Anatomy of a Neuron
What is the name of the fatty coating on a neuron that helps it conduct electrical impulses quickly?
Myelin Sheath
What are the two divisions of the Nervous System and what are their functions?
CNS - Central Nervous System, Brain and Spinal Cord. Control center for processing info and coordinating responses.
PNS - Peripheral Nervous System, all the Nerves outside the CNS, connecting to limbs and organs to transmit signals.
Patient presents with sadness and anger, loss of interest in activities, fatigue and has been having trouble sleeping and lacks appetite. What is the most likely diagnosis? What two treatments or therapies might be used?
Depression
SSRI's and CBT
Which part of the brain is last to develop, and at what age is it considered to be fully developed?
The frontal lobe or Pre-frontal Cortex, Mid 20's or 25 y/o
68 y/o patient admitted to ER with CC of hemiparesis, dysphasia, cephalalgia and dizziness. What condition do you suspect?
A stroke. Chief complaints of half body weakness, headache, difficulty with speech and dizziness.
The long tail on a neuron is called what?
The Axon.
What is an Action Potential?
The ability of a neuron to conduct an electrical impulse. It is a fast, temporary reversal of the electrical charge across a cell membrane that allows an "all or nothing" response.
A new 21 y/o patient of yours upon the initial intake, says they have been experiencing intense changes in energy, activity, sleep and behavior. This is different than what they normally feel. What might be a possible diagnosis and treatment?
Bi-polar
Medication: Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics
CBT, IPSRT and Family therapy can be helpful
Note that untreated trauma can look like bi-polar. Both involve intense mood swings, irritability, impulsivity.
A patient of yours has impaired vision and hearing after a head injury. You suspect which two lobes have been impacted?
Occipital and Temporal
Patient presents with primary resting tremors, bradykinesia, rigidity, postural instability, sleep disturbances and loss of smell. What condition is most likely?
Parkinson's Disease
Draw a and label a model using the following terms: Postsynaptic Neuron, Presynaptic neuron, and synaptic gap.
Show model
Describe how our neurons can conduct both electrical and chemical messages.
The neuron is depolarized, by the flow of positive Sodium ions through the cell membrane, which allows it to hit a -55 mV threshold and conduct an impulse through the length of the axon.
The message converts to chemical when calcium flows into the neuron and allows the synaptic vesicles to dissolve through the axon terminal membrane, and release the neurotransmitter into the synaptic gap. The NT's are then received by the receptors on the post synaptic neuron.
38 y/o patient presents with excessive worry, episodes of sweating, SOB, tachycardia and racing thoughts. What would be their most likely diagnosis? What treatment or therapy could be helpful?
GAD or Anxiety
CBT, Exposure therapy and Psychtherapy
SSRI's
Which lobe of the brain (controls sensory input and spatial orientation) would have its activity diminished or slowed down during meditation.
The Parietal Lobe.
This "quieting" of the parietal lobe has been associated with feelings of intense unity, inner peace and focus.
From your observational notes, cognitive scores, functional assessments and history you have from a family member, you are diagnosing a 58 y/o patient. Primary signs and symptoms are: Progressive forgetfulness and difficulty with managing finances. Patient has been asking same questions more repeatedly over the past few months and was found wandering neighborhood that they have typically been familiar with. What would the diagnosis most likely be? What could we do to support/help this patient?
Alzheimer's Disease
Keep social activities going, help with routines, help with safety and possible medication to slow progression.
The beginning and the end: What are the parts that receive a neurological impulse and send an impulse to the next neuron called?
Dendrites and Axon Terminal
List 3 of the 4 electrolytes or minerals that are considered the most essential for bodily function.
Sodium - fluid balance and nerve function. Sources: table salt, soy sauce, processed foods.
Calcium - strong bones and teeth, muscle contraction and blood clotting. Source: Dairy and leafy greens.
Potassium - Muscle contraction, including heart and healthy BP. Source: Bananas, sweet potatoes and avocados
Magnesium - Muscle relaxation, enzyme activation, and nerve function. Source: Nuts, seeds and leafy greens.
Which Mental Illness is over and misdiagnosed for African American men? Why?
Schizophrenia
Clinicians may misinterpret reactions to stress and discrimination as signs of Schizophrenia, labeling behaviors as paranoid or hostile. They pay more attention to the psychotic symptoms versus the mood disorder symptoms
Increased exposure to trauma, community violence or economic stress can cause PTSD which can be misidentified as schizophrenia.
Protest Psychosis - about how aggression and hostility were added to the list of symptoms for Schizophrenia in the DSM, leading to over diagnosis of black men with this condition. Connected to participation in Civil Rights movement. Has resulted in structural racism in mental health field.
Which lobe of our brain would be most connected to our muscular system? Why?
The Cerebellum, or "little brain". It serves as the central hub for coordination, balance and muscle tone.
8 y/o Patient presents reporting several recent events where they experience a different feeling with sensory system, followed by what their mother is calling "zoning out" or what sounds like a brief interruption in consciousness and repetative movements. The mother reports blank stares, lip smacking and some jerky movements. The episodes last a few seconds to 1 minute. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Seizures, possibly epilepsy.
Tests run would include and EEG, CT or MRI, and Labs
Tx would include medication and safety plan for when seizures do occur
What are the most abundant cells in the CNS? What is their function?
Glial Cells, specifically Astrocytes. They provide structural support, protection and nutrients for neurons.
Explain the difference between Excitatory and Inhibitory Neurotransmitters. Give an example of each and one function they perform.
Excitatory - allow a neuron to get closer to the -55 mV threshold that it needs to depolarize and conduct an impulse.
Acetylcholine - helps with muscle contraction, arousal and attention.
Epinephrine - plays a role in regulating heart rate and energy.
Inhibitory - cause the neuron to hyperpolarize, making it less likely that an impulse will be conducted. Overall, these NT's prevent neural overactivity, reduce anxiety and promote calmness.
Serotonin - regulates mood, sleep, appetite and pain
Dopamine - regulates reward system, motivation, pleasure and motor control.
The Human body and mind react to trauma in 4 distinct ways. What are the 4 responses, starting with Fight and Flight.
Fight, Flight, Freeze or Fawn.
Freeze and fawn are automatic, subconscious survival responses to trauma when fighting or fleeing is impossible, rooted in the brain's attempt to ensure safety. Freeze results in immobilization, numbness, and dissociation, while fawn involves people-pleasing and appeasing to avoid conflict. Both often stem from childhood trauma or long-term abusive relationships.
What part of your brain controls emotions and swells during puberty as a result of hormones?
What part controls memory, and is linked to emotions?
The Amygdala
The Hippocampus
These two parts of the brain are connected anatomically and functionally, and work to form memories that are connected with strong emotions.
Patient initially admitted for infection with Viral Hepatitis. As you look at patient history, you see they have of being admitted to detox twice in the past 6 months, and through conversation and questions, they report bouts of feeling unwell including having diarrhea, sweating, vomiting, muscle cramping, difficulty sleeping and mood changes. After doing an assessment with patient, you diagnose them with what condition?
Substance Use Disorder, and experiencing withdrawl
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a treatable, chronic medical disease characterized by uncontrollable, compulsive use of alcohol or drugs despite harmful consequences. It alters brain chemistry, leading to significant impairment in health, relationships, and daily responsibilities. Treatment often involves detox, therapy, and support groups.