Additional CNS Disorders: infection, hydrocephalus Flashcards
what is hydrocephalus
abnormal buildup of CSF in the ventricles = ventricular enlargement = excessive pressure on surrounding brain tissue
who is hydrocephalus commonly seen in
infants and older adults
communicating hydrocephalus
CSF flow disrupted after leaving ventricles (back up of CSF)
non-communicating hydrocephalus
CSF flow blocked along one or more of the narrow passages connecting the ventricles (blockage of CSF)
normal pressure hydrocephalus
idiopathic or result of bleeding in the brains CSF, head trauma, infxn, tumor, or complication of surgery
clinical triad of symptoms for normal pressure hydrocephalus
altered mental status - mild dementia
gait disturbance - shuffling, magnetic gait
urinary incontinence - appears later
dx for hydrocephalus
neuro exam
MRI/CT
lumbar puncture
ICP monitoring
medical management for hydrocephalus
monitoring
shunt placement
endoscopic third ventriculostomy
SxS of shunt dysfunction for hydrocephalus
HA, diplopia, photosensitivity, N/V, neck/shoulder soreness, seizures, redness or tenderness along shunt tract, low grade fever, excessive sleep, reoccurrence of hydrocephalus symptoms
prognosis of hydrocephalus
can be fatal if left untreated
life expectancy = normal if caught and treated
brain abscess
pus filled swelling in brain
symptoms for brain abscess
HA, AMS, focal weakness, seizures, visual disturbances
fever, chills, neck stiffness
encephalitis
inflammation of brain tissue cause by viral infxn
what does the exam look for with encephalitis
sores around lips, genitals, mosquito bites, ticks
typical symptoms for encephalitis
flu like SxS last 2-3 weeks
fever, fatigue, sore throat, vomiting, HA
what other severe symptoms can you see with encephalitis
seizures, muscle weakness, paralysis, memory loss, sudden impaired judgement, poor responsiveness
prognosis for encephalitis
mild will fully recover
severe = damage to nervous system
can be life threatening without dx
untreated herpes encephalitis will result in what
50-75% of people will die within 18 months
meningitis
inflammation of meninges in brain or spinal cord
cause of meningitis
bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic, amebic
injury, CA, drugs
hallmark signs of meningitis
HA, fever, neck stiffness
other symptoms of meningitis
N/V, confusion, seizures, sleepy, sensitivity to light, lack of interest in drinking/eating, skin rash
prevention of meningitis
childhood vaccine, hygiene
treatment of meningitis
antibiotis
antifungals
steroids
kernigs sign
meningitis
pt supine, hip flexed 90 deg, knee cant fully extend
brudzinski’s sign
meningitis
neck rigidity
passive flexion of neck causes flexion or both legs/hipd
general treatment guidelines for CNS infxn
may not need
symptoms management
initiate once medial POC is established
