Neurologic disorders: Seizures and Spinal Cord Injury

Question 1

What benzodiazepines can be used for the treatment of seizures? What are their dosages?

Answer 1

Diazepam - 0.5 - 1.0 mg/kg IV/ per rectum, 1 mg/kg IN; 0.5 - 1.0 mg/kg/hr CRI

Midazolam - 0.2 mg/kg IV/IN; 0.2-0.4 mg/kg/hr CRI

Question 2

Patients that are admitted in status epilepticus or with cluster seizures may have ________ _____ (a neurological disturbance) and _______ administration should be considered.

Answer 2

Cerebral edema; Mannitol

Question 3

What medications are considered the first-line anticonvulsant drugs recommended for chronic seizure disorders?

Answer 3

Phenobarbital and bromide

Question 4

What are the 5 divisions or segments of the spinal cord, in regards to neurolocalization of injury?

Answer 4

C1 - C5, C6 - T2, T3 - L3, L4-S1, S1 - S3

Question 5

In regards to a T3 - L3 spinal cord lesion, what reflex can be assessed for localization?

Answer 5

Cutaneous trunci reflex

Question 6

A T3 - L3 lesion can result in what phenomenon? Describe it.

Answer 6

Schiff-Sherrington

Increased thoracic limb muscle tone, as a result of decreased ascending inhibitory input

Question 7

Emergency treatment of spinal cord injuries includes -?

Answer 7

Fluid therapy, due to the presumed compromise of spinal cord vasculature, heavy sedation, analgesia (pure or partial opioid), and potential splint placement

Question 8

Small animal patients with cervical spinal trauma have been reported to have a ____ prognosis.

Overall, the prognosis for recovery after trauma to the thoracolumbar spinal cord that results in the loss of deep pain sensation is _____.

Answer 8

Good; Grave