Central Nervous System Flashcards
(23 cards)
Spina Bifida Occulta
Incomplete closure of the posterior portion of the vertebral body or bodies around the spinal cord;
Meningocele (Spina Bifida)
A birth defect where there is a sac protruding from the spinal column.
The sac includes spinal fluid but
does not contain neural tissue.
It may be covered with skin or with meninges.
Meningomyelocele (Spina Bifida)
The most severe form of the disease; the meninges and spinal cord are exposed through the opening in
the spine.
Hydrocephalus
The buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the cavities (ventricles) deep within the brain.
The excess fluid
increases the size of the ventricles and puts pressure on the brain.
Meningitis
Inflammation of the fluid and membranes (meninges) surrounding your brain and spinal cord.
swelling from meningitis typically triggers signs and symptoms such as headache, fever and a stiff neck
Encephalitis
Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain tissue.
The most common cause is viral infections.
In rare
cases it can be caused by bacteria or even fungi.
Brain Abscess
A brain abscess is a collection of pus enclosed in the brain tissue, caused by a bacterial or fungal
infection.
Subdural Empyema
A collection of pus between the dura mater and the underlying arachnoid mater.
Degenerative Disk Disease
An age-related condition that happens when one or more of the discs between the vertebrae of the
spinal column deteriorates or breaks down, leading to pain.
Herniated Nucleus Pulposus
also known as a slipped or herniated disk
occurs when the soft center of a spinal disk pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior casing.
Cervical Spondylosis
age-related wear and tear of the spinal disks.
Multiple Sclerosis
breakdown at the protective covering of nerves.
Dementia
group of conditions characterized by impairment of at least two brain functions, such as memory loss and judgment.
Alzheimer’s Disease
The most common type of dementia; an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys
memory and thinking skills, and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks
Parkinson’s Disease
Affects the nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine, resulting in a reduction of dopamine
A disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement, often including tremors
Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke)
when blood flow to a part of your brain is stopped either by a
blockage or the rupture of a blood vessel.
Glioma
A glioma is a type of brain tumor that grows from glial cells.
Glial cells support nerve cells with energy
and nutrients and help maintain the blood-brain barrier.
Glioma is an umbrella term used to describe
the different types of glial tumors:
The most common type of primary tumor
within the brain
Medulloblastoma
a fast-growing, cancerous brain tumor that originates in the cerebellum, near the base of the skull
Meningioma
A tumor that forms on membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord just inside the skull.
These
tumors are often slow growing.
Pituitary Adenoma
A benign tumor of the pituitary gland.
Craniopharyngioma
A rare type of benign brain tumor which begins near the brain’s pituitary gland,
As it slowly grows, it can affect the
function of the pituitary gland and other nearby structures in the brain.
Acoustic neuroma
A noncancerous tumor on the main nerve leading from the inner ear to the brain
may grow rapidly and become large enough to press against the brain and interfere with vital functions.
Schwannoma
Tumor in nerve sheath(Schwann cell)
Usually benign
