Additional CNS Disorders: infection, hydrocephalus

Question 1

what is hydrocephalus

Answer 1

abnormal buildup of CSF in the ventricles = ventricular enlargement = excessive pressure on surrounding brain tissue

Question 2

who is hydrocephalus commonly seen in

Answer 2

infants and older adults

Question 3

communicating hydrocephalus

Answer 3

CSF flow disrupted after leaving ventricles (back up of CSF)

Question 4

non-communicating hydrocephalus

Answer 4

CSF flow blocked along one or more of the narrow passages connecting the ventricles (blockage of CSF)

Question 5

normal pressure hydrocephalus

Answer 5

idiopathic or result of bleeding in the brains CSF, head trauma, infxn, tumor, or complication of surgery

Question 6

clinical triad of symptoms for normal pressure hydrocephalus

Answer 6

altered mental status - mild dementia
gait disturbance - shuffling, magnetic gait
urinary incontinence - appears later

Question 7

dx for hydrocephalus

Answer 7

neuro exam
MRI/CT
lumbar puncture
ICP monitoring

Question 8

medical management for hydrocephalus

Answer 8

monitoring
shunt placement
endoscopic third ventriculostomy

Question 9

SxS of shunt dysfunction for hydrocephalus

Answer 9

HA, diplopia, photosensitivity, N/V, neck/shoulder soreness, seizures, redness or tenderness along shunt tract, low grade fever, excessive sleep, reoccurrence of hydrocephalus symptoms

Question 10

prognosis of hydrocephalus

Answer 10

can be fatal if left untreated
life expectancy = normal if caught and treated

Question 11

brain abscess

Answer 11

pus filled swelling in brain

Question 12

symptoms for brain abscess

Answer 12

HA, AMS, focal weakness, seizures, visual disturbances
fever, chills, neck stiffness

Question 13

encephalitis

Answer 13

inflammation of brain tissue cause by viral infxn

Question 14

what does the exam look for with encephalitis

Answer 14

sores around lips, genitals, mosquito bites, ticks

Question 15

typical symptoms for encephalitis

Answer 15

flu like SxS last 2-3 weeks
fever, fatigue, sore throat, vomiting, HA

Question 16

what other severe symptoms can you see with encephalitis

Answer 16

seizures, muscle weakness, paralysis, memory loss, sudden impaired judgement, poor responsiveness

Question 17

prognosis for encephalitis

Answer 17

mild will fully recover
severe = damage to nervous system

can be life threatening without dx

Question 18

untreated herpes encephalitis will result in what

Answer 18

50-75% of people will die within 18 months

Question 19

meningitis

Answer 19

inflammation of meninges in brain or spinal cord

Question 20

cause of meningitis

Answer 20

bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic, amebic
injury, CA, drugs

Question 21

hallmark signs of meningitis

Answer 21

HA, fever, neck stiffness

Question 22

other symptoms of meningitis

Answer 22

N/V, confusion, seizures, sleepy, sensitivity to light, lack of interest in drinking/eating, skin rash

Question 23

prevention of meningitis

Answer 23

childhood vaccine, hygiene

Question 24

treatment of meningitis

Answer 24

antibiotis
antifungals
steroids

Question 25

kernigs sign

Answer 25

meningitis

pt supine, hip flexed 90 deg, knee cant fully extend

Question 26

brudzinski’s sign

Answer 26

meningitis
neck rigidity
passive flexion of neck causes flexion or both legs/hipd

Question 27

general treatment guidelines for CNS infxn

Answer 27

may not need
symptoms management
initiate once medial POC is established