CNS pathologies Flashcards
pupil fixed/dilated impaired eye movement impaired motor function causing abnormal posture changes in speech changes in vital sign high systolic blood pressure weak pulse vomiting/nausea headache changes in behavoiur progressively losing consciousness lthaergy seizures
increased intracranial pressure (ICP)
cerebral oedema or inflammation
headache - maybe worse in the morning after waking up neck pain drowsiness nausea vomiting confusion blurred vision difficulty walking
hydrocephalus
abnormal accumulation of CSF in ventricles or other cavities of the brain caused by blocked circulation or absorption of CSF
hydrocephalus
infection or inflammation of the membranes covering the brain/spinal cord
meningitis
causes meningitis
mostly bacterial
viral infection less severe
kernigs sign meningitis
resistance to leg extension when lying with the hips flexed
brudzinski sign meningitis
neck flexion causes flexion of hip & knee
can be life threatening when leads to ICP so condition classified as medical emergency petechiae - non-blanching sudden onset of SEVERE HEADACHE PHOTOPHOBIA STIFF NECK vomiting
menginitis
diagnosis meningitis
lumbar puncture
causes ICP
haemorrhage extreme hypoglycaemia hypoxia infections abcesses inflammation of brain meningitis tumours trauma/injury
complications meningitis
brain/nerve damage
meningitis treatment
antibiotics/antivirals
vary from mild-severe unconsciousness amnesia headaches seizures leaking CSF or blood from ear or nose fever
head injuries
reversible head injury which usually results from a significant BLOW to the head, causing sudden movement of the brain, disrupting neurological function
concussion
bruising of the brain with ruptured blood vessels and oedema, usually caused by a blunt blow to the head. residual damage depends on force of the blow and amount of tissue onjury
contusion
concussion symptoms + nausea vomiting seizures difficulty coordination/movement impaired memory, vision, speech, hearing
contusion
basilar fracture
fracture at base of skull
damage to the brain at a site contra-lateral to the site of direct damage/trauma
damage occurs as the brain bounces of the skull
contrecoup injury
common causes of headaches 7
sinus congestion muscle tension jaw/joint problems tension/stress climate hypoglycaemia caffeine withdrawal
what would indicate that a headache was a more serious condition
serious conditions start suddenly and affect the pupils
may begin with an ‘aura’ - unusual visual
incapacitating pain
begins on one side, then headache with visuals
sensory hypersensitivity
nausea & vomiting
migraine
cause migraine
abnormal blood flow/metabolism in the brain
food allergies, alcohol, food additives, emotions, hormones
differential diagnosis migraine
brain tumour, stroke, meningitis, head injury - watch pupils!
often morning headaches, increasing in frequency
maybe vomiting
uneven pupils
brain tumour
why can even benign tumours be life threatening
increased ICP
often secondary malignant tumours
abnormal and intense electrical activity in the brain resulting in recurrent fits or seizures
epilepsy
abnormal neurone activity in brain
seizures
causes epilepsy
idiopathic
brain damage, head injuries
medication - larium
two types seizures epilepsy
petit mal seizures, grand mal seizures
tourettes is a form of
epilepsy
petit mal seizure known as
absence seizure
petit mal seizure lasts
10-30 seconds, no lingering confusion
grand-mal seizures also known as
tonic-clonic seizures- longer recovery
grand mal tonic phase
contraction of all body muscles
grand mal clonic phase
rapid contraction/relaxation of muscles causing spasming
