The bacterial hypothesis of the origin of mitochondria suggests that approximately 1–2 billion years ago, alpha-purple bacteria were incorporated into evolving eukaryotic cells. During evolution, these bacteria transferred many of their essential genes to the nuclear chromosomes. Mitochondria still have…
Acknowledgments We thank Dr. Aviva Tolkovsky for her critical review of the original manuscript and Dr. Janelle Drouin-Ouellet for her help with the figure. Neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) are characterized by the loss of specific populations…
Acknowledgment This chapter, updated from the prior edition, was originally a revised version of the chapter by G.M. Pastores in the sixth edition. The concept of inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) was introduced by Sir Archibald Garrod in the 1908…
Autism Spectrum Disorders Diagnostic Criteria Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in two areas: (1) deficits in social communication and social interactions; and (2) restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities ( ).…
Embryological and Fetal Development of the Nervous System Neuroembryology integrated with molecular genetics provides the key to understanding congenital malformations of the nervous system. Modern neuroembryology or ontogenesis encompasses not only classical descriptive morphogenesis but also the molecular genetic programming…
Acknowledgments The neuroradiological illustrations were generously provided by Blaine Hart, MD, Department of Radiology (Neuroradiology), University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center. Brain Edema and Disorders of Cerebrospinal Fluid Circulation Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral edema are life-threatening complications…
Drug dependence is of two types. Psychic dependence (addiction) refers to craving and drug-seeking behavior. Physical dependence refers to an adaptive state in which abrupt cessation of drug use results in somatic withdrawal symptoms. Tolerance refers to the need for…
Neurotoxic disorders are occurring increasingly as a result of occupational or environmental exposure and often go unrecognized. Exposure to neurotoxins may lead to dysfunction of any part of the central, peripheral, or autonomic nervous system and the neuromuscular apparatus. Neurotoxic…
Malnutrition causes a wide spectrum of neurological disorders ( Table 85.1 ) . Despite socioeconomic advances, nutritional deficiency diseases such as kwashiorkor and marasmus are still endemic in many underdeveloped countries. The problem in Western countries is usually the result…
Toxic and metabolic encephalopathies are a group of neurological disorders characterized by an altered mental status—that is, a delirium , defined as a disturbance of consciousness characterized by a reduced ability to focus, sustain, or shift attention that cannot be…