The Brain
What two structures make up the central nervous system?
The brain and the spinal cord.
What are medications used to relieve pain called?
Analgesics
What’s the main difference between general and local anesthesia?
General = unconsciousness; Local = numbs one area
What term refers to brief bursts of abnormal brain activity?
Seizure
Sara is Spacing Out
Antiepileptics
Which part of the brain controls breathing and heart rate?
The medulla oblongata
What is the difference between acute and chronic pain?
Acute = short-term and sharp; Chronic = long-lasting and dull/aching
Who can legally give general anesthesia?
Anesthesiologist or anesthesia-trained provider
What is the goal of antiepileptic medications?
Prevent or control seizures
Lorraine Refuses Medication
Moderate to high
Which brain structure acts as a bridge between sensory organs and the brain and also helps control breathing?
The pons
Which receptor type in the spinal cord plays the biggest role in pain transmission?
Mu (MOP) receptors
Give one example of a general anesthetic.
Propofol, Ketamine, or Nitrous oxide
What is ongoing seizure activity without stopping called?
Status epilepticus
John's About to Barf
An antiemetic (medication to prevent nausea/vomiting).
What is the surface layer of the cerebrum called that controls high-level thinking and emotions?
The cerebral cortex
What theory describes how the spinal cord acts like a gate that opens and closes to pain signals?
Gate Theory
What is the common suffix for local anesthetics?
-caine
What drug class stops prolonged seizures in emergencies?
Benzodiazepines
Granny's Stomach Pains
NSAIDs
Name the four lobes of the brain.
Frontal, Parietal, Temporal, Occipital
Name one factor that increases pain tolerance.
Rest, empathy, sympathy, or medications
What rare complication causes a dangerous rise in body temperature during anesthesia?
Malignant hyperthermia
Name one common side effect of benzodiazepines.
Drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion
Branson Turns Blue
Opioid antagonist; naloxone.