chapter 18 - neurologic Flashcards
A state of profound unconsciousness from which the patient cannot be roused
coma
An interruption of blood flow to the brain that results in the loss of brain function; also called a cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
stroke
An abnormally high blood glucose level
hyperglycemia
A type of stroke that occurs when blood flow to a particular part of the brain is cut off by a blockage inside a blood vessel
ischemic stroke
An abnormally low blood glucose level
hypoglycemia
Seizures that result from sudden high fevers; most often seen in children
febrile seizures
A type of stroke that occurs as a result of bleeding inside the brain
hemorrhagic stroke
The inability to understand and/or produce speech
aphasia
A disorder in which cholesterol and calcium build up inside the walls of the blood vessels, forming plaque, which eventually leads to a partial or complete blockage of blood flow
atherosclerosis
A swelling or enlargement of the wall of a blood vessel that results from weakening of the vessel wall
aneurysm
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
generalized seizure
The period following a seizure that lasts 5 to 30 minutes; characterized by labored respirations and some degree of altered mental status
postictal state
A change in the way a person thinks and behaves that may signal disease in the central nervous system or elsewhere in the body
altered mental status
A blood clot, either in the arterial or venous system. When the clot occurs in a cerebral artery, it may result in the interruption of cerebral blood flow and subsequent stroke
thrombosis
Slurred speech
dysarthria
A disorder of the brain in which brain cells temporarily stop functioning because of insufficient oxygen, causing stroke like symptoms that resolve completely within 24 hours of onset
transient ischemic attack
A fainting spell or transient loss of consciousness
syncope
A disorder in which abnormal electrical discharges occur in the brain, causing seizures and possible loss of consciousness
epilepsy
A seizure affecting a limited portion of the brain
focal seizure
A lack of oxygen that deprives tissue of necessary nutrients, resulting from partial or complete blockage of blood flow
ischemia
A blood clot or other substance in the circulatory system that travels to a blood vessel where it causes a blockage of blood flow
embolus
An interruption of blood flow to the brain that results in the loss of brain function; also called a stroke
cerebrovascular accident
A neurologic episode caused by a surge of electrical activity in the brain; can be a convulsion characterized by generalized, uncoordinated muscular activity, and can be associated with loss of consciousness
seizure
Weakness on one side of the body
hemiparesis
A condition in which seizures recur every few minutes or last longer than 30 minutes
status epilepticus
A temporary change in mental status characterized by disorganized thoughts, inattention, memory loss, disorientation, hallucinations, delusions, or a decreased level of consciousness
delirium
Loss of bowel and/or bladder control; may be the result of a generalized seizure
incontinence
A sensation experienced before a seizure; serves as a warning sign that a seizure is about to occur
aura
