Chapter 16 Flashcards
the brain and the spinal cord
central nervous system
formed in the first 3-4 weeks of gestation that will eventually become the CNS
neutral tube
any environmental substance that can cause physical defects in the developing embryo fetus
teratogen
the formation of myelin that covers and protects the nerves
myelinization
a rise in the normal pressure within the skull
intracranial pressure (ICP)
measurement of the child’s head around the largest area
head circumference
extremites are flexed; occurs with damage of the cerebral cortex
decorticate posturing
extremities extending and pronated; occurs with damage at the level of the brain stem
decerebrate posturing
state of consciousness after seizure
postictal
position in which the head and neck are hyperextended to relieve discomfort
opisthotonic
What procedure do you keep the child flat for 1 hour post procedure?
lumbar puncture (LP)
serious birth defects of the spine and brain
neutral tube defects
brain defect resulting in small or missing brain hemispheres, skull, or scalp
anencephaly
a protrusion of the brain and meninges through a skull defect
encephalocele
a head circumference that is more than three standard deviations below the mean for age and sex of the infant
microcephaly
different groups and subgroups based on anatomic anomalies of the craniocervical junction and downward displacement of the cerebellar structures
chiari malformation
not specific illness by itself- results from underlying brain disorder
hydrocephalus
rare congenital disorder cause by an abnormal development of the blood vessels in the brain, brainstem, or spinal cord
intracranial arteriovenous malformation
premature closure of the cranial sutures
craniosynostosis
asymmetry of the head from gravitational force or toricollis
positional plagiocephaly
-infection of the meninges (lining that surrounds the brain and spinal cord)
-serious illness in children and can lead to brain damage, nerve damage, deafness, stroke, and death
-requires rapid assessment, treatment, and hospitalization
REVIEW SLIDE 13
bacterial meningitis
salicylates are in many products including: alka-seltzer, pepto-bismol, aspirin, ect
reye syndrome (extremely rare)
-most common type effecting children younger than age 5
-echovirus and coxsackievrius most common causative agents
-LP and blood cultures: antibiotics will be given until bacterial meningitis can be ruled out-once identified as viral, antiviral agents given
aseptic meningitis
-inflammation of the brain that may also include inflammation of the meningies
-viral illness, autoimmune disorders, and vector born disease are most common cause
- symptoms: headache, stiff neck, flu-like symptoms, altered LOC, generalized weakness
encephalitis