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Flashcards in Neuropathology Deck (12)
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1
Q

What are the special features of the CNS?

A
  1. In a rigid container-only exit for brain is foramen magnum,
  2. Cells in the brain are very sensitive to things like ischemia, certain infections
  3. Arteries and arterioles have thinner walls
  4. Auto regulation of local blood flow
  5. No lymph system
  6. Not as many fibroblasts so can’t wall things off as effectively
  7. Isolated by a blood brain barrier
  8. Unique immune status
  9. Neuronal and axonal regeneration does not occur
2
Q

Cerebral edema

A

Increased water content in the brain

3
Q

Vasogenic edema

A

Results from breakdown of blood brain barrier

4
Q

Cytotoxic edema

A

Due to increased intracellular water content

Cell damage leads to defective ion transport and water exits

5
Q

Hydrocephalus

A

An increased intraventricular CSF

May be due to increased production, decreased absorption, or outflow obstruction

6
Q

Communicating hydrocephalus vs non communicating

A

Obstruction to absorption is occurring outside the ventricles- communicating

Obstruction occurring within ventricles or at foramina of luschka and magendi

7
Q

Causes of hydrocephalus

A

Communicating: resolving meningitis or subarachnoid hemorrhage

Non communicating: neoplasms, congenital stenosis

8
Q

Triad of raised intracranial pressure

A

Headaches
Vomiting
Papilledema

9
Q

Cushing response

A

Decreased heart rate, increased blood pressure, irregular breathing as a result of raised intracranial pressure

10
Q

Subfalcine herniation

A

Cingulate gyrus pushed under Falx Cerebri
May compress anterior cerebral artery-ischemia
Motor and sensory abnormalities of the legs

11
Q

Central herniation

A

Downward displacement of the brain stem from generalized edema
Compression will compromise cardiac and respiratory centres

12
Q

Uncal herniation

A

Trans tentorial herniation, uncus protrudes over the tentorium cerebelli.
Compression of CNIII: pupillary dilation and occulomotor dysfunction
Compression if posterior communicating artery: ipsilateral hemmorhage of mesial occipital lobe