1. Clinical Medical Assisting
Chapter 14: Nervous and Sensory Systems

2. Objectives
Identify combining word forms of the nervous system and their role for the formation of medical terms
Define the structures and functions of the nervous system
Identify common diseases, diagnostic procedures, and their treatment
Identify combining word forms of the special senses and their role for the formation of medical terms
Define the structures and functions of the special senses

3. Objectives (con’t) Differentiate between instillation and irrigation
Discuss the different types of visual acuity charts and how to use them appropriately
Explain the medical assistant’s role when assisting with audiometry
List items required by a provider for a neurologic examination and explain the medical assistant’s role in the examination
Define a cerebral vascular accident (CVA)

4. Chapter Overview
This chapter covers the basics of medical terminology related to the nervous system and the special senses. It includes a description of the nervous system and coverage of the special senses along with common diseases, diagnostic procedures, and treatment.

5. The Nervous System
The nervous system has two main divisions: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

6. The Central Nervous System
The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord.

7. The Brain
The brain is the control center of the body.

8. Meninges
The brain and spinal cord are protected by three connective tissue layers collectively called the meninges.

9. Cerebrospinal Fluid
Acts as a cushion, protecting the brain and spinal cord from injury.

10. Diagnostic Tests
Diagnostic tests and procedures are vital tools that help doctors confirm or rule out the presence of a neurological disorder or other medical condition.

11. X-Rays
X-rays of the patient’s skull are often taken as part of the neurological work-up.

12. Cerebral Angiogram
Can detect the degree of narrowing of an artery or blood vessel in the brain, head, or neck.

13. Brain Biopsy
Involves the removal and examination of a small piece of tissue

14. Brain Scan
Imaging techniques used to study organ function, injury, and disease, and to diagnose tumors, blood-vessel malformations, and hemorrhage in the brain

15. Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis
Analysis involves the removal of a small amount of the CSF by lumbar puncture or spinal tap.

16. Computed Axial Tomography
Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) is used to produce rapid, clear images of organs, bones, and tissues.

17. Intrathecal Contrast-Enhanced CT Scan
Detects problems with the spine and spinal nerve roots

18. Electroencephalography
Monitors brain activity through the skull

19. Electromyography
Used to diagnose nerve and muscle dysfunction and spinal cord disease

20. Electronystagmography
Used to diagnose involuntary eye movement, dizziness, and balance disorders, and to evaluate some brain functions

21. Evoked Potentials
Measures the electrical signals to the brain generated by hearing, touch, or sight

22. Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Uses computer-generated radio waves and a magnetic field to produce detailed images of body structures, including tissues, organs, bones, and nerves

23. Myelography
An X-ray examination of the spinal canal

24. Positron Emission Tomography
Provide two- and three-dimensional pictures of brain activity by measuring radioactive isotopes that are injected into the bloodstream

25. Neurosonography
Analyzes blood flow in the brain

26. Videonystagmograph
A special examination that measures eye movements and is used to evaluate balance

27. Diseases and Disorders
A disease of the nervous system can affect the brain or spinal cord.

28. Alzheimer’s Disease
A degenerative disorder of the brain that leads to loss of brain function

29. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Known as Lou Gehrig's disease

30. Bell’s Palsy
A disorder of the nerve that controls movement of the facial muscles

31. Encephalitis
A severe inflammation of the brain that can destroy nerve cells, cause bleeding in the brain, and result in brain damage

32. Epilepsy
A neurological condition that is also known as a seizure disorder

33. Meningitis
An inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord

34. Parkinson’s Disease
A motor-system disorder caused primarily by progressive degeneration of dopamine-containing neurons in the substantia nigra, which is the layer of gray substance in the brain

35. Sensory Systems
There are five major senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.

36. The Eyes
Eyes perceive images and translate them into impulses

37. The Ears
Ears are responsible for hearing and maintaining balance

38. The Nose
The olfactory organ at the top of the nasal cavity is responsible for the sense of smell

39. The Tongue
Receptors on the tongue give us the ability to taste different flavors

40. Diseases and Disorders of the Eye
The location and exposure of the eye make it susceptible to contamination and infection.

41. Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that affects the macula and causes loss of central vision.

42. Blepharitis
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the edges of the eyelids.

43. Cataract
A condition in which the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy

44. Diseases and Disorders of the Ear
Disorders of the ear are common, and range from pain (otalagia), to excess wax in the ear canal, to complicated infections.

45. Eye Examination
Visual examinations may need to be performed if a patient has an eye injury or an infection, or as a screening to check visual acuity.

46. Ear Examination
Auditory acuity may also be measured as part of the physical examination.

47. Neurological Examination
A neurological examination assesses motor and sensory skills, hearing, speech, vision, coordination, mental status, mood, behavior, memory, and cognition.

48. Cerebral Vascular Accident
Commonly known as a stroke or brain attack

49. Summary
Medical assistants must have a good working knowledge of medical terminology.
The central nervous system (CNS) is the body’s control center and includes the brain and spinal cord.
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes all the nerves that connect the CNS to every organ and area of the body. It includes 12 pairs of cranial nerves that connect the brain directly to the sense organs, the heart, the lungs, and other internal organs. It also includes 31 pairs of spinal nerves.