Nervous System Medical Terminology

Key Word Parts Ambul/o walk Cephal/o head Concuss/o shaken together, violently agitated Contus/o bruise Ech/o sound Encephal/o brain -esthesia sensation, feeling Klept/o to steal

Key Word Parts Mening/o membranes, meninges Myel/o spinal cord Narc/o numbness, stupor Neur/i, neuro/o nerve, nerve tissue -phobia abnormal fear Psych/o mind Somn/o sleep

Anatomy and Physiology The major structures of the nervous system are the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and sensory organs. This is divided into three parts. CNS-the central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord. PNS-the peripheral nervous system includes the 12 pairs of cranial nerves extending from the brain and the 31 pairs of spinal nerves from the spinal cord. ANS-the autonomic nervous system includes the peripheral nerves and ganglia on either side of the spinal cord.

A&P Nerve – bundle of neuron cells that connect the brain and the spinal cord with other parts of the body. Receptors- are sites in the sensory organs (eyes, ears, skin, nose, and taste buds) Stimulus-is anything that excites or activates a nerve and causes an impulse. Impulse-is a wave of excitation transmitted through nerve fibers and neurons. Reflex-is an automatic, involuntary response to some change, either inside or outside the body. maintenance of the heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure are reflex actions. Coughing, sneezing, and reactions to painful stimuli are also reflex actions.

A&P Neuron – is the basic cell of the nervous system. The three types of neurons are described according to their function. ACE (Afferent, Connecting, and Efferent) Afferent – sensory neurons, emerge from the skin or sense organs and carry impulses to the brain and spinal cord. Connecting- associative neurons, carry impulses from one neuron to another. Efferent- motor neurons, carry impulses away from the brain and spinal cord and toward the muscles and glands.

A&P Neuron – consists of a cell body, several dendrites, and a single axon, and terminal end fibers. Synapse is the space between two neurons or between a neuron and a receptor organ.

A&P Neurotransmitters A neurotransmitter is a chemical messenger that transmits messages between nerve cells, thus, making it possible for the nerve impulse to jump across the synapse from one neuron to another. Acetylcholine – influences muscle action Dopamine- thought to cause some forms of psychosis and abnormal movement disorders. Endorphins- inhibits the conduction of pain impulses and acts as natural pain relievers. Serotonin- has roles in sleep and pleasure recognition.

A&P Central Nervous System The CNS is made up of the brain and spinal cord, protected by the bones of the cranium and spinal column. Within these bony structures the brain and spinal cord are protected by the meninges and cerebrospinal fluid. Meninges are three layers of connective tissue membrane that enclose the brain and spinal cord, the dura mater, arachnoid membrane, and pia mater.

Brain Parts and what they Control Look at page 179 in “Intro to Medical Terminology” Book.

A&P Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) consists of the cranial nerves. 12 pairs of cranial nerves 31 pairs of spinal nerves

A&P Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) controls the involuntary actions of the body. Divided into two parts Sympathetic nervous system Parasympathetic nervous system

Medical Specialties Anesthesiologist Anesthetist Neurologist physician that specializes in administering anesthetics before and during surgery. Anesthetist someone who administers anesthetics that is not a physician (nurse anesthetist) Neurologist specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the nervous system. Neurosurgeon a physician who specializes in surgery of the nervous system. Psychiatrist holds a medical doctor degree (MD) and specializes in diagnosing and treating chemical dependencies, emotional problems, and mental illness. Psychologist holds an advanced degree, other than a medical degree, and specializes in evaluating and treating emotional problems.

Pathology Meningitis Migraine headache Encephalocele Hydrocephalus a syndrome characterized by sudden, severe, sharp headache usually present on only one side. Encephalocele also known as a craniocele, a congenital gap in the skull with herniation of brain substance. Hydrocephalus an abnormally increased amount of CFS within the brain. Meningocele the protrusion of the membranes of the brain or spinal cord through a defect in the skull or spinal column. Meningitis inflammation of the meninges of the brain or spinal cord.

Disorders of the Brain Tetanus Alzheimer’s disease Cognition group of disorders associated with degenerative changes in the brain structure that lead to characteristic symptoms including progressive memory loss, impaired cognition, and personality changes. Cognition describes the mental activities associated with thinking, learning, and memory. Encephalitis inflammation of the brain. Parkinson’s disease chronic, slowly progressive, degenerative CNS disorder. Characterized by fine muscle tremors, as masklike facial expression, and a shuffling gait. Tetanus also known as “lockjaw”, is an acute and potentially fatal bacterial infection of the CNS caused by the tetanus bacillus. (Tetanus shot)

Brain Injuries Amnesia Concussion Cerebral contusion Cranial hematoma is a disturbance in the memory marked by a total or partial inability to recall past experiences, maybe caused by brain injury, illness, or psychological disturbance. Concussion violent shaking up or jarring of the brain. Cerebral contusion is the bruising of brain tissue as a result of a head injury. Cranial hematoma is a collection of blood trapped in the tissues of the brain. Named for the location. Subdural hematoma Epidural hematoma Intracerebral hematoma

Levels of Consciousness also known as alert, means being awake, aware, and responding appropriately. Syncope fainting, a brief loss of consciousness caused by a brief lack of oxygen in the brain. Lethargy a lowered level of consciousness marked by listlessness, drowsiness, and apathy. (indifference) Stupor a state of impaired consciousness marked by a lack of responsiveness to environmental stimuli. Coma a profound deep state of unconsciousness marked by the absence of spontaneous eye movements, no response to painful stimuli, and no vocalization Delirium a potentially reversible condition often associated with a high fever that comes on suddenly. (confused, disoriented, and unable to think clearly) Dementia is a slowly progressive decline in mental abilities, including memory, thinking, judgment, and the ability to pay attention.

Brain Tumor Is an abnormal growth within the brain that may be either benign (not life threatening), or malignant. (life threatening). ANY abnormal growth in the brain can cause damage in two ways it can destroy brain tissue, or it can cause damage by pressure on the brain.

Stroke CVA Transient ischemic attack (TIA) Ischemic stroke cerebrovascular accident, damage to the brain that occurs when the blood flow to the brain is disrupted because a blood vessel supplying it either is blocked or has ruptured. Transient ischemic attack (TIA) temporary interruption in the blood supply to the brain. Ischemic stroke the flow of blood in the brain is blocked, maybe caused by a narrowing of the carotid artery or by a cerebral thrombosis. Cerebral thrombosis a thrombus (clot) blocks the artery and disrupts the blood flow to the cerebrum and damages the controls of movement, language, and senses. Aphasia the loss of the ability to speak, write, or comprehend the written or spoken word.

stroke Hemorrhagic stroke also known as a bleed, a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures. This is less common than ischemic strokes, but is more deadly. It affects the area of the brain damaged by the leaking blood.

Sleep Disorders Narcolepsy Somnambulism Somnolence Insomnia prolonged or abnormal inability to sleep, usually a symptom of another problem such as depression, pain, or excessive caffeine. Narcolepsy a syndrome characterized by recurrent uncontrollable seizures of drowsiness and sleep. Somnambulism also known as noctambulism or sleep walking. (walking without waking) Somnolence condition of unnatural sleepiness or semi consciousness approaching coma.

Spinal Cord Myelitis Myelosis Multiple sclerosis Poliomyelitis inflammation of the spinal cord. Myelosis tumor of the spinal cord. Multiple sclerosis progressive autoimmune disorder. Poliomyelitis known as polio, viral infection of the gray matter of spinal cord. Postpolio syndrome recurrence later in life of some polio symptoms in individuals who have had poliomyelitis and recovered from it. Radiculitis also known as a pinched nerve. Inflammation of the root of a spinal nerve.

Nerves Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Bell’s palsy Lou Gehrig’s disease, degenerative disease of the motor neurons in which patients become progressively weaker until they are completely paralyzed. Bell’s palsy paralysis of the facial nerve that causes drooping only on the affected side of the face Guillain-barre syndrome characterized by rapidly worsening muscle weakness that may lead to temporary paralysis. Autoimmune disease. Peripheral neuropathy painful condition of the nerves of the hands and feet due to peripheral nerve damage that may be caused by disease such as diabetes, alcoholism, etc. Tic Douloureaux inflammation of the trigeminal nerve, characterized by sudden, intense, sharp pain on one side of the face. Sciatica inflammation of the sciatic nerve that results in pain along the course of the nerve through the thigh and leg.

Abnormal Sensations Causalgia intense burning pain after an injury to a sensory nerve. Hyperesthesia means a condition of excessive sensitivity to stimuli. Paresthesia an abnormal sensation, such as burning, tingling, or numbness, for no apparent reason.

Cerebral Palsy A condition characterized by poor muscle control, spasticity, and other neurologic deficiencies caused by an injury to the part of the brain that controls muscle movements. (occurs most often to premature infants)

Convulsions and Seizures Generalized tonic-clonic seizure Tonic convulsion Clonic convulsion Partial seizure

Epilepsy Grand mal epilepsy Petit mal epilepsy Epileptic aura

Developmental Disorders Mental Retardation Autistic disorder Attention deficit disorder Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder dyslexia

Substance-Related Disorders Addiction Alcoholism Delirium tremens

Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders Delusion Hallucination Catatonic behavior

Mood Disorders Manic episode Major depressive episode Bipolar disorder

Panic disorders Panic disorders Panic attack

Anxiety Disorders Anxiety state Obsessive-compulsive disorder Posttraumatic stress disorder

Phobias Phobia Acrophobia Agoraphobia Claustrophobia

Somatoform disorders Somatoform Conversion disorder Hypochondriasis

Impulse Control Disorders Kleptomania Pyromania

Personality Disorders Antisocial personality disorder Narcissistic personality disorder

Other Conditions Malingering Munchausen syndrome Munchausen syndrome by Proxy

Diagnostic Procedures CT scan MRI Echoencephalography Electroencephalography Encephalography Myelography Level of Consciousness (LOC)

Medications to Treat Mental Disorders Tranquilizers Antidepressant Antipsychotic Psychotropic drugs

Pain control Transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation (TENS) Analgesic Nonnarcotic analgesics Narcotic analgesics

Sedative and Hypnotic Medications Barbiturate Amobarbital Phenobarbital anticonvulsant

Anesthesia Anesthesia Anesthetic Topical anesthesia Local anesthesia Regional anesthesia Epidural anesthesia Spinal anesthesia General anesthesia

Brain and Head Electroshock therapy Electroconvulsive therapy Lobectomy Thalamotomy

Nerves Neurectomy Neuroplasty Neurorrhaphy Neurotomy