D236 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY:
NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS EXAM
SET QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Ischemia & Ischemic Penumbra - ANSWER -Gradual onset of symptoms over hours to
days due to tissue ischemia, with survival depending on collateral circulation and
duration of ischemia. Treatment involves restoring blood flow.
Glutamate toxicity - ANSWER -Movement of potassium altering action potential, leading
to increased calcium influx and glutamate release, contributing to cell damage.
Posture Instability - ANSWER -Loss of postural reflexes causing uncontrolled steps
forward/backward, often seen in Parkinson's.
Nonmotor Symptoms - ANSWER -Symptoms not related to movement, including ANS-
related issues like constipation and orthostatic hypotension, as well as sleep
disturbances and cognitive dysfunction.
Transient Ischemic Attack - ANSWER -Temporary neurological symptoms lasting
minutes to hours, often a precursor to a stroke, caused by sudden arterial blockage.
Hemorrhagic Stroke - ANSWER -Occurs when a cerebral artery ruptures, leading to
blood leakage, cerebral edema, increased pressure, and tissue damage. Subarachnoid
Hemorrhage involves arterial branch rupture in the subarachnoid space.
Parkinson's - ANSWER -A neurodegenerative disorder characterized by slow and
progressive symptoms, typically diagnosed in one's 50s. Young Onset Parkinson's
refers to onset younger than 40, while Juvenile Parkinson's affects children and teens.
Ischemic stroke - ANSWER -Results from obstruction in cerebral blood flow by a
thrombus or embolus, commonly affecting the internal carotid and middle cerebral
arteries. Clots can be caused by arteriosclerosis of a cerebral artery, A. Fibrosis, or
carotid stenosis.
Cerebral Arteriosclerosis - ANSWER -Thrombi originating from arteriosclerotic plaque in
the neck or left atrium that travel into the brain, often triggered by endothelial injury.
A. Fib. - ANSWER -Left-sided Atrial Fibrillation where the left atrium inadequately
contracts, increasing the risk of clot formation.
Carotid Stenosis - ANSWER -Arteriosclerosis of the carotid artery leading to narrowing
due to plaque buildup, promoting platelet adherence and thrombus formation that can
obstruct blood flow.
,Bradykinesia - ANSWER -A symptom of Parkinson's characterized by slow movements,
often starting in distal muscles and impacting independence.
Cerebral Artery Rupture - ANSWER -Leads to ischemia, edema, and vasospasm; may
cause Anoxic encephalopathy
Anoxic Encephalopathy - ANSWER -Results from lack of cerebral circulation and
oxygen delivery
Cushing's Triad - ANSWER -Symptoms include irregular respiration, bradycardia, and
hypertension
Guillain-Barre Syndrome - ANSWER -Characterized by Acute Inflammatory
demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - ANSWER -Rapidly progressive neurodegenerative
disease affecting motor neurons
ALS Etiology - ANSWER -Classified as familial or sporadic; unknown cause
Axonal Neuropathy - ANSWER -Involves acute motor or motor-sensory damage to
nerve axons
ALS Risk Factors - ANSWER -Include heavy-metal exposure, smoking, and trauma
CMV Infections - ANSWER -Associated with cytomegalovirus infections
Campylobacter Jejuni - ANSWER -Linked to the etiology of certain neurological
conditions
Peripheral Neuropathy - ANSWER -Results in limb weakness due to autoimmune
response in nerves
Myasthenia Gravis - ANSWER -Caused by dysfunctional Ach receptors at
neuromuscular junction
Multiple Sclerosis Epidemiology - ANSWER -Affects young adults, more common in
women, and certain ethnicities
Ach Receptor Antibodies - ANSWER -Lead to reduced Ach receptors and inefficient
neuromuscular transmission
Thymus Hyperplasia - ANSWER -Associated with inefficient neuromuscular
transmission in certain disorders
,MS Pathophysiology - ANSWER -Involves autoimmune damage to CNS and peripheral
nerve myelin
MS Risk Factors - ANSWER -Include genetic predisposition, infections, trauma, and
heavy metal exposure
MS Symptoms - ANSWER -Varied presentation affecting muscles, vision, speech, and
swallowing
MS Worsening Factors - ANSWER -Include stress, illness, hormonal changes, and
temperature fluctuations
MS Muscle Weakness - ANSWER -Manifests as fatigue, weakness, and worsens with
exertion
Multiple Sclerosis Pathophysiology - ANSWER -Activated T cells damage CNS myelin,
affecting white matter and disrupting impulse conduction.
Edrophonium Testing - ANSWER -Diagnostic test using acetylcholinesterase inhibitor to
improve muscle weakness temporarily.
Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms - ANSWER -Include weakness, numbness, balance
issues, impaired vision, fatigue, and cognitive impairment.
Multiple Sclerosis Treatment - ANSWER -Involves acetylcholinesterase inhibitors,
corticosteroids, immunosuppressive therapy, and plasmapheresis.
Huntington's Etiology - ANSWER -Inherited autosomal dominant CNS disorder.
Huntington's Pathophysiology - ANSWER -Caused by cellular deterioration in specific
areas of the basal ganglia and cortex.
Diabetic Retinopathy Pathophysiology - ANSWER -Vascular changes due to high blood
glucose leading to proliferative and non-proliferative forms.
Glaucoma Pathophysiology - ANSWER -Elevated intraocular pressure causing optic
nerve damage, leading to blindness.
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma - ANSWER -Silent progression with visible retinal
changes and structural alterations in the eye.
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy - ANSWER -Stimulated by diabetes, leading to
abnormal neurovascularization and increased blood vessels in the retina.
Cataracts Symptoms - ANSWER -Include eye pain, redness, nausea, light halos, and
vision loss.
, Cataracts Pathophysiology - ANSWER -Progressive lens opacity due to excessive
epithelial layer growth, protein fiber degeneration, and cloudiness.
Clouding - ANSWER -Becomes denser & larger with progression
Tx - ANSWER -Focuses on reducing IOP, improving fluid outflow, and reducing
production of fluid using topical ophthalmics, oral medications, laser procedures, and
incisional surgery
PAOG - ANSWER -Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma; treated with alpha-2 agonists,
beta blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, cholinergic agents, and prostaglandin
analogs
Papilledema - ANSWER -Optic nerve swelling
Px - ANSWER -Assessment of visual acuity in far/near vision, in a bright room, and
examination of extraocular muscles
Ex - ANSWER -Increase in Intraocular Pressure (IOP)
Retinal Detachment - ANSWER -Detachment of the retina from the underlying layers,
leading to vision loss
Age-related Macular Degeneration - ANSWER -Deterioration of the macula, affecting
central vision and perception of fine details
Drusen - ANSWER -Deposits that accumulate between the retina and choroid in Age-
related Macular Degeneration
Nonexudative AMD - ANSWER -Dry macular degeneration involving the accumulation
of drusen over decades
Exudative AMD - ANSWER -Wet macular degeneration with rapid progression due to
blood vessel growth from the choroid
Retinoblastoma - ANSWER -Malignant tumor of the retina primarily affecting children
Amsler Grid - ANSWER -Grid used to measure central vision in retinoblastoma
diagnosis
Disorders of the External Ear - ANSWER -Include Cerumen Impaction & Otitis Externa
Disorders of the Middle Ear - ANSWER -Include Otitis Media, Tympanic Membrane
Perforation, Cholesteatoma, and Otosclerosis
NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS EXAM
SET QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Ischemia & Ischemic Penumbra - ANSWER -Gradual onset of symptoms over hours to
days due to tissue ischemia, with survival depending on collateral circulation and
duration of ischemia. Treatment involves restoring blood flow.
Glutamate toxicity - ANSWER -Movement of potassium altering action potential, leading
to increased calcium influx and glutamate release, contributing to cell damage.
Posture Instability - ANSWER -Loss of postural reflexes causing uncontrolled steps
forward/backward, often seen in Parkinson's.
Nonmotor Symptoms - ANSWER -Symptoms not related to movement, including ANS-
related issues like constipation and orthostatic hypotension, as well as sleep
disturbances and cognitive dysfunction.
Transient Ischemic Attack - ANSWER -Temporary neurological symptoms lasting
minutes to hours, often a precursor to a stroke, caused by sudden arterial blockage.
Hemorrhagic Stroke - ANSWER -Occurs when a cerebral artery ruptures, leading to
blood leakage, cerebral edema, increased pressure, and tissue damage. Subarachnoid
Hemorrhage involves arterial branch rupture in the subarachnoid space.
Parkinson's - ANSWER -A neurodegenerative disorder characterized by slow and
progressive symptoms, typically diagnosed in one's 50s. Young Onset Parkinson's
refers to onset younger than 40, while Juvenile Parkinson's affects children and teens.
Ischemic stroke - ANSWER -Results from obstruction in cerebral blood flow by a
thrombus or embolus, commonly affecting the internal carotid and middle cerebral
arteries. Clots can be caused by arteriosclerosis of a cerebral artery, A. Fibrosis, or
carotid stenosis.
Cerebral Arteriosclerosis - ANSWER -Thrombi originating from arteriosclerotic plaque in
the neck or left atrium that travel into the brain, often triggered by endothelial injury.
A. Fib. - ANSWER -Left-sided Atrial Fibrillation where the left atrium inadequately
contracts, increasing the risk of clot formation.
Carotid Stenosis - ANSWER -Arteriosclerosis of the carotid artery leading to narrowing
due to plaque buildup, promoting platelet adherence and thrombus formation that can
obstruct blood flow.
,Bradykinesia - ANSWER -A symptom of Parkinson's characterized by slow movements,
often starting in distal muscles and impacting independence.
Cerebral Artery Rupture - ANSWER -Leads to ischemia, edema, and vasospasm; may
cause Anoxic encephalopathy
Anoxic Encephalopathy - ANSWER -Results from lack of cerebral circulation and
oxygen delivery
Cushing's Triad - ANSWER -Symptoms include irregular respiration, bradycardia, and
hypertension
Guillain-Barre Syndrome - ANSWER -Characterized by Acute Inflammatory
demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - ANSWER -Rapidly progressive neurodegenerative
disease affecting motor neurons
ALS Etiology - ANSWER -Classified as familial or sporadic; unknown cause
Axonal Neuropathy - ANSWER -Involves acute motor or motor-sensory damage to
nerve axons
ALS Risk Factors - ANSWER -Include heavy-metal exposure, smoking, and trauma
CMV Infections - ANSWER -Associated with cytomegalovirus infections
Campylobacter Jejuni - ANSWER -Linked to the etiology of certain neurological
conditions
Peripheral Neuropathy - ANSWER -Results in limb weakness due to autoimmune
response in nerves
Myasthenia Gravis - ANSWER -Caused by dysfunctional Ach receptors at
neuromuscular junction
Multiple Sclerosis Epidemiology - ANSWER -Affects young adults, more common in
women, and certain ethnicities
Ach Receptor Antibodies - ANSWER -Lead to reduced Ach receptors and inefficient
neuromuscular transmission
Thymus Hyperplasia - ANSWER -Associated with inefficient neuromuscular
transmission in certain disorders
,MS Pathophysiology - ANSWER -Involves autoimmune damage to CNS and peripheral
nerve myelin
MS Risk Factors - ANSWER -Include genetic predisposition, infections, trauma, and
heavy metal exposure
MS Symptoms - ANSWER -Varied presentation affecting muscles, vision, speech, and
swallowing
MS Worsening Factors - ANSWER -Include stress, illness, hormonal changes, and
temperature fluctuations
MS Muscle Weakness - ANSWER -Manifests as fatigue, weakness, and worsens with
exertion
Multiple Sclerosis Pathophysiology - ANSWER -Activated T cells damage CNS myelin,
affecting white matter and disrupting impulse conduction.
Edrophonium Testing - ANSWER -Diagnostic test using acetylcholinesterase inhibitor to
improve muscle weakness temporarily.
Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms - ANSWER -Include weakness, numbness, balance
issues, impaired vision, fatigue, and cognitive impairment.
Multiple Sclerosis Treatment - ANSWER -Involves acetylcholinesterase inhibitors,
corticosteroids, immunosuppressive therapy, and plasmapheresis.
Huntington's Etiology - ANSWER -Inherited autosomal dominant CNS disorder.
Huntington's Pathophysiology - ANSWER -Caused by cellular deterioration in specific
areas of the basal ganglia and cortex.
Diabetic Retinopathy Pathophysiology - ANSWER -Vascular changes due to high blood
glucose leading to proliferative and non-proliferative forms.
Glaucoma Pathophysiology - ANSWER -Elevated intraocular pressure causing optic
nerve damage, leading to blindness.
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma - ANSWER -Silent progression with visible retinal
changes and structural alterations in the eye.
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy - ANSWER -Stimulated by diabetes, leading to
abnormal neurovascularization and increased blood vessels in the retina.
Cataracts Symptoms - ANSWER -Include eye pain, redness, nausea, light halos, and
vision loss.
, Cataracts Pathophysiology - ANSWER -Progressive lens opacity due to excessive
epithelial layer growth, protein fiber degeneration, and cloudiness.
Clouding - ANSWER -Becomes denser & larger with progression
Tx - ANSWER -Focuses on reducing IOP, improving fluid outflow, and reducing
production of fluid using topical ophthalmics, oral medications, laser procedures, and
incisional surgery
PAOG - ANSWER -Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma; treated with alpha-2 agonists,
beta blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, cholinergic agents, and prostaglandin
analogs
Papilledema - ANSWER -Optic nerve swelling
Px - ANSWER -Assessment of visual acuity in far/near vision, in a bright room, and
examination of extraocular muscles
Ex - ANSWER -Increase in Intraocular Pressure (IOP)
Retinal Detachment - ANSWER -Detachment of the retina from the underlying layers,
leading to vision loss
Age-related Macular Degeneration - ANSWER -Deterioration of the macula, affecting
central vision and perception of fine details
Drusen - ANSWER -Deposits that accumulate between the retina and choroid in Age-
related Macular Degeneration
Nonexudative AMD - ANSWER -Dry macular degeneration involving the accumulation
of drusen over decades
Exudative AMD - ANSWER -Wet macular degeneration with rapid progression due to
blood vessel growth from the choroid
Retinoblastoma - ANSWER -Malignant tumor of the retina primarily affecting children
Amsler Grid - ANSWER -Grid used to measure central vision in retinoblastoma
diagnosis
Disorders of the External Ear - ANSWER -Include Cerumen Impaction & Otitis Externa
Disorders of the Middle Ear - ANSWER -Include Otitis Media, Tympanic Membrane
Perforation, Cholesteatoma, and Otosclerosis
