Medical Terminology 8
Terms
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antianxiety agents
anxiolytic agents
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drugs used to reduce anxiety
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aphasia
dysphasia
- impairment because of localized brain injury that affects the understanding, retrieving, and formulating of meaningful and sequential elements of language, as demonstrated be an inability to use or comprehend words; occurs as a result of a stroke, head tr
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cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
stroke
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damage to the brain caused by cerebrovascular disease, such as occlusion of a blood vessel by a thrombus or embolus or intracranial hemorrhage after rupture of an aneurysm
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diskectomy or
discectomy
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removal of a herniated disk; often done percutaneously
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huntington chorea
huntington disease (HD)
- hereditary diseaseof the CNS characterized by bizzare, involuntary body movements and progressive denentia
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major depression
major depressive illness
clinical depression
major affective disorder
unipolar disrder
- a disorder causing periodic disturbances in mood that affect concentratio, sleep, activity, appetite, and social behavior; characterized by feelings of worthlessness, fatigue, and loss of interest
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manic depression
bipolar disorder
- an affective disorder characterized by mood swings of mania and depression
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thalamus
diencephalon
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each of two gray matter nuclei deep within the brain; responsible for relaying sensory information to the cortex
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absence seizure
- seizre involving a brief loss of consciousness without motor involvement; previously termed petit mal seizure
- affect
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emotional feeling or mood
- agnosia
- any of many types of loss of neurologic function involving interpretation of sensory information
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Alzheimer's disease
- disease of the structural changes in the brain resulting in a irreversible deterioration that progresses from forgetfulness and disorientation to the loss of all intellectual functions, total disability, and death
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amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- condition of progressive deterioration of motor nerve cells resulting in total loss of voluntary muscle control; symptoms advance from muscle weakness in the arms and legs to the muscles of speech, swallowing, and breathing, to total paralysis and death;
- anencephaly
- defect in closure of the cephalic portion of the neural tube that results in incomplete development of the brain and bones of the skull; the most drastic neural tube defect usually results in stillbirth
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Anorexia nervosa
- a severe disturbance in eating behavior caused by abnormal perceptions about one's body weight, as evidenced by an overwhelming fear of becoming fat tat results in a refusal to eat and body weight well below normal.
- anticonvulsant
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agent tht prevents or lessens convultions
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antidepressant
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agent that counteracts depression
- apathy
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lack of interest or display of emotion
- astereognosis
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inability to judge the form of an object by touch
- atopognosis
- inability to locate a sensation properly, such as an inability to locate a point touched on the body
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (AHDH)
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a dysfunction characterized by consistet hyperactivity distractability and lack of control over impulses with interferes with ability to function normally at school, home, or work.
- Autism
- a developmental disability commonly appearing during the first three years of life resulting from a neurologic disorder affecting brain function as evidenced by difficulties with verbal and nonverbal communication and an inability to relate to anything be
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autonomic nervous system (ANS)
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nerves that carry involuntary impulses to smooth muscle, cardian muslce, and varios glands
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Babinski sign
- pathologic response to stimulation of the plantar surface of the foot; a positive sign is indicated the the toes dorsiflex
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behavioral therapy
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treatment to decrease or stop unwanted behavior
- brain
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portion of the cns contained within the cranuim
- brainstem
- region of the brain that serves as a relay b/w the cerebru, cerebellum, and spinal cord; responsible for breathing, heart rate, and body temperature; the three levels are the mesencephalon (midbrain), pons, and the medulla oblongata
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bulimia nervosa
- an eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by efforts to limit digestion through induced vomitting, use of laxatives of excessive exercise.
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carotid endarterectomy
- incision and coring of the lining of the carotid artery to clear a blockage cause by the buildup of artherosclerotic plaque or a clot; an open procedure used to treat patients who are at risk for stroke
- catatonia
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a state of unresponsiveness to one's outside environment, usually including muscle rigidity, staring, and inability to communicate
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cebrebral thrombosis
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presence of a stationary clot in the blood vessel of the brain
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Central nervous system (CNS)
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brain and spinal cord
- cerebellum
- portion of the brain located below the occipital lobeof the cerebrum; responsible for control and coordination of the skeletal muscles
- cerebral aneurysm
- dilation of a blood vessel in the brain
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cerebral angiogram
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x-ray of blood vessels in the brain after intracarotid injection of contrast medium
- cerebral arteriosclerosis
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hardening of the arteries of the brain
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cerebral atherosclerosis
- condition of lipid buildup within the blood vessels of the brain
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cerebral cortex
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outer layer of the cerebrum consisting of gray matter; responsible for higher mental functions
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cerebral embolism
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obstruction of a blood vessel in the brain by an embolus transported through the circulation
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cerebral palsy (CP)
- condition of motor dysfunction caused by damage to the cerebrum during development or injury at birth; characterized by partial paralysis and lack of muscle coordnation
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cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
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plasma-like clear fluid circulation in and around the brain and spinal cord
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cerebrovascular disease
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disorder resulting from a change within one or more blood vessels of the brain
- cerebrum
- largest portion of the brain; divided into right and left halves, known as cerebral hemispheres, which are connected by a bridge of nerve fibers called the corpus callosm; lobes of the cerebrum are named after the skull bones the underlie
- chemotherapy
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treatment with chemical agents to destroy selected cells or impair their ability to reproduce
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cognitive therapy
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treatment to change unwanted patterns of thinking
- coma
- a general term referring to levels of decreased consciousness with varying responsiveness; a common method of assessment is the Glasgow Coma Scale
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computed tomography (CT) of the head
- computed tomographic (x-ray) images of the head used to visualize abnormalities, such as brain tumors and malformations
- convulsions
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to pull together; type of seizure that causes a series of sudden, involuntary contractions of muscles
- cranial nerves
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12 pairs of nerves arising from the brain
- craniectomy
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excision of part of the skull to approach the brain
- craniotomy
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incision into the skull to approach the brain
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deep tendon reflexes (DTR)
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involuntary muscle contractions after percussion at a tendon indicating function; positive findings are either no relfex response or an exaggerated response to stimulus
- delirium
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a state of mental confusion caused by disturbances in cerebral function; the many causes include fever, shock, and drug overdose
- delusion
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a persistent belief that has no basis in reality
- dementia
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an impairment of intellectual function characterized by memory loss, disorientation, and confusion
- dyslexia
- a developmental disability characterized by difficulty understanding written or spoken words sentences or paragraphs that affects reading, spelling, and self expresssion
- dysphoria
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a restless, dissatisfied mood
- dysthymia
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a milder affective disorder characterized by chronic depression
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Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
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electrical shock applied to the brain to induce convulsions; used to treat patients with severe depression.
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electroenchephalogram (EEG)
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record of the minute electrical impulses of the brain; used to identify neurologic conditions that affect brain function and level of consciousness
- eletrodiagnostic procedures
- diagnostic procedures used to evaluate the function of the nervous system by recording the electrical signals produced in the brain spinal cord, and peripheral nerves
- encephalitis
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inflammation of the brain
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endovascular neurosurgery
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minimally invasive techniques for diagnosis and treatment of disorders within blood vessels of the neck, brain, and spinal cord using specialized catheters inserted percutaneously into the femoral artery, and guided by angiographic imaging to the treat
- epilepsy
- disorder affecting the central nervous system, characterized by recurrent seizures
- euphoria
- an exaggerated, unfounded feeling of well-being
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evoked potentials
- record of minute electrical potentials (waves) that are extracted from ongoing EEG activity to diagnose auditor, visual, and sensory pathway disorders; also used to monitor the neurologic function of patients during surgery
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extracranial MRA
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magnetic resonace image of the neck to visualize the carotid artery
- fissures
- deep grooves in the brain
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flaccid paralysis
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defective or absent muscle control caused by a nerve lesion
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flat affect
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significantly dulled emotional tone or outward reaction
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frontal lobe
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anterior section of each cerebral hemisphere; responsible for voluntary muscle movement and personality
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generalized anxiety disorder
- the most common anxiety disorde, characterized by chronic, excessive, uncontrollable, worry about everyday problems; affects the ability to relax or concentrate, but does not usually interfere with social interactions or employment; physical symptoms incl
- glioma
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tumor of glial cells graded to degree of malignancy
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grandiose delusion
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a person's false belief that he or she possess great wealth, intelligence, or power
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gyri
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convolutions (mounds) of the cerebral hemispheres
- hallucination
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a false perception of the senses for with there is no reality; most commmonly hearing or seeing things
- hemiparalysis
- partial paralysis of the right or left half of the body
- hemiplegia
- paralysis on one side of the body
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herniated disc or disk
- protrusion of a degenerated or fragmented intervertebral disk so that the nucleus pulposus protrudes, causing compression of the nerve root
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herpes zoster
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viral disease affecting the peripheral nerves, characterized be painful blisters that spread over the skin following the affected nerves, usually unilatera; also known as shingles
- hydrocephalus
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abnormal accumulation of CSF in the ventricles of the brain as a result of development anomalies, infection, injury, or tumor
- hyperesthesia
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increased sensitivity to stimulation such as touch or pain
- hypnotic
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agent that induces sleep
- Hypochondriasis
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a preoccupation with thoughts of disease and concern that one is suffering from a serious condition that persists despite medical reassurance to the contrary.
- hypothalamus
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control center for the autonomic nervous system located below the thalamus (diencephalon)
- ideation
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the formation of thoughts or ideas, such as suicidal ideation (thoughts of suicide)
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intracranial MRA
- magnetic resonace image of th head to visualize the vessels of the circle of Willis
- laminectomy
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excision of one or more laminae of the vertebrae to approach the spinal cord
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Light Therapy
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use of specialized illuminating light boxes and visors to treat seasonal affective disorder
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lumbar puncture (LP)
- introduction of a specialized needle into the spine in the lumbar region for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, such as to obtain CSF for testing; also called a spinal tap
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magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
- magnetic resonance imaging of blood vessels to detect pathologic conditions, such as thrombosis and atherosclerosis
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magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
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nonionizing imaging technique using magnetic fields and radiofrequency waves to visualize anatomic structures such as the tissues of the brain and spinal cord
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mania
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state of abnormal elation and increased activity
- meninges
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three membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, consisting of the dura mater, pia mater, and the arachnoid mater
- meningioma
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benign tumor of the coverins of the brain
- meningitis
- inflammation of he meninges
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Mental retardation
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a condition of sub average intelligence characterized by an IQ of 70 or less resulting in the inability to adapt to normal social activities.
- microsurgery
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use of a microscope to dissect minute structures during surgery
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migraine headache
- paroxysmal (sudden, periodic) attacks of mostly unilateral headache, often accompanied by disordered vision, nausea, vomiting, lasing several hours or days and caused by dilation of arteries
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motor deficit
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loss or impairment of muscle function
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motor nerves
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nerves that conduct motor impulses from the brain to muscles and glands; also called efferent nerves
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multiple sclerosis (MS)
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disease of the CNS characterized by the demyelination of nerve fibers, with episodes of neurologic dysfunction (exacerbation) followed by recovery (remission)
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myasthenia gravis
- autoimmune disorder that affects the neuromuscular junction, causing a progressive decrease in muscle strength; activity resumes and strength returns after a period of rest
- myelitis
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inflammation of the spinal cord
- myelogram
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x-ray of the spinal cord obtained after intraspinal injection of contrast medium
- narcolepsy
- sleep disorder characterized by a sudden, uncontrollable need to sleep, attacks of paralysis, and dreams intruding while awake
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neural tube defects
- congenital deformities of the brain and spinal cord caused by incomplete development of the neural tub, the embryonic structure that forms the nervous system
- neuralgia
- pain along the course of a nerve
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neuroleptic agents
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drugs used to treat psychosis, especially schizophrenia
- neuroplasy
- surgical repair of nerves
- neurosis
- a psychologic condition in which anxiety is prominent
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nuclear medicine imaging
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radionuclide organ imaging
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obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- an anxiety disorder featuring unwanted senseless obsessions accompanied by repeated compulsions. Can interfere with all aspects of a person's daily life. For example, the thought that a door is not locked, causing repetitive checking to make sure it i
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occipital lobe
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portion posterior to the parietal and temporal lobes; responsible for vision
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panic disorder
- a disorder of sudden, recurrent attacks of intense feelings, including physical symptoms that mimic a heart attack (rapid heart rate, chest pain, shortness of breath, chills, sweating, and dizziness) with a general sense of loss of control or feelin
- paralysis
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temporary or permanent loss of motor control
- paraplegia
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paralysis from the waist down
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parasympathetic nervous system
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division of the autonomic nervous system that is most active in ordinary conditions; it counterbalances the effects of the sympathetic system by restoring the body to a restful state after a stressful experience
- paresthesia
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abnormal sensation of numbness and tingling without objective cause
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parietal lobe
- portion posterior to the frontal lobe; responsible for sensations such as pain, temperature, and touch
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Parkinson's disease
- condition of slowly progressive degeneration in an area of the brainstem resulting in a decrease of dopamin; characterized by tremor, rigidity of muscles, and slow movements; usually occurs later in life
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partial seizure
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seizure involving only limited areas of the brain with localized symptoms
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peripheral nervous system (PNS)
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nerves that branch from the central nervous system including nerves of the brain and spinal cord
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persecutory delusion
- a person's false belief that someone is plotting against him or her with the intent to harm
- phobia
- exaggerated fear of a specific object or circumstance that causes anxiety and panic; name foe the object or circumstance, such as agoraphobia (fear of the marketplace) claustrophobia, and acrophobia.
- plegia
- paralysis
- poliomyelitis
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inflammation of the gray matter of the spinal cord caused by a virus, often resulting in spinal and muscle deformity and paralysis
- polyneuritis
- inflammationinvolving two or more nerve, often caused by a nutritional deficiency, such as a lack of thiamine
- polysomnography
- recording of various aspects of sleep (e.g. eye and muscle movements, respiration, and EEG patterns) to diagnose sleep disorders
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positron-emission tomography (PET)
- technique combining nuclear medicine and computed tomography to produces images of the brain anatomy and corresponding physiology; used to study stroke, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, metabolic brain disorders, chemistry of nerve transmissions in the brain, a
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post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- a condition resulting from an extremely traumatic experience injury or illness that leaves the sufferer with persistet thoughts and memories of the ordeal; may occur after a war violent personal assault, physical or sexual abuse, serious accident or natur
- psychosis
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a mental condition characterized by distortion of reality resulting in the inability to communicate or function within one's environment
- psychotherapy
- treatment of psychiatric disorders using verbal and nonverbal interaction with patient individually or in a group employing specific actions or techniques.
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psychotropic drugs
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medications used to treat mental illnesses (tropo= a turning)
- quadriplegia
- paralysis of the four limbs
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radiation therapy
- treatment of neoplastic disease using ionizing radiation to impede the proliferation of malignant cells
- radioraphy
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x-ray machine
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reflex testing
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test performed to observe the body's response to a stimulus
- Schizophrenia
- a disease of brain chemistry causing a distorted cognitive and emotional perception of one's environment; symptoms include distortions of normal function such as disorganized though, delusions, hallucinations, and catatonic behavior, flat affect, apat
- sciatica
- pain that follows the pathway of the sciatic nerve, caused by compression or trauma of the nerve or its roots
- seasonal affective disorder
- an affectivedisorder marked bu episodes of depression that most often occur during the fall and winter and that remit in the spring
- sedative
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agent that has a calming effect and quiets nervousness
- seizure
- sudden, transient, disturbances in brain function resulting from an abnormal firing of nerve impulses; may or may not be associated with convulsions
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sensory deficit
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loss or impairment of sensation
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sensory nerves
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nerves that conduct impulses from body parts and carry sensory information to the brain; also called afferent nerves
- single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) brain scan
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scan combining nuclear medicine and computed tomography to produce images of the brain after the administration of radioactive isotopes
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sleep apnea
- periods of breathing cessasion that occur during sleep, often causing snoring
- spastic paralysis
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stiff and awkward muscle control caused by a central nervous system disorder
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spinal bifida
- defect the development of the spinal column characterized by the absence of vertebral arches, often resulting in pouching of the meninges (meningocele) or of the meninges and spinal cord ( meningomyelocele); considered to be the most common neural tube de
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spinal cord
- column of nervous tissue from the brainstem through the vertebr; responsible for nerve conduction to and from the brain and body
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spinal nerves
- 31 pairs of nerves arising from the spinal cord
- spondylosyndesis
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spinal fusion
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stereotactic or stereotaxic frame
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mechanical device used to localize a point in space, targeting a precise site
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stereotactic or stereotaxic radiosurgery
- radiation treatment to inactivate malignant lesions using multiple, precise, external radiation beams focused on the target with the aid of a stereotactic frame and imaging such as CT, MRI, or angiography; used to treat inoperable tumors and other lesions
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Substance abuse disorders
- mental disorders resulting from abuse of substances such as drugs, alcohol, or other toxins causing personal or social dysfunction identified by the abused substance such as alcohol abuse, amphetamine abuse, opioid abuse, and polysubstance abuse.
- sulci
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shallow grooves that separate gyri
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sympathetic nervous system
- division of the autonomic nervous system that is concerned primarily with preparing the body in stressful or emergency situations
- syncope
- fainting
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tactile stimulation
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evoking a response by touching
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temporal lobe
- portion that lies below the frontal lobe; responsible for hearing, taste, and smell
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thought disorder
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thought that lacks clear processing or logical direction
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tonic-clonic seizure
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stiffening-jerking ; a major motor seizure involving all muscle group; previously termed grand mal seizure
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transcranial Doppler sonogram
- image made by sending ultrasound beams through the skull to assess blood flow in intracranial vessels; used in the diagnosis and management of stroke and head trauma
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transient ischemic atack (TIA)
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brief episode of loss of blood flow to the brain, usually, caused by a partial occlusion tat results in temporary neurologic deficit; often precedes a CVA
- ventricles
- series of interconnected cavities within the cerebral hemispheres and brainstem filled with cerebrospinal fluid
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vertebral lamina
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the posterior portion of the vertebral arch