Fight, Flight… or Function?
This division of the ANS is responsible for “fight or flight” responses, increasing heart rate and blood pressure.
Sympathetic Nervous System
A client has difficulty reading a Snellen chart and reports blurred vision. Which nerve is involved?
CN II- Optic Nerve lesion
A client demonstrates “wrist drop” after falling asleep with their arm over a chair. Which nerve is involved?
Radial Nerve (palsy)
The sensation that an amputated limb is still part of the body
Phantom limb phenomenon
This division of the autonomic nervous system is often called the “brain of the gut” and can function independently of the CNS.
Enteric Nervous System
This neurotransmitter is used by both pre- and postganglionic fibers in the parasympathetic nervous system.
Acetylcholine (ACh)
A client has difficulty chewing and shows jaw deviation toward one side. Which nerve is involved?
CN V- Trigeminal Nerve lesion
This test relieves nerve root compression by applying gentle upward traction under the mandible and occiput when the client is seated or supine.
Symptom relief = likely compression. What is this test?
Cervical distraction test
Pain that is perceived in a different area other than the lesion site.
Referred pain
This structure prevents food from entering the airway during swallowing by covering the laryngeal inlet.
Epiglottis
This structure is the major control center for the ANS and regulates temperature, thirst, and endocrine function.
Hypothalamus
A patient shows poor balance and absent protective responses during standing tasks.
Which nerve is involved?
CN VIII- Vestibulocochlear Nerve lesion
-Vestibular branch
Peripheral nerve injuries are divided into 3 categories. What is the term used to describe a peripheral nerve injury with axon disruption but the surrounding connective tissue remains intact?
Axonotmesis
Name 1 of the 3 major pain pathway spinal cord tracts.
Spinothalamic
Reticulospinal
Trigeminothalamic
This type of response is triggered by emotional stress, pain, or prolonged standing.
Vasovagal reflex/syncope
A patient with a T6 spinal cord injury presents with dangerously high blood pressure and a pounding headache after bladder irritation.
Autonomic Dysreflexia
A patient presents with facial droop; however, they can still wrinkle their forehead and close their eye on the affected side following a stroke.
CN VII- Facial Nerve
UMN lesion
A client presents with bilateral symptoms affecting multiple nerves, commonly due to systemic disease like diabetes.
What is this called?
Polyneuropathy
Name 2 of the 3 Phantom limb pain treatments.
Movement Therapy
Mirror Box Therapy
Mental Practice
This phase involves the elevation of the larynx and closure of the airway.
The pharyngeal phase
Heightened emotional states activating the ANS are mediated through this system that connects emotion and autonomic responses.
The Limbic System
A client with a brainstem lesion presents with dysphagia, dysarthria, and irregular heart rate requiring medical and OT intervention.
Which nerve is involved?
CN X- Vagus Nerve
When would it be CONTRAINDICATED to perform cervical compression or overpressure tests?
Name at least 2 situations.
Acute pain, neurological signs present, or suspected instability
Name the 4 stages of nociception (in order).
1. Transduction
2. Transmission
3. Perception
4. Modulation
This extrinsic nervous system division generally enhances digestive activity via the vagus nerve.
Parasympathetic nervous system