Chapter 13: Neurologic Diseases and Conditions

Essentials of Human Diseases and Conditions

Afferent nerves

sensory input

Efferent neurons

Produce responses

Circle of willis

network of arteries at the base of the brain

Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)

Stroke. Brain damage from disruption of flow or internal bleeding. (Sudden severe headache, aphasia, hemiparesis, diplopia, unequal pupils, impaired consciousness, dizziness)

left brain damage

causes right sided paralysis, speech and memory deficits, and cautious slow behavior

Right brain damage

Causes left side paralysis, perceptual and memory deficits, impulsive & quick behavior.

FAST mechanism

(to recognize stroke symptoms) Face, Arms, Speech, Time

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

temporary episodes (<24 hrs) of impaired neurologic function caused by inadequate blood flow to the brain that does not cause permanent damage.

Contrecoup injury

Brain injury occurring on side opposite of impact.

Epidural Hematoma

collection of blood between the skull and dura mater.

• Symptoms occur within a few hours: sudden headache, dilated pupils, nausea, drowsiness, and hemiparesis

Subdural hematoma

Blood collects between the dura mater and the arachnoid membrane

• Symptoms are delayed and mimic TIA, stroke, or dementia. Diplopia common

Cranial trephination

Use of drill to make hole in the skull to relieve pressure by draining blood.

Cerebral concussion

temporary disturbance of brain function caused by a blow to the head or shaking

Cerebral contusion

bruising of the brain tissue from impact

Battle sign

Bruising behind the ears indicated skull frature

Raccoon eyes

Bruising around the eyes

Paraplegia

loss of nerve function below the waist and paralysis of the lower trunk and legs

Quadriplegia (tetraplegia)

Loss of nerve function at cervical region causing paralysis neck down.

Degenerative Disk Disease

Deterioration of an intervertebral disk resulting in pain radiating below disk, occurs with aging.

Herniated disk

Rupture of the nucleus pulposus through the annular wall of disk into spinal canal.

Sciatic Nerve injury (spinal stenosis)

Pathological condition caused by the nucleus pulposus in the intervertebral disks causing pressure to the sciatic nerve.

Cephalagia

Headache not confined to one specific area.

Migraine

Periodic severe headaches that may be incapacitating. Individuals experience visual auras and photosensitivity.

Epilepsy

Seizure disorder characterized by sudden episodes of intense electrical activity in the brain causing seizures.

Petit mal epilepsy (absence seizures)

brief change in conscious that may only last a few seconds.

Grand mal epilepsy

Tonic clonic seizures beginning in a loud cry followed by a fall and loss of consciousness.

Status epilepticus

Seizure following another without recovery period.

Parkinson Disease

Progressive movement disease caused by dopamine deficiency.

Huntington Chorea (Huntington Disease)

Hereditary degenerative disease causing atrophy of the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia. Causes ceaseless uncontrollable movements.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) (Lou Gehrig Disease)

Progressive destructive motor neuron disease causing muscle atrophy and fasciculations.

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

Neurologic condition characterized by overwhelming urge to move legs because of discomfort.

Transient Global Amnesia

Temporary loss of recent memory and blocked learning process.

Peripheral Neuritis (neuropathy)

Degeneration of peripheral nerves affecting distal muscles of extremities. Skin may look glossy red.

Trigeminal Neuralgia (Tic Douloureux)

unilateral pain in the area innervated by the CN V.

Bell Palsy

Disorder of facial nerve CN VII with sudden onset of weakness or paralysis of facial muscles.

Meningitis

Inflammation of the membrane covering the brain and spinal chord. Positive kernig sign and Brudzinski sign.

Kernig Sign

Resistance to leg extension after flexing thigh

Brudzinski Sign

Neck flexion causing hip flexion in supine position.

Encephalitis

Inflammation of brain tissue.

Guillan-Barre Syndrome

Immune system attacks peripheral nerves causing tingling, weakness, and paralysis from demyelination.

Brain abscess

Collection of pus on brain tissue. Can cause nuchal rigidity.

Poliomyelitis

Viral infection of anterior horn cells of the gray matter of the spinal chord causing selective damage of motor neurons.

Bulbar poliomyelitis

Involvement of muscles supplied by cranial nerves.

Sabin trivalent oral vaccine

Grants immunity to all 3 polio forms