Chapter 15 Nervous System Disorders

Question 1

Alzheimer disease

Answer 1

Disease characterized by early dementia, confusion, loss of recognition of persons or familiar surroundings, restlessness and impaired memory

Question 2

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Answer 2

Progressive muscle atrophy caused by degeneration and scarring of neurons along the lateral columns of the spinal cord that control muscles

Question 3

Bell palsy

Answer 3

Paralysis of muscles on one side of the face caused by inflammation or compression of the facial nerve

Question 4

Cerebral aneurysm

Answer 4

Aneurysm in the cerebrum

Question 5

Cerebral embolism

Answer 5

An embolus (blood clot) lodges in the cerebral artery causing sudden blockage of blood supply to brain tissue. Leads to atrial fibrillation, which can lead to stroke.

Question 6

Cerebral palsy

Answer 6

Condition characterized by lack of muscle control and partial paralysis, caused by brain defect or lesion present at birth or shortly after.

Question 7

Dementia

Answer 7

Cognitive impairment characterized by loss of intellectual brain function. Difficulty in performing complex tasks, reasoning, learning and retaining new info, orientation, word finding and behavior.

Question 8

Epilepsy

Answer 8

Condition characterized by recurrent seizures, a general term given to neurological disorders, all characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the brain

Question 9

Hydrocephalus

Answer 9

Disorder caused by obstructed circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, resulting in dilated cerebral ventricles and impaired brain function.

Question 10

Intracerebral hemorrhage

Answer 10

Bleeding in the brain as a result of a ruptured blood vessel within the brain. Symptoms include dyspnea, dysphagia and diminished level of consciousness.

Question 11

Multiple sclerosis

Answer 11

Chronic degenerative disease characterized by sclerotic patches along the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include fatigue, balance and coordination impairments, numbness and vision problems.

Question 12

Parkinson disease

Answer 12

Chronic degenerative disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms include resting tremors of the hands and feet, rigidity, expressionless face, and shuffling gait.

Question 13

Sciatica

Answer 13

Inflammation of the sciatic nerve, causing pain that travels from the thigh through the leg to the foot and toes. Can be caused by injury, infection, arthritis or from prolonged pressure on the nerve from sitting for long periods of time.

Question 14

Shingles

Answer 14

Viral disease that affects peripheral nerves and causes blisters on the skin.

Question 15

Stroke

Answer 15

Occurs when there is an interruption of blood supply to a region of the brain, depriving nerve cells of oxygen and nutrients. The cells cannot perform and may be damaged or die within minutes. Speech, movement, memory can be affected.

Question 16

Subarachnoid hemorrhage

Answer 16

Bleeding caused by a ruptured blood vessel just outside the brain. The patient may experience an intense, sudden headache accompanied by nausea, vomiting and neck pain.

Question 17

Transient ischemic attack

Answer 17

Sudden deficient supply of blood to the brain lasting a short time. Symptoms are similar to stroke, but temporary and the usual outcome is complete recovery.