Neuro Flashcards
Seizure Types and Intervention
- Partial (one hemisphere, localized motor symptoms).
- Generalized (both hemispheres, loss of consciousness).
- Febrile (due to high fever).
- Interventions: Maintain airway, do not place anything in mouth, protect from injury.
Febrile Seizures
- Caused by high temperature.
- Usually benign and self-limiting
Meningitis
Viral: Less severe, low fever, headache
Bacterial: Severe, high fever, red rash (meningococcemia), can lead to sepsis.
Diagnosis: Lumbar puncture.
Treatment: Antibiotics for bacterial, supportive care for viral
Kernigs Signs
Pain on knee extension with hip flexed
Brudzinskis Sign
Neck flexion cases knee and hip flexion
Hydrocephalus
Excess CSF in the brain
Treatment of hydrocephalus
VP shunt to drain CSF
Malfunction signs - headache, vomiting, irritability, bulging fontanel in infants
Signs of ICP (Increased cranial pressure)
- Infants: Bulging fontanel, high-pitched cry, sunset eyes.
- Children: Headache, vomiting, blurred vision, altered LOC.
Spina Bifida Three Types
Occulta: No neural tissue involvement.
Meningocele: CSF-filled sac, no nerve involvement.
Myelomeningocele: Most severe, spinal cord involvement
Cerebral Palsy
- Non-progressive brain damage affecting movement.
- Treatment Goals: Improve mobility, manage spasticity, maximize independence
Glascow Coma Scale
Normal - 15
Head Injury - 12
Intubate - 8
Monitor ICP - 6
Epilepsy
Chronic Seizures abnormal EEG
Status Epilepticus
More then 30 minutes seizure.
Support vitals, admin meds, medical emergcy, NPO meds
Hydrocephalus Manifestations
Increased head circumference, unequal pupils, bulging fontanel, irritability, lethargy, changes in LOC
ICP Dx
Measure
0 - 15 normal
20 - 40 moderate
above 40 critical
ICP nursing considerations
PRESSURE
Position
Respirations
Elevated Temp
Systems monitor
Straining
Unconscious
RX
Edema
Spina Bifida Dx / Tx
Fetal U/S, CT/MRI, S/S
Spina Bifida manifestations
Hair tuff or dimple
bowel / bladder dysfunction
Gait abnormalities
tethered cord
Spina Bifida Nursing Considerations
Prone with hips flexed and legs abducted
CSF leaks
S/S infection
ICP monitoring
daily head circumference
Pain Tx
LONG TERM - bone strength, mobility, skin, shunts, social
Spina Bifida Complications
Hydrocephalus, club feet, hip dysplasia, contractures, cardiac, bowel, scoliosis, latex allergies
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
Cellular damage caused by lack of oxygen to the brain during or after birth
HIE Tx
Neuro signs w/in hours of birth
hypothermia - cerebral or whole body cooling w/in 6 hours of birth
HIE nursing considerations
Monitor vents and IVs
Seizures
Support for parents
cooling protocols
Closed Head Injury
Leading cause of death in less then 1 year - MVA, falls, abuse
Closed Head Injury - Minor
Brief, no LOC, V/HA, tired
Dx - Neuro checks,
Tx - symptom based, avoid sedatives
Closed head injury - Severe
Increased ICP, altered/lost LOC, unsteady gait, temp, eye changes.
Dx - neuro assessment, MRI
Tx - Stabilize vitals, treat symptoms
Cerebral Palsy Manifestations
Altered development, movement and posture, sensation perception communication cognition and behavior, abnormal muscle tone/coordination
Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis
6 to 12 months, altered growth and development
