Neuro System II: Neuro Eval & Brain Disorders Flashcards
Neurologic signs we look for in the CNS (2).
Examples for each: (4) (2)
- Brain:
1. Mentation
2. Behavior
3. Seizures
4. Balance - Spinal cord:
5. Gait
6. Pain perception
Neurologic signs we look for in the PNS are ____ or ____ function of the body that are not due to ____. Like weakness, ___, &/or ___.
- Nerve
- Muscle
- CNS
- Tremors
- Stiffness
Neurologic problems can be Primary or Secondary.
Define both.
FYI: this will be a quiz question!!
- Primary: Etiology is within neuro system or directly damaging the system.
- Secondary: “Innocent bystander effect”
- Etiology is due to organ or electrolyte dysfunction.
- Neurologic system simply showing signs.
List three examples of Primary neurologic signs (4)
!QUIZ!
- Epilepsy (although not all seizures are this)
- Concussion
- Trauma
- Parasite
Among others
List three examples of Secondary neurologic signs (3)
- Meaning, Neuro signs are SECONDARY to something else
!QUIZ!
- Seizures - some of them (ex: due to toxins)
- Liver failure
- Kidney disease
How do we evaluate a patient with neurological presentation? (7)
- Neuro exam!!
- Blood evaluation
- CBC
- Chem: Gluc, Ca, K+, Na
- Bile acid study (esp neonates) - Blood pressure
- Imaging (Myelogram, CT, MRI)
- Biopsy /CSF analysis
Additional studies: - Electromyography (EMG)
- EEG
T/F: We run a variety of testing on neuro presenting patients due to the body thoroughly protecting the neuro system
True! Since the body protects neuro system so well, it makes it extremely difficult for the vet team to get info about the system & implement Tx
Brain trauma has a primary event and secondary event:
The primary event is called ___ & ____. Distruption of the ___ tracts and ___ damage occur.
Secondary event causes increased ____ pressure, ____, & ____.
- Initial & contrecoup
- Fiber
- Cell
- Intracranial
- Hypoxia
- Seizures
A primary event with brain trauma has an initial and contrecoup. Explain what this is.
Hint: Car crash
Car crash
Initial event: You move forward, so the brain moves forward.
Contrecoup: Then you slam back, & so does the brain. This can be just as, or more, damaging than the initial event.
Brain trauma secondary event can lead to increased intracranial pressure. List some examples of outcomes of this (4)
- Hemorrhage
- Edema
- Hypoxia
- Seizures
Brain trauma clinical signs (6)
- Blood from ears, nose, or mouth
- Ocular hemorrhage
- Abnormal pupils
- Nystagmus (rapid eye movement)
- Anisocoria (unequal pupil size) - Loss of consciousness or alertness
- Seizures
- Shock, altered heart or respiratory patterns
Brain trauma supportive care (5)
- Elevate head
- Oxygen
- IV fluids
- Meds to control seizures
- Meds to decrease brain edema
Edema definition
Swelling caused by too much fluid trapped in body tissues
Vestibular syndrome is an abnormality of ___ ear or ___ resulting in balance abnormalities, ___, & nystagmus
- Inner ear
- Brainstem
- Ataxia
Vestibular syndrome etiology/causes (4)
- Idiopathic
- Common in senior dogs, does occur in cats
- Possibly viral - Inner ear infections
- Tumors
- Thomboemboli (“stroke”)
Vestibular syndrome supportive care (4)
- Tx underlying disease if determined
- Protect animal from self-trauma
- Tx symptoms (nausea)
- Provide fluid & nutritional support!!
Idiopathic vestibular syndrome is usually self-limiting in ___ to ___ weeks.
Patients may have a permanent ___ ___.
- Two to three weeks
- Head tilt
T/F: It is common for animals to have a second episode of vestibular syndrome
False! It is very UNcommon
Seizure definition:
A seizure is ___ disturbances in the brain ___.
- Transitory
- Function
A seizure can present as… (4)
Hint: What can a seizure look like?
- Loss or change in consciousness
- Change in muscle tone or movement
- Behavior change
- Change of autonomic function
Name the three components of a seizure
- Aura (preictal period)
- Ictus (seizure activity)
- Postictal period
Seizure classification:
What is Partial & Petit mal? (2)
- Abnormal focus in cerebrum
- One body part shows seizure or behavior abnormality such as “gum chewing” or “fly biting” (flowing/floating whiskers)
What is generalized seizure classification? (3)
This is the most common type of seizure
- Symmetrical whole body involvement
- Loss of consciousness may occur
- Tonic or paddling
- Tonic: Limbs stiffen.
- Paddling: Rhythmic movements (like paddling motion).
What is epilepsy?
Repeated events of seizures
Epilepsy etiology/causes (6)
- Idiopathic
- Congenital or inherited - Trauma
- Metabolic (liver disease, etc) - This type typically can make full recovery!
- Brain tumors
- Meningitis
- Thromboembolism
What are some instructions that should be given to owners with a pet with epilepsy? (5)
- Time all seizures
- Seizures >5min are a concern
- Seizures >15min may cause brain damage - Protect animal from trauma
- Do not stimulate patient (rubbing, shouting)
- Do not put anything in animals mouth!
- Seizures occurring more than 1x/month or more than 1x in 24hrs need medication
T/F: A first time seizure patient should be evaluated with a neuro exam, blood work, & bile acid study
True!
Status epilepticus is…
Epilepsy that is static; not changing; patient is “stuck”
A patient is considered to be status epilepticus if…
This can cause… (3)
Seizures lasting continuously and/or >15min
1. Cerebral edema
2. Coma
3. Death