What is a seizure?
A temporary alteration in behavior due to massive electrical discharge of one or more
groups of neurons in the brain.
What are the common causes of seizures (epidemiology)?
Alcohol, Epilepsy, Infection, Overdose, Uremia, Trauma, Insulin, Pregnancy, Poisoning,
Stroke, Shock.
What is the difference between generalized and partial seizures?
Generalized affect the whole brain (e.g., tonic-clonic), partial are localized (simple
or complex).
List the 4 stages of a Grand Mal (tonic-clonic) seizure.
Aura, Tonic phase, Clonic phase, Postictal phase.
Define Status Epilepticus.
Recurrent seizures with no lucid interval in between.
Name three common anticonvulsant medications.
Phenytoin (Dilantin), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Valproic acid (Depakote).
What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?
Central Nervous System and Peripheral Nervous System.
What is the function of the cerebrum?
Responsible for conscious thought and sensory interpretation.
What structure connects the two hemispheres of the cerebrum?
Corpus callosum.
What does the cerebellum control?
Coordination, balance, posture, and muscle tone.
Which part of the brain regulates temperature, water balance, and emotions?
Diencephalon (hypothalamus).
What are the functions of the brain stem?
Motor coordination, eye movement, cardiac and respiratory regulation.
What does the Reticular Activating System do?
Maintains consciousness and response to stimuli.
What is the Circle of Willis?
A circulatory anastomosis that assures cerebral perfusion.
What is the function of the autonomic nervous system?
Regulates involuntary body functions
What does the sympathetic nervous system control?
Fight or flight responses: increases HR, BP, pupil dilation.
What does the parasympathetic nervous system control?
Rest and digest: decreases HR, increases digestive activity
What is endocrinology?
The study of hormones and their effects on the body.
What are ductless hormone-secreting glands called?
Endocrine glands.
Which gland is known as the master endocrine gland?
Pituitary gland.
What does the pineal gland release and what is it associated with?
Melatonin, associated with sleep cycles
what hormone does the thyroid produce?
Thyroxine, Triiodothyronine, Calcitonin.
What is the main hormone of the parathyroid gland?
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH).
What hormones does the adrenal medulla produce?
Epinephrine and norepinephrine.
