Nervous system conditions Flashcards
(31 cards)
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)
