Neurological System

NEUROLOGICAL SYSTEM OVERVIEW

  • Divisions of Nervous System:

    • Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and spinal cord.

    • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Spinal and cranial nerves.

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS)

  • Functions: Carries messages between body and brain for analysis and response.

  • Protection: Encased in bone and surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for cushioning.

BRAIN STRUCTURE

  • Key Parts:

    • Cerebrum: Largest part, involved in movement, sensory recognition, emotional behavior, and endocrine regulation. Left hemisphere: analytical, language. Right hemisphere: emotional, artistic.

    • Cerebellum: Coordinates voluntary/involuntary movements and balance.

    • Brainstem: Includes midbrain, pons, medulla oblongata, controls vital involuntary functions (breathing, heartbeat).

CEREBRAL CORTEX

  • Outer layer (gray matter) with:

    • Sensory Areas: Receive sensory information.

    • Motor Areas: Initiate voluntary movement.

    • Associative Areas: Involved in memory, learning, and thought.

SPINAL CORD

  • Functions:

    • Connects PNS to CNS.

    • Controls reflex actions.

  • Structures:

    • Composed of cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral nerves.

PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (PNS)

  • Components:

    • Afferent neurons: Carry sensory information to CNS.

    • Efferent neurons: Carry information away from CNS (to muscles).

  • Divisions:

    • Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary movements.

    • Autonomic Nervous System: Controls involuntary functions and homeostasis (Sympathetic and Parasympathetic systems).

SYMPATHETIC & PARASYMPATHETIC SYSTEMS

  • Sympathetic: Prepares the body for 'fight or flight'; increases heart rate, dilates pupils.

  • Parasympathetic: Prepares the body for rest; slows heart rate, stimulates digestion.

NEUROLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

  • Level of Consciousness (LOC): Key indicator of neurological status, evaluated through orientation.

  • Neuromuscular Response: Evaluates motor function via impulses from the frontal lobe.

  • Vital Signs: Changes can indicate intracranial pressure (ICP) increase.

NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS & ASSESSMENTS

  • Head Injuries: Concussions, contusions, hematomas.

  • Brain Tumors: Symptoms like motor/sensory disturbances, headaches, seizures.

  • Increased ICP: Detected by changes in LOC, pupils, and motor responses.

  • Seizures & Epilepsy: Assess type and duration; monitor during and post-seizure.

  • Parkinson's Disease: Symptoms include tremors, rigidity, and slow movements; managed with medications and therapies.

  • Multiple Sclerosis: Degenerative disease affecting myelin sheath; symptoms vary widely.