NEURO DISORDERS Flashcards
1
Q
Viral meningitis
A
- most common meningitis..usually no lasting effect
- s/s: CSF–clear, pressure <259, lymphocytes elevated
- protein WNL, glucose WNL
- viral less dangerous because there’s no risk of death
2
Q
Bacterial meningitis
A
- nesseira, strep, HIB are causes
- CSF is cloudy due to WBC elevated , pressure elevated, neutrophils, protein elevated, glucose decreased due to bacteria eating it , can be fatal, seizures can occur, PT in ICU
3
Q
Meningitis treatment
A
- antibiotics (vancomycin) for bacterial
- analgesics (Tylenol)
- antipyretics
- steroids (treats inflammation)
- dark room
- symptom mgmt
- anti viral (acyclovir) for viral
4
Q
Meningitis s/s
A
- nuchal rigidity… treat with analgesic
- severe headache
- Kernigs (knee flexed = neck hurts) and brudzinskis (neck flexed =knee flexes)signs
- opisthotonus —body arched up
- carnival neves III IV VI VII VIII affected
- cold hands/feet
- photophobia
- possible sore throat m
5
Q
Encephalitis
A
- caused by West Nile virus, mononucleosis, mumps, herpes simplex, parasites, toxins, bacteria, vaccines
- s/s: headache, nuchal rigidity, <LOC, ataxia (no coordination), hemiparesis, sleep disturbances
- herpes encephalitis : nuchal rigidity, edema/necrosis, leads to IICP or brain herniation, c/o seizures, personality changes, possible blindness r/t hemorrhage
6
Q
Meningitis DX
A
- CT without dye because we don’t know anything yet
- lumbar puncture ( L4)
- MRI
7
Q
Encephalitis Dx & Tx
A
- CT scan, MRI, Lumbar puncture , EEG
- treatment : neuro assessments, anticonvulsants (phenytoin), antipyretics, analgesics (Tylenol), antivirals (acyclovir)
8
Q
IICP
A
- normal pressure 0-15 mmHg
- caused by any brain insult ie brain tumors, intracranial hemorrhage, brain trauma
- can be increased by hypoxemia/hypercapnia, suctioning, valsalva maneuver (bearing down for BM= syncope), coughing/sneezing, positioning, external stimulation (noise), straining
- PT may be on stool softeners or cough medicine to recuse these factors
9
Q
IICP S/s
A
- altered LOC, irritability & restlessness, vomiting, headache, cushings (increased sys, decreased HR, irregular respirations), papilledema, altered temp/respirations/pulse,
- monitor changes, PT may be in ICU for bolt in cerebral parenchyma
10
Q
IICP Tx
A
- maintain sys >90 for organs perfusion
- avoid hypotonic solutions, hyperventilate PRN
- CNS depressants like benzodiazepines to suppress seizures
- steroids like dexamethasone
- osmotic diuretics ie mannitol
- anticonvulsants (phenytoin) range is 10-20 mcg
- antiemetic (zofran) for N/V
- antipyretic for fever
- anti-HTN for BP
- analgesic for pain
11
Q
Migraine headaches
A
- possibly from vasoconstriction , vasodilation
- hormonal (menstrual)
- overactive immune
- with or without aura
- 4 phases: prodromal (you have it), aura (it’s coming, can look like stroke), headache (actual migraine occurring ), resolution (migraine gone)
- treat with analgesics
12
Q
Tension Headache & Tx
A
- PMS, persistent scalp/facial muscle contraction, anxiety, emotional distress
- tx: analgesics, relaxation, massage muscles, no stimuli, localized heat
13
Q
Cluster Headaches
A
- occur in clusters during specific time span
- caused by stress, anxiety, emotional distress, ETOH may worsen episodes
- tx: quiet dark environment, NSAIDS, tricyclic antidepressants (Elavil) aka protriptyline, (Vivactil) aka nortriptyline
14
Q
Headache Triggers and Diagnostics
A
- wine, excessive caffeine, nuts, chocolate, hormones, smoking, lack of sleep, bright lights, loud noise, strong odors
- MRI, CT, EEG, cranial nerve testing, spinal tap, cranial X-rays
15
Q
Headache Tx
A
- control triggers, NSAIDs, ca channel blockers (nifedipine), ergots (cafergot..caffeine helps headaches), serotonin agonist (Zomig, Imitrex)
- Narcs..but they dont necessarily helps with headache cessation, acupuncture, biofeedback, relaxation techniques, stress reduction exercises
16
Q
Seizure Classes
A
- seizing is an abnormal discharge within brain’s neural structure
- partial: begins on 1 side of cerebral cortex (L/R Hemispheres)
- simple partial: still conscious
- complex partial: loss of consciousness
- generalized: affect the entire brain..both cerebral hemispheres
- absence: blank staring, usually kids
- tonic/clonic: aka grand mal…
17
Q
Seizure Causes and S/S
A
- can be idiopathic, or acquired–cerebral lesion, biochemical disorder, post-trauma seizure, postictal period
- Patrial S/S: automatism (inappropriate social behaviors), Loss of conscious (complex), lasts 2-15 minutes, paraesthesia from parietal, visual disturbance, beings in arm/hand, spreads to face/legs ..L OR R
- generalized S/S: absence (petit mal), staring blankly, tonic-clonic (flailing extremities, conscious loss, incontinence, frothing, vomiting, postictal–disorientation/aggression/sleep).. L AND R
18
Q
Seizure Tx
A
- tegretol or carbatol ..1st choice for partial/general tonic clonic/mixed siezures, decreases synaptic transmissions..adverses are fatigue, vision changes, nausea, dizziness, rash, leukopenia
- keppra (levetiraceTAM): epilepsy drug…s/e tiredness, weakness
- lyrica (pregabalin) for partial seizure …s/e dizzy, sleepiness, wt gain, can’t concentrate
- neurotonin (gabapentin) -treats partial and some generalized seizures, can also treat neuropathy
- depakote: limits seizures, s/e n/v
- phenobabrital–raises seizure threshold, s/e drowsiness
-TAM meds are usually anticonvulants that may cause behavioral changes
19
Q
Seizure Therapeutic Tx
A
- seizure precautions
- rail pads on bed, bath blankets folded over/pinned in place
- assist with ambulation
- keep suction/oral airway at beside
- loosen tight clothing
- turn to side when able to prevent aspiration
- monital vitals
- do NOT restrain