Pathology of the CNS: Neuronal Reactions

A type of cell death that occurs rapidly and is characterized by swelling, rupture, and inflammation. It is often caused by irreversible ischemia or hypoxia.

A type of cell death that is programmed and occurs in a controlled manner. It is often involved in development and aging.

A type of glial cell that provides support and nourishment to neurons. They are also involved in the formation of the blood-brain barrier.

A type of glial cell that produces and maintains myelin, the fatty substance that insulates nerve fibers.

A type of glial cell that lines the ventricles of the brain and helps to circulate cerebrospinal fluid.

A type of glial cell that acts as the brain's immune system, cleaning up debris and defending against pathogens.

A type of gliosis where astrocytes become enlarged and have an eosinophilic cytoplasm.

Aggregates of thick eosinophilic astrocytic fibers found in old gliosis or low-grade glial tumors.

An infection that affects the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

An infection that affects the space between the dura mater and the skull.

An inflammation of the meninges (membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) caused by bacteria, often affecting young adults and the elderly. Characterized by fever, headache, vomiting, neck stiffness, and sometimes a rash. CSF analysis reveals elevated protein and neutrophils, while sugar levels are reduced.

A type of meningitis caused by viruses, typically mild and self-limiting. It is characterized by a mild mononuclear infiltrate in the meninges and superficial cortex, while the CSF shows a slight increase in protein but a normal sugar level and an elevation in lymphocytes.

A persistent inflammation of the meninges and often the brain, caused by various agents like tuberculosis, syphilis, or Lyme disease. It can lead to serious complications like brain abscesses, neurological deficits, and even death.

A form of chronic meningitis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, often spreading from the lungs or vertebrae. It is characterized by thick cheesy exudate, granulomas, and inflammation of the meninges, leading to neurological damage. CSF analysis shows elevated protein and lymphocytes, sometimes with a normal or low sugar level.

A neurological complication of syphilis caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. It can affect the meninges, brain, and spinal cord, causing a variety of symptoms including meningitis, dementia, and paralysis.

Neurosyphilis, a late stage of syphilis, affects the nervous system. It can manifest as meningitis, paresis (mental deterioration), or tabes dorsalis (damage to the spinal cord).

Meningovascular neurosyphilis, a form of tertiary syphilis, involves inflammation of the meninges, blood vessels, and brain tissue. It causes damage to blood vessels and leads to the formation of gummas (inflammatory lesions).

Paretic neurosyphilis is a severe form of neurosyphilis that affects the frontal lobe of the brain. It leads to neuronal loss, gliosis (scarring), and severe mental decline.

Tabes dorsalis is a complication of tertiary syphilis that affects the spinal cord, particularly the dorsal columns. This leads to loss of sensation, impaired coordination, and characteristic 'lightning pains'.

Brain abscess is a localized infection in the brain, typically caused by bacteria. It involves a collection of pus surrounded by a fibrous capsule, leading to inflammation and edema.

Fungal encephalitis is an infection of the brain caused by fungi like Candida, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus, and Mucor. It can occur in both immunocompromised and healthy individuals, leading to inflammation and damage to brain tissue.

Obstructive hydrocephalus is a complication of bacterial meningitis. It occurs when the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is blocked, causing a buildup of pressure within the brain.

Cranial nerve palsy is a complication of bacterial meningitis that affects one or more of the cranial nerves, leading to loss of function in the affected nerves.

A fungal infection that primarily affects individuals with weakened immune systems, particularly those with AIDS, and can lead to meningoencephalitis.

A severe fungal infection that often originates from the sinuses or nose, particularly in diabetics with ketoacidosis.

A type of fungal infection that presents as multiple micro-abscesses and sometimes granulomas, commonly associated with Candida albicans.

A fungal infection that can invade blood vessels, causing hemorrhagic infarction. It is known for its characteristic morphology of blood vessel invasion and hemorrhagic infarction.

A type of encephalitis caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), often impacting the temporal lobe and orbital frontal area of the brain.

A type of encephalitis caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), which can lead to shingles and post- herpetic neuralgia.

A type of encephalitis associated with various neurotropic viruses like Poliovirus and Rabies, affecting specific brain regions.

A type of encephalitis that occurs during fetal development and can be caused by viruses like CMV and Rubella, resulting in various neurological deficits.

A type of encephalitis that can occur in individuals with weakened immune systems, often caused by viruses like HIV, CMV, PML, and VZV, leading to various neurological complications.

A viral infection that can infect the CNS and specifically target the ventricles of the brain.

A viral infection that can cause severe and often fatal encephalitis, characterized by Negri bodies and ascending infection along peripheral nerves.

An enterovirus that can cause mild gastroenteritis but in those not immunized, can cause severe encephalitis affecting the anterior motor neurons of the spinal cord.

A serious neurological complication of HIV infection that can lead to progressive neurological impairment, dementia, and even death.

A progressive demyelinating disorder caused by the JC virus (polyomavirus), affecting individuals with weakened immune systems, especially those with AIDS.

A group of fatal neurodegenerative diseases caused by infectious agents called prions. Examples include Kuru, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (Mad Cow disease).