Spinal Cord Syndromes Overview

A neurological disorder affecting the ability to speak due to damage to the left frontal lobe, specifically Broca's area. This area is supplied by the superior branch of the left middle cerebral artery (MCA). Individuals with this disorder struggle to form complete sentences, but they can often understand language.

A neurological disorder affecting language comprehension due to damage to the left temporal lobe, specifically Wernicke's area. This area is supplied by the inferior branch of the left MCA. People with this disorder can speak fluently, but their words lack meaning. They also struggle to understand spoken or written language.

A neurological disorder characterized by the inability to recognize objects, sounds, or faces, even when sensory processes are intact. It can affect various aspects of sensory perception, such as vision, hearing, or touch.

A neurological disorder characterized by the inability to recognize faces, despite normal visual perception. It is a type of agnosia affecting the ventral stream of the visual system.

A neurocognitive disorder characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive abilities, particularly memory, judgment, and reasoning. It can lead to significant functional impairments in daily activities.

A neurocognitive disorder characterized by a sudden and temporary state of confusion, disorientation, and altered consciousness. It can be caused by various factors, including infections, medication side effects, and underlying medical conditions.

A neurological disorder characterized by a decreased awareness of one side of the body, typically the left side. It results from damage to the right parietal and frontal lobes, often due to a stroke.

Supplies medial parts of the frontal and parietal lobes, causing behavioral changes and contralateral lower extremity sensation loss.

Supplies the lateral parts of the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes, leading to contralateral arm and face paralysis, speech problems, neglect, and visual field defects.

Supplies the occipital lobe, lower temporal lobe, thalamus, and midbrain, resulting in visual field loss, memory problems, sensory deficits, and face recognition difficulties.

Border zones where the ACA, MCA, and PCA meet, leading to specific deficits depending on the area.

Includes the vertebral, basilar, PICA, AICA, and SCA arteries, supplying the brainstem and cerebellum, leading to dizziness, vertigo, double vision, weakness, and locked-in syndrome.

A steady and dull headache often related to muscle tension in the scalp and neck.

Often unilateral, throbbing pain with potential warning signs like blurred vision, nausea, and light/sound sensitivity.

Pain often localized around the eyes, described as burning.

Headaches caused by underlying issues like tumors or increased pressure.

A comprehensive process that combines information from a neurological examination, patient history, and review of body systems to identify movement system dysfunctions. This involves analyzing movement patterns, identifying potential neurological deficits, and understanding the underlying causes of movement impairments.

The study of how nerve cells (neurons) communicate with each other through electrical and chemical signals. It involves understanding the mechanisms of action potential generation, neurotransmitter release, and signal transduction at synapses.

Examining how nerve damage in the peripheral nervous system affects body functions. It involves analyzing the consequences of nerve injuries, such as weakness, numbness, pain, and loss of reflexes, based on the specific nerve affected.

Analyzing the clinical manifestations of dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls involuntary functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. It involves understanding the impact of ANS disorders on bodily functions, such as sweating, digestion, and cardiovascular regulation.

Evaluating the appropriateness of various neurological imaging and examination techniques, like CT, MRI, NCS, EMG, EEG, and Evoked Potentials, to diagnose and monitor neurological conditions based on the specific clinical presentation and suspected pathology.

Interpreting the effects of lesions or damage in different regions of the brainstem, including the tectum (involved in sensory processing), tegmentum (involved in motor control and arousal), and basal region (involved in movement and posture), on various neurological functions and clinical presentations.

Evaluating the signs and symptoms of dysfunction in the twelve cranial nerves, which control functions like vision, hearing, taste, smell, and movement of facial muscles. It involves identifying the specific nerve affected based on the observed deficits.

Differentiating between sensory disturbances related to the central nervous system (CNS, e.g., brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS, e.g., nerves outside the CNS). This involves recognizing patterns of sensory loss, dizziness, and imbalance that are specific to each system.

Understanding the mechanisms that cause dysfunction in the spinal cord, leading to specific syndromes or neurological impairments. It involves identifying the location of damage and understanding the consequences of spinal cord injury on motor function, sensory perception, and autonomic function.