Disorders of Circulation in CNS Flashcards
Ischemia
Obstructed blood vessels
drops blood flow in brain
Increased Pressure w/in Skull Caused By
hematoma
excessive production of cerebral spinal fluid
blockage of duct system conveying cerebral spinal fluid
Brain & Spinal Cord FX
detect/transmit/analyze sensory information
generate signals to autonomic/motor pathways
orchestrate endocrine functions/coordination/movement
Major Disorders
Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Stroke
Subdural/Spinal Cord Hemorrhage
Transiet Ischemic Attack
brief appearance of symptoms resembling stroke
generally resolve w/in 24 hours
Stroke
brain attack
enduring disruption of speech/motor/communication/accompanied by cognitive deficits
Cerebrospinal Fluid Pruduced
in choroid plexi of ventricles
CSF Flows Through
ventricular system of brain
subarachnoid space surrounding brain & spinal cord
CSF FX
resorbed into venous dural sinuses via arachnoid villi
balance between production & absorption is critical
CSF Made
constantly
blockage = over-accumulation
increases pressure against brain
Blood-BrainBarrier About
specialized endothelium in brain capillaries
permits selective entry of substances into CNS
tight junctions between endothelial cells
active transport
BBB Transport (Direct)
highly lipophilic substances
BBB Transport (Simple Diffusion)
water
BBB Transport (Facilitated Diffusion)
most nutrients
Meds that typically cross BB
small weight anti-psychotics
sleep aids
antidepressants
98% cannot
Cerebral Autoregulation
maintains steady flow of blood to brain/spinal chord
Cerebral Blood Flow Increased BP Decreased BP Increased PaCo2 Decreased PaCo2
arteries respond to pH/Co2/O2 constricted cerebral capillaries dilated capillaries dilated vessels constricted cerebral vessels
If Autoregulatory Mechanisms Fail
loss of match between oxygen supply/demand of tissues
Intracrainial Pressure
pressure exerted by contents of cranium
compensatory relationship maintains cerebral compliance in response to changes in volume
Injured Brain Tissue
cytotoxic edema vasogenic edema
clearance of brain tissue swelling
Hydrocephalus
excessive accumulation of CSF in cranial vault that compresses surrounding structures
Hydrocephalus Causes
lesions that obstruct CSF flow
problems with resorption
Intracranial Pressure (ICP) NV
5-15 mmHG
Increased ICP Causes
trauma hemorrhage growths/tumors hydrocephalus edema inflammation in brain
Increased ICP Effects
impeded circulation to brain
impeded absorption of CSF
impacts fx of nerve cells
leads to brainstem compression/deat
Neuro Assessment
Altered level of consciousness (earliest sign of increased ICP) pupillary changes fever headache nausea vomitting abnormal respirations
Later Signs of Neurological Changes
elevated SBP widened pulse pressure bradycardia LATE changes in motor function positive babinski (toes extended) decorticate (Cs inward) decerebrate(Es outward) seizures
Glasgow Coma Scale uses
gauge impact of acute brain trauma vascular injury/infection hepatic/renal failure hypoglycemia diabetic ketoacidosis