Chapter 9:6 (The Nervous System) Diseases & Disorders Terms

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1. Alzheimer’s Disease Discovered by Alois Alzheimer (German neurologist 1804-1915) Progressive
mental deterioration characterized by confusion, memory failure,
disorientation, restlessness, agnosia; inability to recognize import of sensory
impressions. Speech disturbances, inability to carryout purposeful
movement and hallucinosis (hallucinations without impairment of
consciousness).
Pathological features are miliary plaques in the cortex and fibrillary
degeneration in layers atrophies; shrinks in size. To truly diagnose includes
an autopsy.
Disease begins in middle life with slight defects in memory and behavior, but
the symptoms worsen dramatically after the age of 70. Both men/women
affected. Treatments include medication to slow the progression of the
disease, avoid chaotic environments, physical therapy to maintain mobility,
routines.
2. Encephalitis • An inflammation condition of the brain. Usually caused by an
arbovirus infection, can be bacterial or viral. Transmitted by insect
(mosquito) but it may be the result of lead poisoning, or
hemorrhage. Signs & Symptoms –Fever, drowsiness, headaches,
confusion, weakness
• Diagnoses- spinal tap or MRI
• Treatment- Depends on type- bacterial or viral. Hospitalization,
antibiotics, medicinal induced coma.

3. Cerebral Palsy  A motor function disorder caused by a permanent, non-progressive

brain defect or lesion present at birth or shortly thereafter. The
neurological deficit may result in spastic hemiplegia, monoplegia-
one arm or leg, diplegia- both legs, or quadriplegia. Athetosis (quick,
rapid, jerky movements- ataxia impaired ability to coordinate
movements. Abnormalities in breathing ,sucking, swallowing, stiff
awkward movements,
 Early identification of the disorder facilitates the handling of infants,
and physical therapy would start right away.
 There is no cure it is progressive, ultimately death.

4. Dementia Organic Brain Syndrome- Term for a constellation of psychological or

Unspecified behavioral symptoms associated with brain dysfunction of unknown or
unspecified etiology and grouped according to symptoms.

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5. Epilepsy- A group of

6. Guillain-Barre
Syndrome

7. Parkinson’s Disease

8. Cerebrovascular
Accident (Stroke)
(CVA)

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9. Transient Ischemic
Attack (TIA)

10. Concussion

11. Paraplegia

12. Quadraplegia

13.Huntington’s Chorea

14. Amyotrophic
Lateral Sclerosis
(Lou Gehrig’s Disease)

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15. Bell’s Palsy

16.Meningitis

17. Poliomyelitis

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