Neuro Flashcards
most common pain experienced
headache
what types of headaches are there
tension, migraine, cluster
describe a tension headache
typical headache
base of skull, forehead, neck/shoulder
tension headache relieved with what
rest, NSAIDS, OC meds
determine cause to alleviate
what are the precipitating factors of tension headaches
stress, hunger, lack of sleep, withdrawal from coffee, eye strain
what is the patho of migraines
“pathological cause”
- vascular, genetic, chemical, trigemal vascular system (spasms, decreased blood flow), hypoxia, artery dilation (prostaglandin trigger)
- these cause increase in swelling and sensitivity to pain
s/s of migraine
throbbing pain, worse behind one eye/ear, photophobia, anorexia, nausea, sensitive scalp, sound
three types of migraines
with aura, without aura, atypical
describe migraine with aura
- sensation that indicates onset of migraine or seizure
- develops over several minutes and lasts for less 1 hr
- subjective feeling of doom
- may consist of flashing lights, noises, distorted vision
describe migraines without aura and atypical
without aura: most migraines without aura
atypical: menstrual and cluster
stages of migraines
1) prodrome: specific s/s and mood change
2) aura: visual change, diplopia, flashing light
3) headache: lasts hrs-days
4) termination: intensity decreases
5) postprodrome: fatigue, irritability
what can be triggers of migraines
fatigue, anger, stress, hunger, irritability, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, insomnia, hormones, meds, artificial sweeteners
what are the typical drugs for migraines
NSAIDS, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers,
antidepressants, opioids, Triptan preparatons serotonin (Imitrex*, Zomig, Relpax)
what abortive drugs are used for migraines
ASA and tylenol
taken during aura to prevent migraine from occurring
what is meningitis
- inflammation of protective membrane covering the brain and spinal cord (meninges)
- bacterial(most dangerous) and viral
- medical emergency, high mortality
what do we vaccine against
meningococcal
s/s of meningitis
*nuchal rigidity, headache, fever, chills, photophobia, N/V, altered level of consciousness, tachycardia, seizures, red macular rash, Kernig’s sign, Brudzinski’s sign
what is a positive Kernig and Brudzinski
Kernig: resistance to extension of pt leg from flexed position
Brudzinski: flexion of extremities with deliberate flexion of pt neck
1 indicator of meningitis
have pt put chin to neck
positive for meningitis will NOT be able to do it, too painful
describe viral meningitis
occurs most often and resolves without treatment