Nervous System and Disorders Quiz

Nervous System

• The nervous system experiences physical changes, including nerve cell loss and slowed nerve conduction and reflexes.
• Blood flow to the brain is reduced, altering brain cell function and sleep patterns.
• Sensitivity to touch, pain, pressure, heat, cold, taste and smell are diminished.

Nervous System Disorders

• Nervous system disorders can affect both cognitive and physical functions.
• Physical functions include movement, touch, vision, hearing, bowel and bladder control.
• Cognitive functions include thinking, reasoning, understanding, remembering, learning, reading and problem-solving.

Epilepsy

• Epilepsy involves recurrent episodes of seizures, including convulsive seizures, sensory disturbances, and altered behaviour.
• A seizure is characterised by violent, sudden muscle contractions, tremors, and loss of consciousness.
• A single seizure does not automatically mean a person has epilepsy, but it can be an indicator that epilepsy may develop.

Stroke

• Stroke, also called cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is a disease affecting the arteries that supply blood to the brain.
• A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or bursts, disrupting blood flow to a part of the brain.
• A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is a "mini-stroke" and is a temporary blockage causing only brief symptoms, which can quickly subside.
• Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in Canada, and a common cause of disability in adults.
• Warning signs of stroke (FAST): Face, Arm, Speech, Time.
• Stroke can occur suddenly or with previous warning signs, such as sudden weakness, numbness, tingling, loss of speech, vision problems, severe headache or dizziness.
• Risk factors include age (over 65), gender (men slightly higher risk than women), hypertension, smoking, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, lack of exercise, and high alcohol intake.
• After a stroke, some brain damage is likely, and the extent of lost function depends on the area of brain damage.
• Rehabilitation helps regain lost function to the highest possible level.

Parkinson's Disease

• Parkinson's disease is a slow, progressive disorder affecting the brain's area controlling movement.
• It usually affects those over 50.
• Common symptoms include tremors, rigid muscles (arms, legs, neck, trunk- slow movement), stooped posture, impaired balance, and a mask-like facial expression.
• Symptoms develop gradually over time.

Parkinson's Disease Treatment

• Treatments include medications to control the disease progression and supportive therapies.
• Exercise and physiotherapy can aid in improving strength, posture, balance, and enhance mobility.
• Daily living adjustments (ADLs) may be necessary for the patient.
• Normal elimination is an important factor to consider. Safety measures are needed to prevent falls and injuries.

Huntington's Disease

• Huntington's disease is an inherited neurological disorder that destroys brain cells.
• It causes uncontrolled movements, emotional disturbances, and cognitive losses.
• Symptoms typically emerge between ages 20 and 60.
• Symptoms can include twitching, fidgeting, clumsiness, difficulty eating and swallowing (ADLs).
• There is no cure or treatment.

Multiple Sclerosis

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a persistent, slowly progressive disease damaging the myelin sheath covering nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord; affecting nerve impulse transmission.
• Symptoms typically start between the ages of 15 and 40, and affect women slightly more often than men.
• Symptoms vary greatly among individuals and can include vision problems, muscle weakness, balance problems, tingling, prickling, or numbness, difficulty speaking and swallowing, bladder and bowel issues, pain, extreme fatigue, sensitivity to heat, short-term memory loss or impaired judgement.
• There is no cure, and support needs vary based on the client's requirements and condition.
• Injury prevention and support for bowel and bladder function is essential.
• Clients may require long-term care.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rapidly progressive, fatal disorder that destroys nerve cells affecting voluntary muscle control.
• It typically manifests between ages 40 and 70.
• Symptoms include difficulty using fingers, difficulty walking, and progressive loss of motor control and function.
• There is no cure.

Spinal Cord Injuries

• Spinal cord injuries disrupt communication between the brain and body, leading to partial or complete paralysis.
• The injury location determines the affected body areas.
• Such injuries are commonly caused by major vehicle accidents (MVAs)
• Rehabilitation is crucial for recovery.