lecture 11 - consciousness, coma & sleep Flashcards
What is the key characteristic of an EEG of a person in a coma?
There is no sleep-type EEG activty
What posturing will occur when a person is in a coma?
Decorticate (abnormal flexion), decerebrate (abnormal extension/rigidity)
What are some focal causes of coma?
trauma, haemorrhage, stroke, space occupying lesion
What are some diffuse processes that can cause coma?
Raised ICP, toxins, metabolic disturbance, hypoxia, infection, extremes of BP
What are the 2 basic patterns on EEG in a conscious person?
Alpha, Beta
What is an alpha pattern on EEG?
A slow steady pattern in a person who is awake, relaxed, eyes closed/bored
What is a beta pattern on ECG?
Desynchronised patterns reflecting increase arousal and attention, with eyes open and concentrating
What are the 2 major phases of sleep?
REM (rapid eye movement), non-REM (slow wave)
What is the first phase of sleep?
slow-wave sleep
How long is a typical sleep cycle (non-REM followed by REM)?
90-120 minutes
What occurs during slow wave sleep?
mental activity continues, metabolic rate lowers
What occurs during REM sleep?
rapid eye movements, total postural relaxation
In which phase of sleep does sleepwalking occur?
Slow Wave
In which phase of sleep does dreaming occur?
REM
What are some common sleep disorders?
Apnoea, narcolepsy, enuresis (bed wetting), somnambulism (sleep walking)
