Neuro- Seizures/TBI/CVA/CNS infection Flashcards
seizures are caused by
uncontrolled excessive electrical discharges in the brain
Epilepsy is defined as
a state of recurrent seizures.
A diagnosis of epilepsy is made after _______unprovoked seizures. AED treatment is generally started after the second seizure because the patient has a substantially increased risk (approximately 75%) for repeated seizures after two events.
two or more
diagnostics for seizures
- Head CT
- Brain MRI
- routine EEG
management of seizures
- Lorazepam 2 mg over 1 minute to stop seizures
intubate if GCS <8
Primary injury of CVA occurs
at the time of injury
Epidural hematoma are usually seen in
MVC, falls, and skull fractures and
usually causes arterial bleeding
Subdural Hematoma usually found in
falls, assaults
Effects are tearing of bridging veins, cortical veins or venous sinuses
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage definition
Bleeding between the brain and tissue covering the brain
signs of a basilar skull fraction
- Battle sign or raccoon eyes
When CBF falls < _________then cell injury or death can occur
20 ml/100g/m
Normal cerebral blood flow (CBF) is
45-55 ml / 100g brain tissue / minute
Normal ICP
< 10
who needs ICP monitoring
Patients with severe head injury (GCS 3-8) with an abnormal CT scan
External Ventricular Drains (EVD) are the
gold standard for accuracy
drains excess CSF
Early finding to TBI
- Decrease LOC
- Sensory deficits
- motor weakness
- pupillary dysfunction (size, shape, reaction)
- possible seizure
Late findings of TBI
- decreased LOC…. possibly coma
- vomiting
- hemiplegia (posturing)
- change in vital signs
- respiratory irregularities
-impaired brainstem reflexes (corneal, gag)
Late sign of herniation in rising ICP
Cushings triad
- hypertension
- Bradycardia
- Abnormal respiratory patterns
Treatment of elevated ICP
Nursing care
Management of BP
Optimizing O2, ventilation
Ventricular drainage
Osmotic therapy
Hyperventilation
Sedation / paralytics
High dose barbiturate therapy
Hypothermia
Tier 1 interventions for decreasing ICP
Ensure temperature < 38o C.
sedation: Propofol and/or benzodiazepines fentanyl as analgesic.
CSF drainage (if EVD available)
Maintain paCO2 35-40mm Hg.
Mannitol (0.25 – 1.0 g/kg)
Titrate to ICP control and maintain serum osmolality < 320 mOsm or Gap <20.
Hypertonic saline