FREE NCS Neurologic Pathophysiology Questions and Answers
Which neurodegenerative disease is primarily associated with the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles in the brain?
Alzheimer's disease is known for the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. These pathological features are central to the disease's progression and are used to differentiate it from other neurodegenerative disorders.
In multiple sclerosis (MS), which of the following is the primary pathophysiological process?
Multiple sclerosis is characterized by the autoimmune-mediated destruction of myelin sheaths in the central nervous system (CNS). This demyelination leads to disrupted neural signaling and a variety of neurological symptoms. Cortical neuron apoptosis and peripheral nerve destruction are not primary features of MS.
Which type of stroke is caused by the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain?
A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, leading to bleeding within or around the brain tissue. This is distinct from an ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blockage in a blood vessel, and a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is a temporary blockage that resolves within a short period.
Which neurotransmitter imbalance is primarily implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is associated with an imbalance of dopamine neurotransmission, particularly excessive dopamine activity in certain brain regions. This dysregulation is thought to contribute to the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions. Other neurotransmitter imbalances are not central to the primary pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
In Huntington's disease, which of the following is the primary genetic mutation responsible for the condition?
Huntington's disease is caused by a mutation in the HTT gene, which leads to an expansion of CAG repeats in the gene. This results in the production of a toxic protein that accumulates in the brain, leading to neurodegeneration. Other mutations listed are associated with different neurodegenerative disorders.