Pathology
Signs and Symptoms
Absence Seizure-Type of epileptic seizure that lasts only a few seconds to half a minute, characterized by a loss of awareness and an absence of activity. It is also called petit mal seizure.
Anesthesia-Lack of feeling or sensation
Aura-Sensations, such as seeing colors or smelling an unusual odor, that occur just prior to an epileptic seizure or migraine headache.
Coma-Profound unconsciousness resulting from an illness or injury
Conscious-Condition of being awake and aware of surroundings
Hemiparesis-Weakness or loss of motion on one side of the body
Paraplegia-Paralysis of the lower portion of the body and both legs
Paresthesia-Abnormal sensation such as burning or tingling
Quadriplegia-Paralysis of all four limbs
Seizure-Sudden, uncontrollable onset of symptoms, such as in an epileptic seizure
Syncope-Fainting
Tonic-Clonic Seizure-Type of severe epileptic seizure characterized by a loss of consciousness and convulsions. The seizures alternate between strong continuous muscle spasms (tonic) and rhythmic muscle contraction and relaxation (clonic). It also called a grand mal seizure.
Brain
Alzheimer’s Disease-Chronic, organic mental disorder consisting of dementia, which is more prevalent in adults after 65 years of age. Involves progressive disorientation, apathy, speech, and gait disturbances, and loss of memory. Named for German neurologists Alois Alzheimer.
Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)- Development of an infarct due to loss in the blood supply to an area of the brain. Blood flow can be interrupted by a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhage), a floating clot (embolus), a stationary clot (thrombosis), or compression. The extent of damage depends on the size and location of the infarct and often includes dysphasia and hemiplegia. Commonly called a stroke.
Parkinson’s Disease- Chronic disorder of the nervous system with fine tremors, muscular weakness, rigidity, and a shuffling gait. Named for British physician Sir...