Advanced Pathophysiology

Concepts of Neurological and Musculoskeletal Disorders – Part 1

Anatomists often use the analogy of a house to explain the human body, with skeletal systems, respiratory systems, and circulatory systems represented as a home’s framing structure, ventilation, and piping, respectively. Such analogies further emphasize the point that relationships between systems can result in complications when issues arise in one system.

With hundreds of diseases that can impact the brain, spine, and nerves, neurological disorders represent a complicated array of issues that present significant health concerns. Disorders such as strokes and Parkinson’s disease not only affect the nervous system, however; they can have secondary impacts in other areas, especially the musculoskeletal system.

This week, you examine fundamental concepts of neurological disorders. You explore common disorders that impact these systems and you apply the key terms and concepts that help communicate the pathophysiological nature of these issues to patients. 

Required Readings

McCance, K. L. & Huether, S. E. (2019). Pathophysiology: the biologic basis for disease in adults and children (8th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby/Elsevier.

• Chapter 15: Structure and      Function of the Neurologic System


• Chapter 16: Pain, Temperature      Regulation, Sleep, and Sensory Function (stop at Sleep); Summary Review


• Chapter 17: Alterations in      Cognitive Systems, Cerebral Hemodynamics, and Motor Function (start at      Acute confusional states and delirium) (stop at Alterations in neuromotor      functions); (Parkinson’s Disease); Summary Review


• Chapter 18: Disorders of the      Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems and the Neuromuscular Junction      (stop at Degenerative disorders of the spine); (start at Cerebrovascular      disorders) (stop at Tumors of the central nervous system); Summary Review


• Chapter 44: Structure and      Function of the Musculoskeletal System (stop at Components of muscle      function); Summary Review


• Chapter 45: Alterations of      Musculoskeletal Function (stop at Bone tumors); (start at Disorders of      joints); Summary Review


• Chapter 47: Structure,      Function, and Disorders of the Integument (section on Lyme Disease)

Chin, L. S. (2018). Spinal cord injuries. Retrieved from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/793582-overview#a4

Discussion Post: 3 citations is required. 

The case scenario is given below:

Patient is a 24-year-old female administrative assistant who comes to the emergency department with a chief complaint of severe right-sided headache. She states that this is the sixth time in the last 2 months she has had this headache. She says the headaches last 2–3 days and have impacted her ability to concentrate at work. She complains of nausea and has vomited three times in the last 3 hours. She states, “the light hurts my eyes.” She rates her pain as a 10/10 at this time. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen ease her symptoms somewhat but do not totally relieve them. No other current complaints.