Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

BioMed S2 > 13. Nervous System I - Pathologies > Flashcards

13. Nervous System I - Pathologies Flashcards

(69 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: definition

A

Compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What does the median nerve do?

A

Provides sensory information to the hand
Controls movements in the hand and fingers

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: aetiology

A

Fluid retention - pregnancy
Overuse - vibrating tools, desk posture
Other pathologies - RA, hypothyroidism, acromegaly
Trauma (swelling), tumour or fracture in wrist

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: signs and symptoms

A

Tingling, numbness, pain in median nerve distribution
Worse at night
Weakness of grip and weak thumb opposition

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: diagnostics

A

Tinel’s test
Phalen’s test
Nerve conduction studies

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: complications

A

In chronic/untreated cases, muscles around base of thumb may degenerate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: allopathic treatment

A 
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Corticosteroid injection
Physiotherapy
Wrist splinting
Surgery
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: natural treatments

A

Treat the cause.
Herbs and nutrition for pain and inflammation.
Acupuncture,
homeopathy (arnica, ruta)
Vitamin B6 helps in pain pathway
Osteopathy - ‘biscuit breaking’ exercise

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Bell’s Palsy: definition

A

Inflammation or compression of the facial nerve

Specifically compressed in facial canal

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Bell’s Palsy: aetiology

A

Viral (Herpes simplex*)
Surgery (secondary to a procedure)
Injury

*same as for cold sores

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Bell’s Palsy: signs and symptoms

A

Sudden, unilateral weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles
Cannot close affected eye*
Loss of taste
Intolerance to loud noise

*patients advised to protect cornea with eye patch

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Bell’s Palsy: allopathic treatment

A

Cortisone (steroid)
Acyclovir (antiviral)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Bell’s Palsy: natural treatment

A

Acupuncture most effective at early stage
Herbs and nutrients (antiviral, support for nerve function)
Anti-inflammatory diet
Homeopathy.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Guillain-Barre Syndrome: definition

A

Acute, ascending, progressive inflammation and demyelination of peripheral nerves

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Guillain-Barre Syndrome: aetiology

A

Autoimmune
75% triggered by a recent infection
(1-3 wks after respiratory/GIT infection eg. Flu or EBV)

Associated with post-vaccination (linked to Flu and HPV vaccines

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Guillain-Barre Syndrome: pathophysiology

A

Starting with the most peripheral neurons
Feet, lower limbs and progressive ascending paralysis
Causes neuritis (inflammation of the nerve cells)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Guillain-Barre Syndrome: signs and symptoms

A

Sudden, progressive, bilateral, ascending paralysis (starts in the feet)
Paraesthesia (‘pins and needles’) and sensory changes
Neuropathic pain into legs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Guillain-Barre Syndrome: complications

A

Death by heart or respiratory failure

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Guillain-Barre Syndrome: diagnostics

A

Nerve conduction studies
Lumbar puncture

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Guillain-Barre Syndrome: allopathic treatment

A

Emergency care (respirator, intensive care)
Plasma exchange
Intravenous antibodies
Corticosteroids

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Multiple Sclerosis (MS): definition

A

Autoimmune inflammatory diseases causing demyelination of axons in CNS neurons

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Multiple Sclerosis (MS): aetiology

A 
Vitamin D deficiency*
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Genetic susceptibility
Environmental triggers:
> Dietary risk factors
> Viruses - EBV, measles etc

*Vit D activates oligodendrocytes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Multiple Sclerosis (MS): signs and symptoms

A 
Blindness, loss of vision in one eye and occasional pain (neuritis)
Double vision and nystagmus (jerking of eyeball)
Deafness
Loss of balance
Spinal tract symptoms: 
> Burning pain, pulling sensations
> Tingling, loss of sensation
Bladder urgency, incontinence
Cognitive changes, depression
Weakness
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Multiple Sclerosis (MS): pathophysiology

A

T-lymphocytes attack antigens in the myelin sheath
Multiple areas of sclerosis (scar tissue)
Creates leisons of damaged myelin along axons disrupting conduction

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): diagnostics
No definitive test - based on clinical findings MRI Ophthalmoscopy (retinal examination of optic nerve) CSF analysis
26
At what age is multiple sclerosis likely to occur?
Between 20-50 years
27
Who is more likely to be affected by multiple sclerosis?
Women (2:1 to men)
28
What patterns can MS follow?
``` Relapsing-remitting pattern (85% of cases) Other patterns are progressive Primary (progressive from onset) Secondary (relapse-remitting > progressive) ```
29
What is the prognosis for MS?
Depends on disease pattern - 15% only suffer one episode Progressive types have a poor prognosis
30
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): allopathic treatment
Immunomodulatory therapies: * corticosteroids * interferon-beta Physiotherapy Symptom management
31
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): natural treatment
``` Lifestyle and diet are important in prolonging remission Anti-inflammatory diet Ketogenic diet (increasing ketones) Herbal medicine for autoimmune and antiviral conditions Low-grade exercise Alpha-lipoic acid (antioxidant) Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 ```
32
Motor Neuron Disease (MND): definition
Progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the spinal cord, motor cortex and brain stem | Degeneration of any motor pathway of CNS
33
At what age does MND usually occur?
>40 yrs (50-70 yrs)
34
Who does MND usually affect?
More commonly affects men
35
Motor Neuron Disease (MND): pathophysiology
Abnormal mitochondrial function causing oxidative stress in motor neurons
36
Motor Neuron Disease (MND): aetiology
Unknown - suspected link with genetics, environmental toxins, oxidative stress
37
Motor Neuron Disease (MND): signs and symptoms
``` Weakness in upper limbs* Weak grip, dropping/difficulty manipulating objects Wasting of hand muscles Tremor of limbs at rest Later stages can affect legs (tripping) Slurred speech Dyspnoea, difficulty swallowing ``` | Deterioration begins in upper limbs
38
Motor Neuron Disease (MND): complications
Death by respiratory failure Typically 3-5 yrs after diagnosis* | Stephen Hawking exception (very young at diagnosis)
39
Motor Neuron Disease (MND): allopathic treatment
No cure Specialist care
40
Motor Neuron Disease (MND): natural treatment
An anti-inflammatory diet Herbs and nutrients to support nerve function Homeopathy and acupuncture.
41
Dementia: definition
**Syndrome** caused by a number of brain disorders which cause * Memory loss * Decline in other aspects of cognition * Difficulty performing daily activities
42
What are the two main categories of dementia?
Alzheimer's disease (50%) Vascular dementia (25%)
43
What is vascular dementia?
Due to cerebrovascular disease e.g. stroke/strokes and poor oxygen delivery
44
Alzheimer's Disease: definition
Neurodegenerative disease of the cerebral cortex
45
Alzheimer's Disease: pathophysiology
Abnormal protein plaque deposition (beta amyloid plaques*) Atrophy of neurons Estimated loss of 1000 synapses/day Less acetylcholine | *Key diagnostic feature
46
Which area of the brain is usually first affected by Alzheimer's?
Hippocampus Short term memories affected
47
What is the hippocampus important for developing?
Memories
48
Which area of the brain is usually affected later by Alzheimer's?
Amygdala
49
What is the amygdala important for?
Emotions Memories
50
Alzheimer's: Beta-amaloid hypothesis |Verbal, not on slide
The subject of extensive research and drug development efforts with little to no effect Suggests that the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques plays a central role in the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease
51
Alzheimer's Disease: aetiology
``` Heavy metal toxicity (degeneration of the blood brain barrier) * Mercury * Excessive copper * Aluminium toxicity (vaccines, cans, foil) Genetic links (<1%) - ApoE4 gene Chronic inflammation * Sugar (insulin resistance), dairy * Gluten and leaky gut (molecules/bacteria entering blood which can travel to brain) Pathogens (micro-organisms) * Oral bacteria e.g. P. gingivalis * Herpes simplex virus Increased risk if cardiovascular disease (CVD) present and with high homocysteine. High levels of oxidative stress High cortisol Nutritional deficiency * B1, B3, B6, B12, folate* * Omega 3 fatty acids Hormonal deficiencies * Oestrogen, testosterone * Thyroid hormone ``` | *Help with conversion of homocysteine to methionine
52
Alzheimer's Disease: signs and symptoms - early stages
Slight memory loss (especially short term - forgetting recent conversations) Repeated questions and confusion Decreased initiative - reduction in hobbies/hygiene
53
Alzheimer's Disease: signs and symptoms - later stages
Significant memory loss (long term, forget who people are) Subtle changes in higher order functions i.e. not understanding jokes Mood disturbances - agitation, aggression Loss of sense of self Difficulty with language Unsteady, disorientated Depression
54
Alzheimer's Disease: diagnostics
Mini mental state exam (MMSE) MRI/CT scans
55
Alzheimer's Disease: allopathic treatment
Drugs - acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (to encourage Ach to increase) - ineffective Psychological treatments - cognitive behavioural therapy (usually not offered)
56
Alzheimer's Disease: natural treatment
Nutrition is essential in prevention and disease management Ketogenic diet Deficiencies to be addressed: antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and other nerve supporting nutrients: - Beta-carotene - Omega-3 fatty acids - Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs support neuron functions) - B vitamins Herbs such as ginkgo and turmeric Regular exercise and good quality sleep Addressing metal toxicity Managing stress MEND protocol
57
What is the prognosis for Alzheimer's?
People typically live for anywhere between 5 and 20 yrs after the onset of symptoms
58
What is the most common cause of death in people with Alzheimer's?
Infection
59
Parkinson's Disease: definition
Progressive neurological disorder affecting movement
60
What is the prevalence of Parkinson's
Affects 1% of individuals over 60
61
Parkinson's Disease: aetiology
Mitochondrial dysfunction (oxidative stress) Constipation and diet low in polyunsaturated fats Genetics Toxic environmental factors : industrial chemicals carbon monoxide manganese poisoning exposure to pesticides and herbicides
62
Parkinson's Disease: pathophysiology
Degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons in the *substantia nigra** (area of brain that regulates movement) Causes dopamine deficiency, leaving patients less able to direct or control their movement Accumulation of abnormal protein (Lewy bodies) within neurons *'black substance', darker appearance due to high levels of neuromelanin
63
Parkinson's Disease: signs and symptoms
Bradykinesia - short shuffling steps, difficulty stopping/starting Resting tremor (pill rolling) Stopped/flexed posture Lack of normal subconscious movements - swinging arms Muscle rigidity, mask like face, low voice
64
Parkinson's Disease: allopathic treatment
Dopamine replacement - Levodopa (L-dopa) Deep brain stimulation - electrodes in brain
65
Parkinson's Disease: natural treatment
Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and mitochondrial support through diet (i.e. Mediterranean), herbs. B vitamins. Exercise (30–45 mins of aerobic 3–5 x per week). - Cycling: reduces symptoms - Dance: music and colours are stimulatory Dietary protein intake at dinner to prevent competitive uptake between amino acids and L-dopa.
66
Huntington's Disease: definition
Inherited neurodegenerative disorder affecting the basal ganglia
67
Huntington's Disease: pathophysiology
A genetic (autosomal dominant) disease with a defect on chromosome 4
68
Huntington's Disease: signs and symptoms
``` Loss of muscle co-ordination (chorea) Cognitive impairment Loss of intellect Depression Aggression ```
69
What are the involuntary jerky movements seen in Huntington's disease called?
Chorea

BioMed S2 (34 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions