Common Nervous System Disorders

Question 1

what are the 3 common nersous system disorders

Answer 1

1. Parkinsons disease
2. Alzheimers & dementia
3. Concussion

Question 2

what is Parkinsons Disease

Answer 2

progressive; involving deterioration of the brain, particularly in the substancia nigra
substancia nigra: control of movement, releases dopamine

Question 3

cause of parkinsons + how does it build up

Answer 3

cause: unknown, genetic
- misfolding of protein a-synuclein causes it to build up and damage nervous tissue
- lack of dopamine means movements are not properly controlled

Question 4

symptoms of parkinsons (4)

Answer 4

1. tremors
2. slow movement
3. uneven gait
4. muscle stiffness

Question 5

treatment of parkinsons + life expectancy

Answer 5

treatment: a medication increasing levels of dopamine in the brain
- deep brain stimulation to activate neurons affected by loss of SN
no cure atm
life expectancy: normal

Question 6

what are alzheimers & dementia

Answer 6

dementia: overall decline of mental ability, often late in life, that impacts a persons daily life and regular functions
alzheimers: specific disease that is also a common cause of dementia

Question 7

symptoms of alzheimers & dementia

Answer 7

(early) memory loss, cognitive decline
(late) wandering, difficulty making decision and planning

Question 8

cause + cure of alzheimers & dementia

Answer 8

cause: unknown- genetic link
cure: no cure, although certain medications can slow it down for a bit

Question 9

concussion causes (mild traumatic brain injury)

Answer 9

• an impact to the head, which makes the brainmatter shift back and forth inside the skull causing injury to the cells (not structure)
• this stretches the neurons and can even cause them to break

Question 10

symptomes of concussion (5)

Answer 10

1. headaches
2. nausea
3. vomiting
4. sensitivity to light/sound
5. confusion

Question 11

treatment for concussion

Answer 11

time
limit lights / screens / heavy mental work