Brain & Neuro Basics
This part of the nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord.
What is the central nervous system (CNS)?
This horn of the spinal cord receives sensory input.
What is the dorsal (posterior) horn?
This cranial nerve is responsible for vision.
What is CN II (optic)?
This symptom is defined as a spinning sensation.
What is vertigo?
This is a normal aging change in cognition.
What is mild forgetfulness?
This neurotransmitter is decreased in Parkinson’s disease.
What is dopamine?
This tract carries pain and temperature.
What is the spinothalamic tract?
There are this many cranial nerves.
What is 12?
This symptom may present as unilateral weakness and facial droop in stroke.
What is weakness?
This condition has an acute onset and fluctuating confusion.
What is delirium?
This lobe controls vision.
What is the occipital lobe?
This tract carries vibration and proprioception.
What is the dorsal column (DCML)?
This reflex abnormality suggests an upper motor neuron lesion.
What is hyperreflexia?
A sudden severe headache may indicate this emergency condition.
What is subarachnoid hemorrhage?
This condition is chronic and progressive cognitive decline.
What is dementia?
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This brain structure controls coordination and balance.
What is the cerebellum?
This dermatome corresponds to the umbilicus.
What is T10?
A positive Babinski in an adult indicates this type of problem.
What is a CNS/UMN lesion?
This pattern of numbness suggests peripheral neuropathy.
What is stocking-glove distribution?
Older adults often have this altered response to infection.
What is a blunted fever response?
This structure provides collateral circulation to the brain.
What is the Circle of Willis?
Loss of pain and temperature on the opposite side suggests damage to this tract.
What is the spinothalamic tract?
Loss of this reflex increases risk for aspiration.
What is the gag reflex?
This key feature helps distinguish seizure from syncope.
What is the postictal state?
Sudden neurologic changes in older adults should always be considered this type of problem first.
What is an acute/vascular emergency (e.g., stroke or delirium)?