The Nervous System Medical Terminology Unit 10

CNS – Central Nervous System

Parts of Brain Cerebrum – higher thought, personality, motor function Cerebellum – posture, balance, coordination Hypothalmus-Autonomic Nervous System, emotions, temp., appetite, water balance, sleep, endocrine activity Brain Stem  MidBrain  Pons – carries cross over information  Medulla Oblongata – basic life functions such as respiration, heart beat, blood pressure

Other Structures of CNS Meninges – 3 layer covering of brain and spinal cord CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) – circulates around brain and spinal cord to cushion and maintain fluid balance Ventricles – small cavities located in middle region cerebrum – filled with CSF

PNS - Peripheral Nervous System 12 pairs of cranial nerves 31 pairs of spinal nerves

At the neuron.. Synapse – space between neuron & receiving part Neurotransmitter – chemicals released into synapse to transmit neural impulse

Specialists of Nervous System Neurologist – specializes in diseases/disorders of nervous system Neurosurgeon – specializes in surgery of nervous system “brain surgeon” Anesthesiologist – specializes in giving medications to prevent sensation/pain during surgery or procedures Psychiatrist – diagnose/treat mental illness, emotional problems and chemical dependency

Headaches

Hydrocephalus Excessive accumulation of fluid in the ventricles of brain. More common in children with congenital defect or can occur due to tumor obstructing flow of CSF.

Hydrocephalus Symptoms include:  Bulging forehead and eyes  Enlarged head  Irritability  Mental retardation if allowed to persist  Treatment is placement of shunt to drain excess fluid from ventricles to abdomen, large vein or heart.

Meningitis Inflammation of lining around brain and spinal cord caused by virus, bacterium, fungus or toxins (arsenic or lead). Bacterial is deadly – take your immunization!

Alzheimer’s Disease Most common form of dementia or mental deterioration Begins years before diagnosed with short-term memory loss Progresses to confusion, anger, mood swings, language breakdown, long-term memory loss and withdrawal Continues until all major bodily functions are lost and death occurs. Can be from 5 to 20 years for progression. No cure – unsure causes but brains are found to have plaques and tangles.

Brain Structure Changes with Alzheimer’s

Parkinson’s Disease Chronic and slowly progressive disorder with lack of dopamine neurotransmitter in brain. Have fine muscle tremors, masklike face, shuffling gait.

Parkinson’s Disease

Concussion -violent shaking or jarring of brain The two most common concussion symptoms are confusion and amnesia. Other immediate : Headache Dizziness Ringing in the ears Nausea or vomiting Slurred speech Some symptoms of concussions don't appear until hours or days later. Mood and cognitive disturbances Sensitivity to light and noise Sleep disturbances

Cranial Hematoma – collection of blood trapped in brain tissues

CVA – Cerebrovascular Accident or “Stroke”

CVA Symptoms Symptoms depend on severity and area of brain affected - can be death and or permanent disability Can include  Loss of consciousness, confusion  Hemiparesis or Hemiplegia (weakness or paralysis of half the body)  Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)  Aphasia (difficulty speaking or understanding speech and/or written language)  Visual disturbances

Epilepsy – Seizure Disorder Brain disorder with abnormal electrical impulses in the neurons of brain. Can be caused by brain injury, birth defect or birth trauma, tumors, toxins or infections. Some are cause unknown or idiopathic.

Epilepsy – Seizure Disorder Treatment usually includes routine anticonvulsant medications During a seizure you should:  Protect persons head  NEVER force anything in mouth  NEVER restrain person  Place in recovery position when over and remain with person

Multiple Sclerosis Chronic progressive, disabling condition that results from a degeneration of myelin sheath of neurons of CNS. Starts with visual disturbances, weakness, fatigue, poor coordination, tingling and numbness. Progresses to tremors, muscle spasticity, paralysis, incontinence, mood swings, speech impairment.

Cerebral Palsy Disturbance in voluntary muscle action caused by brain damage. Causes spasticity, poor muscle control, possibly MR. Birth injury, lack of oxygen to brain, prenatal Rubella (German measles), infections

Paralysis - loss of sensation and muscle function. Occurs below level of spinal cord injury. Paraplegia – paralyzed from waist down Quadriplegia – paralyzed from neck/shoulders down