Diseases of the Nervous System Quiz

Bacterial Nervous System Infections

• Three major bacterial infections:
  • Meningitis - caused by Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Listeria monocytogenes; symptoms include fever, headache, and stiff neck; treated with antibiotics.
  • Brain Abscesses - often caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus spp.; signs include localized headaches and neurological deficits; treatment involves antibiotics and possible surgical drainage.
  • Neuroborreliosis (Lyme Disease) - caused by Borrelia burgdorferi; symptoms include neurological changes; treated with antibiotics.

Effects of Botulism and Tetanus

• Botulism Effects:

  • Muscle paralysis, starting from facial muscles and moving downward.
  • Difficulty swallowing and speaking.
  • Respiratory failure due to paralysis of respiratory muscles.
  • Reduced gastrointestinal motility leading to constipation.
  • Flaccid paralysis can be fatal if untreated.

• Tetanus Effects:

  • Muscle stiffness and spasms, especially in the jaw (lockjaw).
  • Generalized muscle rigidity, leading to opisthotonos (arch backward).
  • Severe pain during muscle contractions.
  • Respiratory distress due to diaphragm involvement.
  • Autonomic dysfunction resulting in abnormal heart rhythms.

Bacteria Causing Meningitis

• Neisseria meningitidis
• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Haemophilus influenzae

Worldwide Significance of Malaria

• Malaria is a major global health threat, primarily affecting tropical regions.
• Caused by Plasmodium spp. with P. falciparum being the most deadly.
• Millions of cases and deaths annually, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality.
• Economic burden on developing nations due to healthcare costs and loss of productivity.
• Control efforts focus on prevention (e.g., mosquito nets, insecticides) and treatment (e.g., antimalarial drugs).

Toxoplasmosis and Congenital Defects

• Caused by Toxoplasma gondii, particularly concerning in pregnant women.
• Infection during pregnancy can lead to severe outcomes for the fetus, including hydrocephalus, chorioretinitis, and intracranial calcifications.
• Risk of transmission to the fetus increases in the third trimester, emphasizing the need for early detection and preventive measures.

Diseases: Rabies, Polio, and AA

• Rabies:

  • Caused by the rabies virus; symptoms include fever, agitation, and hydrophobia; treated post-exposure with rabies immunoglobulin and vaccine.

• Polio:

  • Caused by the poliovirus; symptoms range from mild flu-like signs to paralysis; preventive through vaccination; no cure, but supportive treatment available.

• AA (Assuming Alzheimer’s Disease):

  • Neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline; treatable symptoms with medications like cholinesterase inhibitors; lifestyle changes may help manage progression.

Test your knowledge on various bacterial infections affecting the nervous system, including their causative agents, symptoms, and treatments. Explore significant diseases like botulism, tetanus, and meningitis, and understand their impacts, along with a discussion on malaria and toxoplasmosis. This quiz covers crucial aspects of neuroinfectious diseases.