Chapter 18: Neurologic Emergencies Flashcards
What are the 3 major parts of the brain?
The Brainstem - Controls the most basic functions of the body, such as breathing, blood pressure, swallowing and puil constriction.
The Cerebellum - Controls muscle and body coordination
The Cerebrum - Divided into two hemisphers that control activities on the opposite side of the boy. The front portion controls emotion and thought, and the middle part controls sensation and movement.
What three things are most likely to cause brain dysfunction?
The brain is most sensitive to changes in oxygen, glucose and temperature. A significant change in any one of these three levels will result in a neurological change.
What are the two types of stroke?
Ischemic and Hemorrhagic
What symptoms might lead you to suspect a hemorrhagic stroke?
- Patient complaining of the “worst headache they have ever had”
- Pain that begins as a focused pain and then becomes more diffuse
- Vomiting
- Altered mental status
- Seizures
- Recent head trauma
What are the 2 types of blockage that may cause an Ischemic stroke?
Thrombosis - A blood clot that forms at the site of the blockage
Embolus - A blood clot the forms in a remote area and travels to the site of the blockage.
