Term
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Definition
Definition: Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that leads to memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes. It primarily affects older adults and is the most common cause of dementia. |
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Term
| ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) |
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Definition
Definition: ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually respiratory failure. |
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Term
| ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) |
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Definition
Definition: ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness that interfere with daily functioning or developmen |
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Term
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Definition
Definition: Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, or posture, caused by damage to the developing brain, typically before or at birth. |
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Term
| CSF (Cerebrospinal Fluid) |
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Definition
Definition: Cerebrospinal fluid is the clear fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning and acting as a medium for nutrient and waste exchange. |
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Term
| EEG (Electroencephalogram) |
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Definition
Definition: An EEG is a diagnostic test that records electrical activity in the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp, often used to detect seizures, brain disorders, or sleep disturbances. |
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Term
| ICP (Intracranial Pressure) |
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Definition
Definition: Intracranial pressure refers to the pressure inside the skull and brain. Elevated ICP can result from head injury, brain swelling, or other neurological conditions and can lead to serious complications if not managed. |
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Term
| LOC (Level of Consciousness) |
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Definition
Definition: Level of consciousness refers to a person's state of awareness, ranging from full alertness to deep coma. It is often used to assess a patient's neurological function after injury or illness. |
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Term
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Definition
Definition: A lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, is a medical procedure in which a needle is inserted into the lower back to collect cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic testing, often used to diagnose conditions like meningitis or multiple sclerosis. |
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Term
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Definition
Definition: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to damage to the myelin sheath that protects nerve fibers, causing symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and difficulty with coordination. |
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Term
| OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) |
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Definition
Definition: OCD is a mental health disorder characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that a person feels driven to perform to reduce anxiety. |
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Term
| PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) |
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Definition
Definition: PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It is characterized by flashbacks, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. |
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Term
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Definition
Definition: A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain that can cause changes in behavior, movements, feelings, or consciousness. Seizures can vary in severity and are often associated with epilepsy. |
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Term
| TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) |
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Definition
Definition: A TIA, or mini-stroke, occurs when there is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, causing stroke-like symptoms that resolve within a few minutes to hours without permanent damage. |
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