NUR 250: Cerebral Palsy Overview

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which symptoms are categorized as cognitive symptoms?

Fatigue and insomnia

Hallucinations and flat affect

Problems with memory and anxiety (correct)

Muscle tone and coordination

What role does the amygdala play in emotional responses?

Stores information into long term memory

Filters unnecessary stimuli to the CNS

Regulates muscle tone and coordination

Controls primitive impulses such as aggression (correct)

What is neuroplasticity primarily concerned with?

The structural and functional reorganization of the brain (correct)

The immediate response of the thalamus to sensory input

Desensitization of neurons due to repeated stimulation

The dysfunction of neurotransmitter receptors

Which neurotransmitter is associated with the sense of calm and anxiety regulation?

GABA Signup and view all the answers

What are negative symptoms in the context of diseases like schizophrenia?

Loss of functioning or abilities Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary risk factor for developing cerebral palsy?

Genetic abnormalities Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cerebral palsy is characterized by increased muscle tone and hyperactive reflexes?

Pyramidal/spastic Signup and view all the answers

What is the first line treatment for ADD/ADHD?

Behavioral therapy Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is characteristic of predominantly inattentive ADD?

Difficulty finishing tasks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common sign or symptom of Down Syndrome?

Dyslexia Signup and view all the answers

What is a known risk factor for autism spectrum disorder?

Advanced paternal age Signup and view all the answers

According to the Diathesis-Stress Paradigm, which component is essential in the development of mental health conditions?

A combination of predisposition and external stressors Signup and view all the answers

What neurotransmitter is associated with increased feelings of stress in individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Serotonin Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is commonly recommended for adults with Down Syndrome to address communication challenges?

Speech therapy Signup and view all the answers

Which brain area is primarily overactive in individuals suffering from OCD?

Prefrontal cortex Signup and view all the answers

What is a common risk factor for developing Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Trauma Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter imbalance is primarily linked to Panic Disorder?

Increase in norepinephrine Signup and view all the answers

What describes the emotional state primarily associated with Depression?

Persistent sadness Signup and view all the answers

What type of Bipolar disorder includes episodes of hypomania and major depression?

Bipolar II Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is characteristic of PTSD?

Flashbacks Signup and view all the answers

In Schizophrenia, which neurotransmitter is primarily dysregulated and often associated with language issues?

Dopamine Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cerebral Palsy

Defined as brain damage occurring before, during, or shortly after birth affecting movement, walking, and posture.
Risk factors include cerebral hypoxia, hemorrhage, infection, genetic abnormalities, and low birth weight.
Types include:
- Pyramidal/spastic: Characterized by increased muscle tone, hyperactive reflexes, and extremity rigidity.
- Extrapyramidal/non-spastic: Involves basal ganglia damage, with subtypes such as:
  - Dystonic: Challenges in fine motor coordination.
  - Ataxic: Damage specifically to the cerebellum.

ADD/ADHD

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) involves issues with attention and task completion, while Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) includes hyperactivity.
Risk factors remain unclear, but may involve genetics, and maternal exposure to alcohol/tobacco, or being a premature infant.
Types are:
- Predominantly inattentive: Difficulty finishing tasks and frequent distractions.
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive: Characterized by fidgeting, excessive talking, and risk-taking behaviors.
- Combined: A mix of both symptom types.
Behavioral therapy is the primary treatment approach.

Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21)

The most prevalent chromosomal disorder affecting individuals.
Features include smaller intracranial volume and differences in cerebellum, brainstem, and frontal lobe.
Symptoms: Intellectual disability, characteristic facial features (e.g., low nasal bridge, protruding tongue), poor muscle tone, and hearing impairments.
Rising maternal age is a significant risk factor.
Interventions include speech therapy, physical therapy, and effective communication methods.
Adults face increased risk of sensory loss, hypothyroidism, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Risk factors may include genetics, paternal age, maternal health issues, and inflammatory processes in the brain.
Vaccines do not cause autism.
Symptoms present as communication deficits, social interaction challenges, and restricted/repetitive behaviors.

Psychobiology: Diathesis-Stress Paradigm

Suggests mental health conditions result from a combination of genetic predisposition and external stressors.
Components include genetics, life stressors, personality/coping mechanisms, and environmental influences.

Symptom Categories

Cognitive symptoms: Affect thinking, learning, and judgment.
Physical symptoms: Include fatigue and restlessness.
Perceptual/positive symptoms: Additions symptoms like hallucinations in schizophrenia.
Negative symptoms: Loss of functioning, e.g., flat affect in schizophrenia.

Brain Anatomy and Functions

Prefrontal Cortex: Involved in planning responses to stimuli.
Hippocampus: Essential for long-term memory storage and emotional responses.
Amygdala: Manages basic impulses like aggression; its dysfunction is linked to suicidality.
Hypothalamus: Controls survival functions such as temperature regulation and sleep cycles.
Thalamus: Filters and relays sensory information.
Brainstem: Regulates cardiac and respiratory functions.
Basal Ganglia: Controls muscle tone, movement coordination, and posture.

Neuroplasticity vs. Kindling

Neuroplasticity: Brain's ability to reorganize itself and form new connections, often compensating for lost functions.
Kindling: Sensitization of neurons due to repeated stimuli, relevant in conditions like PTSD.

Neurological Communication Issues

Problems can occur from neurotransmitter absence, imbalance, malfunctioning pumps, ineffective receptor sites, or non-functional degrading enzymes.

Anxiety Disorders

Characterized by a sense of dread in absence of stimuli, with symptoms including palpitations and rapid breathing.
Risk factors include trauma, stress, and genetic predisposition.
Neurotransmitter imbalances often involve decreased GABA and serotonin, and increased norepinephrine.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Involves chronic worrying affecting daily life.
Symptoms include excessive and unfocused anxiety.
Similar neurotransmitter imbalances as seen in anxiety disorders.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Defined by obsessions leading to compulsive behaviors.
Neurotransmitter issues include reduced serotonin and elevated cortisol, impacting the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Results from trauma exceeding normal experiences, characterized by flashbacks and hypervigilance.
Associated with neurotransmitter disturbances, particularly reduced GABA.
Hyperresponsiveness of the amygdala can lead to increased suicidality.

Panic Disorder

Defined by acute, intense fear episodes, with physical symptoms like sweating and palpitations.
Neurotransmitter dysregulation involves excess norepinephrine and insufficient GABA.

Depression

Major depressive disorder requires at least five symptoms persisting for over two weeks.
Risk factors include chronic illness, stress, and genetics.
Neurotransmitter changes involve raised cortisol, reduced serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

Bipolar Disorder

Categories include Bipolar I (mania + major depression), Bipolar II (major depression + hypomania), and Cyclothymic (mild mood swings).
Neurotransmitter imbalances can lead to manic episodes driven by increased norepinephrine.

Schizophrenia

Characterized by disconnection from reality, hallucinations, and delusions.
Genetic vulnerability may be triggered by adolescence stressors.
Severe neurotransmitter dysregulation involves norepinephrine, GABA, serotonin, and dopamine.

Addictions

Marked by compulsive drug use despite adverse consequences.
Associated with increased dopamine release, activating the brain's reward system.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the pathophysiology of cerebral palsy, including definitions, risk factors, and types of cerebral palsy. It specifically delves into the distinctions between pyramidal/spastic and extrapyramidal/non-spastic forms. Ideal for students in NUR 250: Pathophysiology.