type of depression that occurs during certain seasons, usually winter, due to lack of sunlight.

Sensory Input

Electrical impulses from sensory organs sent to the CNS.

Integration

The CNS processes and interprets sensory input to determine the appropriate response.

Motor Output

The CNS sends messages to muscles or glands to generate a response.

Neurons

Cells that conduct electrical impulses.

Sensory Neurons

Carry impulses to the CNS.

Motor Neurons

Carry impulses from the CNS to muscles/glands.

Neuroglial Cells

Support neurons by providing insulation, nutrients, and protection.

CNS (Central Nervous System)

Includes the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing sensory input and controlling bodily functions.

PNS (Peripheral Nervous System)

Includes cranial and spinal nerves, connecting the CNS to the rest of the body.

Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

Controls voluntary muscle movements.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Controls involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion.

Thalamus

Sensory 'traffic director' that relays information to the cortex.

Hypothalamus

Regulates vital functions such as heart rate, body temperature, hunger, thirst, and digestion.

Pineal Gland

Controls circadian rhythms and sleep-wake cycles.

Brainstem

Regulates vital functions such as heart rate, breathing, and sleep.

Occipital Lobe

Primarily responsible for processing visual information.

Spinal Cord

Transmits sensory information to the brain and motor commands to muscles.

Reflex Arc

A fast response mechanism that does not involve the brain.

Dura Mater

Tough, outer layer of connective tissue.

Arachnoid Mater

Middle layer, spider-web-like.

Pia Mater

Delicate inner layer, directly contacting the CNS.

Accessory Nerve

Controls neck movement.

Facial Nerve

Involved in facial expressions and crying.

Optic Nerve

Involved in vision.

Olfactory Nerve

Responsible for the sense of smell.

Vagus Nerve

Controls swallowing, speech, and autonomic functions.

Trigeminal Nerve

Provides sensation to the face.

Oculomotor Nerve

Controls eye movements and pupil constriction.

Vestibulocochlear Nerve

Responsible for hearing and balance.

Abducens Nerve

Controls the lateral rectus eye muscle.

Glossopharyngeal Nerve

Involved in swallowing and taste.

Afferent Nerves

Sensory nerves that transmit information to the CNS.

Efferent Nerves

Motor nerves that transmit signals from the CNS to muscles.

Cranial Nerves

12 pairs responsible for head, neck, and some internal organ functions.

Spinal Nerves

31 pairs that branch from the spinal cord to different parts of the body.

Panic Disorder

Sudden anxiety and fear mimicking heart attack symptoms.

Bipolar Disorder

Alternating periods of depression and mania.

Schizophrenia

Loss of touch with reality, including delusions and hallucinations.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Difficulty with communication and repetitive behaviors.

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

Measures electrical activity in the brain.

Cerebral Angiography

Visualizes blood vessels in the brain.

Lumbar Puncture

Collects CSF for diagnostic purposes.

PET Scan

Observes brain metabolism.

Nerve Block

Interrupts nerve signals to alleviate pain.

Anesthesiologist

Administers anesthetics during surgeries and monitors vital signs.

Electroneurodiagnostic Technologist

Uses specialized equipment to monitor nervous system activity.

Neurosurgeon

Specializes in the surgical treatment of nervous system conditions.