Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology Study Guide

©2018 of 131 Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) Also known as a mini-stroke, a transient ischemic stroke is characterized by a temporary disruption of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the brain. Symptoms of transient ischemic stroke are similar to a stroke but the lack of blood supply to the brain generally lasts for not more than five minutes. It is also caused by the formation of a blood clot or debris in the brain that obstructs the normal supply of blood. Symptoms of a mini-stroke include weakness; numbness; paralysis of the arm, leg, or face; slurred speech or state of confusion; blurred vision or blindness in one or both the eyes; and dizziness or loss of balance. 6.4 Infections/Inflammation The next set of diseases and disorders in neurological and musculoskeletal systems are the infections caused by various pathogens and inflammations. These infections and inflammations are listed below. Meningitis Meningitis is characterized by inflammation of the meninges, which are the membranes that surround the spinal cord and brain. It leads to severe headache, stiffness in the neck, and fever. It is caused by either bacterial or viral infections. Bacterial meningitis is caused when bacteria enter the blood and travel to the brain and spinal cord, invading the meninges. Some species of bacteria that attribute to bacterial meningitis are streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitis, hemophilius influenza, and listeria monocytogenes. Viral meningitis is caused by the species belonging to the group called enterovirus. Some viruses that cause it are herpes simplex virus, HIV, West Nile virus, and mumps viruses. Very rarely, meningitis can be caused by fungus as well. The most common fungal meningitis is cryptococcal meningitis, which attacks people with immune deficiencies. This form of meningitis is generally life-threatening. Signs and symptoms of meningitis resemble influenza or flu. These signs include sudden high fever, a stiff neck, different and severe headaches, vomiting and nausea, difficulty in concentration, seizures, sleepiness, loss of appetite and thirst, and rashes on the skin. Guillan-Barre Syndrome Guillain-Barre syndrome is a disorder of the immune system such that the immune system attacks the nerves. It is generally caused by an infectious illness, such as a respiratory infection or digestive tract infection like the stomach flu. Consequences of this syndrome are that the normal functioning of the nerves get impaired, which affects the signaling to the brain and causes weakness, numbness, and even paralysis. Signs and symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome are pricking sensations in the fingers, toes, ankles, Achieve Page 95