Chapter 17: Neurologic Emergencies

Question 1

A state of profound unconsciousness from which one cannot be aroused

Answer 1

coma

Question 2

An interruption of blood flow to the brain that results in the loss of brain function. Also called a stroke.

Answer 2

cerebrovascular accident (CVA)

Question 3

An interruption of blood flow to the brain that results in the loss of brain function; also called a cerebrovascular accident (CVA)

Answer 3

stroke

Question 4

A lack of oxygen in the cells of the brain that causes them to not function properly

Answer 4

ischemia

Question 5

Clotting of the cerebral arteries that may result in the interruption of cerebral blood flow and subsequent stroke

Answer 5

thrombosis

Question 6

One of the two main types of stroke; occurs when blood flow to a particular part of the brain is cut off by a blockage (eg. a clot) inside a blood vessel

Answer 6

ischemic stroke

Question 7

One of the two main types of stroke; occurs as a result of bleeding inside the brain

Answer 7

hemorrhagic stroke

Question 8

A swelling or enlargement of part of a blood vessel, resulting from weakening of the vessel wall

Answer 8

aneurysm

Question 9

A disorder of the brain in which brain cells temporarily stop working because of insufficient oxygen, causing stroke-like symptoms that resolve completely within 24 hours of onset

Answer 9

transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Question 10

slurred speech

Answer 10

dysarthria

Question 11

the inability to understand and/or produce speech

Answer 11

aphasia

Question 12

A period following a seizure that lasts between 5 and 30 minutes; characterized by labored respirations and some degree of altered mental status

Answer 12

postictal state

Question 13

Generalized, uncoordinated muscular activity associated with loss of consciousness; a convulsion

Answer 13

seizure

Question 14

A seizure characterized by severe twitching of all the body’s muscles that may last several minutes or more; formerly known as a grand mal seizure

Answer 14

generalized seizure

Question 15

A seizure affecting a limited portion of the brain

Answer 15

partial seizure

Question 16

A sensation experienced prior to a seizure; serves as a warning sign that a seizure is about to occur

Answer 16

aura

Question 17

A type of seizure that features rhythmic back-and-forth motion of an extremity and body stiffness

Answer 17

tonic-clonic seizure

Question 18

A condition in which seizures recur every few minutes or last most than 30 minutes

Answer 18

status epilepticus

Question 19

A condition characterized by low blood glucose level

Answer 19

hypoglycemia

Question 20

Seizures that result from sudden high fevers, particularly in children

Answer 20

febrile seizures

Question 21

loss of bowel and/or bladder control; may be the result of a generalized seizure

Answer 21

incontinence

Question 22

Weakness on one side of the body

Answer 22

hemiparesis