Chp. 59 - Chronic Neurologic Problems Flashcards
Tension-type headache
characterized by its bilateral location and pressing/tightening quality. They are usually of mild or moderate intensity and not aggravated by physical activity
Migraine headache
recurring headache characterized by unilateral or bilateral throbbing pain, a triggering event or factor, strong family history, and manifestations associated with neurologic and autonomic nervous system dysfunction
Migraines may be preceded by…
prodrome - something happens before a migraine (about 24 hrs) that warns a person that it is coming aura - immediately precedes migraine (not common)
What medication to take at onset of migraine (abortive)
Triptan (sumatriptan) Abortive medication Shrinks blood vessels that are causing pain
Example of prophylactic medication for migraine
Topamax
Cluster headache
rare form of headache with a sharp stabbing pain. They involve repeated headaches that can occur for weeks to months at a time, followed by periods of remission
Tension headache Site Quality Frequency Duration Associated Symptoms
Site: bilateral, bandlike pressure at base of skull Quality: constant, squeezing tightness Frequency: cycles for many years Duration: 30 min - 7 days Associated symptoms: stiff neck/shoulders, tenderness
Migraine headache Site Quality Frequency Duration Time/mode of onset Associated symptoms
Site: unilateral (60%), commonly anterior Quality: throbbing, synchronous with pulse Frequency: periodic; cycles of several mos to yrs Duration: 4-72 hours Time/mode of onset: may be prodrome; onset after wake; improves w/ sleep Associated symptoms: N/V irritability, sweating, photo/phonophobia, family Hx
Cluster headache Site Quality Frequency Duration Time/mode of onset Assoicated symptoms
Site: unilateral, radiating from 1 eye Quality: severe, bone-crushing Frequency: may have mos or yrs between attacks Duration: 5 min - 3 hrs Time/mode of onset: nocturnal; commonly awakens pt from sleep Associated symptoms: facial flushing or pallor, unilateral lacrimation, ptosis, rhinitis
Seizure
A paroxyxmal, uncoltrolled electrical discharge of neurons in the brain that interrupts normal function
4 phases of seizure
- Prodromal - signs/activity that precede sz 2. Aural - sensory warning of impending sz 3. Ictal - full sz 4. Postical - period of recovery after sz
Generalized seizure
involve both sides of the brain and are characterized by bilateral synchronous epileptic discharges in the brain from the onset of the seizure (no warning or aura)
Tonic-clonic seizure
sz characterized by loss of consciousness and falling followed by stiffening of the body (tonic) and subsequent jerking of the extremities (clonic) Generalized
Absence (petit mal) seizure
sz w/ brief starting spell lasting only a few seconds (many go unnoticed); rarely continues beyond adolescence Generalized
Myoclonic seizure
sz characterized by a sudden, excessive jerk of the body or extremities Generalized
atonic seizure
sz characterized by loss of muscle tone and begins suddenly with the person falling to the ground Generalized
Tonic seizure
sz involves a sudden onset of maintained increased tone in extensor muscles (increased tone in muscles) Generalized
Clonic seizure
sz begins with loss of consciousness and sudden loss of muscle tone, followed by limb jerking Generalized
Simple partial seizure
sz do not involve loss of consciousness and rarely last longer than 1 minute
Complex partial seizure
sz usually last longer than 1 minute, frequently followed by a period of postictal confusion (amnesia of event), involve alteration in consciousness
Status epilepticus
a state of continuous seizure activity or a condition in which seizures recur in rapid succession without return to consciousness between seizures
Primary drugs to treat generalized tonic-clonic and partial seizures
phenytoin (Dilantin) ***** carbamazepine (Tegretol) phenobarbital divalproex (Depakote)
Drugs used to treat absence and myoclonic sz
divalproex (Depakote) clonazepam (Klonopin)
Drug to treat status epilepticus
diazepam (Valium)
SE for antiseizure drugs
involve the CNS and include diplopia, drowsiness, ataxia, and mental slowing
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
a chronic, progressive, degenerative disorder of the CNS characterized by disseminated demyelination of nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord
Parkinson’s Disease
a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by slowness in the initiation and execution of movement (bradykinesia), increased muscle tone (rigidity), tremor at rest, and gait disturbance
Parkinson’s Triad
1) bradykinesia - slowness in the initiation of movement 2) rigidity - increased muscle tone 3) tremor at rest