Nervous system conditions Flashcards
Define TLOC?
A Spontaneous loss of consciousness with complete recovery and no residual neurological deficit.
What are the common causes of TLOC?
- Cardiogenic conditions
- Neurological conditions
Define “Coma”.
The absence of consciousness
Define “Prodomal Symtoms”
Early signs of a disease or disorder
What are the signs of an uncomplicated faint?
- Posturing
- Prodomal symptoms
- Provoking factors
What are the red flags for TLOC?
- New ECG12 Abnormalities
- Physical signs of Heart failure
- Family HX of sudden death in under 40s
- New unexplained breathlessness
Define “Convulsion”.
An involuntary contraction and relaxation of the muscles producing rigidity and violently shaking of the limbs.
Define “Eclampsia”.
A complication of pregnancy, where by seizures occur in women who are >20 weeks due to physiological changes in the body.
What are the common causes of non epileptic convulsions?
- Preveoked symptomatic seizures
- Psychogenic Non epileptic seizures (PNES/ FND)
- Vasovagal syncope
- Cardiogenic events
What causes a seizure?
Schronized and excessive excitation of neurons in the cerebral cortex
What are the different types of seizures?
- Partial
- Generalised
- Tonic clonic
- Absence
- Cryptogenic
What is the difference between the two types of partial seizures?
Simple - Conscious maintained, pins and needles in a distinct part of the body
Complex - Consciousness altered, Semi-purposeful behaviour.
Define “PNES”.
An involuntary physiological response as a result of psychological trauma.
Define “Status Epilepticus”
Seizure/ Series of that continue for more than 5 minutes.
What is the maximum amount of benzodiazapines that can be given pre-hospital?
20mg
What are the 2 causes of stroke?
- Ischemic - Blockage
- Haemorrhagic - Bleed
Define “TIA”.
A brief interuption of blood supply to the brain causing temporary neurological impairment
What are the risk factors for stroke?
- Sickle cell anaemia
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Atherolsclerosis
- Over 65
- AF
- HTN
- Eclampsia
- Head injury
What are the common non-fast symptoms that are associated with stroke?
- Difficulty understanding information
- Ataxia
- Dysphagia
- Thunder clap headache
Define “Sub-arachnoid haemorrhage”
A bleed from an aneurysm that goes into the sub-arachnoid space, between the pia and arachnoid layers.
What are the common recognition features of a sub arachnoid haemorrhage?
- Sudden severe headache, diffused around the head.
- vomiting (Not in all cases)
- May accuse of feeling they are being slapped on the head.
Define “Meningitis”
The immflamation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord.
Define “Septecemia” .
When bacteria invade the blood stream.
in what age group is meningitis most common?
Infants (Under1’s)
Define “Parkinsons disease”
A condition caused by a loss of nerve cells in the substantia nigra, causing a decreased of dopamine.
What alternative management may be put into place to assist with Parkinsons symptoms?
- Support tratement (Physio, occupational therapy)
- Medications
- Brain surgery (In some cases).
What are the different types of headaches?
- Primary headaches - occur in response to a life long condition, are tension type headaches or are severe and short lasting
- Secondary headaches - Secondary to illness or injury and are pathological in origin.
What are the different types of migraine?
- Migraine with aura
- Migraine without aura
- Migraine without headache
Define “tension headache”.
Constant ache that affects both sides of the head and is often frontal. May be accompanied by neck tension and feeling pressure behind the eyes.
Define “rebound headache”.
The headache that occurs when a medication is withdrawn, particularly pain releif.
Define “Cluster headache”.
Excruciating attacks of pain on 1 side of the head, often behind the eye.
