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pathophysiology of the neurological system
craft, J., Gordon, C., & Tiziani, A. (2011). Understanding pathophysiology. NSW: Elsevier
14
Nursing
Undergraduate 2
09/23/2014

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Term
define Guillain Barre Syndrome
Definition
It is an autoimmune disease that is often associated with a viral or bacterial infection. The body produces antibodies, which also destroy the myelin sheath of the axon. damage may include axon body.
Term
clinical manifestations of Guillain Barre syndrome
Definition
lack of myelination leads to fewer action potentials reaching skeletal muscles, therefore muscles do not contract leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.

other symptoms include: abnormal sensation
Term
why would abnormal sensations occur with Guillain Barre syndrome
Definition
demyelination of sensory receptors
Term
when does Guillain Barre syndrome becoming life threatening
Definition
weakness and paralysis of respiratory muscles are present
Term
Where does loss of sensation and loss of muscle function usually begin in Guillain Barre syndrome?
Definition
"ascending paralysis" - usually begins at feet then progresses up
Term
describe treatment of Guillan Barre syndrome and other autoimmune diseases
Definition
plasmapheresis- quantity of pt blood is taken away to go through a process of washing ie. get rid of antibodies
Term
duration of plasmapheresis
Definition
pt can recover within weeks or years. Hospitalisation required.
Term
define myasthenia gravis
Definition
chronic autoimmune disease affecting the neuromuscular junction
Term
two types of myasthenia gravis
Definition
1) generalised myasthenia gravis
2) neonatal myasthenia gravis
Term
describe pathophysiology of myasthenia gravis
Definition
post synaptic acetylcholine receptors on muscle cell membrane are recognised as foreign. Immune response causes antibodies to destroy these receptors. Destruction causes fewer transmissions of nerve impulses across neuromuscular junction and lack of muscle depolarisations
Term
what does destruction of acetylcholine lead to in myasthenia gravis
Definition
1) fewer transmissions of nerve impulses and 2) lack of muscle depolarisation
Term
define encephalitis
Definition
acute febrile illness (usually having a viral origin), which causes nervous tissue to become inflamed.
Term
4 ways encephalitis can occur
Definition
1) complication of a systemic disease (poliomyelitis or mononucleosis)
2) arthropod (mosquito borne) illnesses (Murray Valley encephalitis or herpes simplex type 1)
3) recovery from viral infections (rubella)
4) following vaccination with a encephalitis component (rubella, mumps, measles)
Term
clinical manifestations of encephalitis
Definition
mildly infectious- life threatening. fever, delirium, confusion progressing to unconsciousness, cranial nerve palsies, paralysis or paresis, seizure activity
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