Neurologic Dysfunction Flashcards
Potential signs of neurologic complications
Development of handedness before 1 year, absence/persistence/asymmetry of reflexes
Spinal cord in neonates ends at ____
L13
L1-L12 in adults, affects lumbar puncture placement
Children have ____ of CSF
60-140ml
Adults have 90-150ml
Increased ICP
Excessive pressure in the rigid cranial vault that disrupts neurologic function
Caused by tumors, accumulation of CSF in the ventricular system, intracranial bleeding, edema of cerebral tissues, craniocerebral trauma, hydrocephalus, meningitis, encephalitis, Guillain-Barre syndrome
Increased ICP signs - infants and young children
Tense, bulging anterior fontanel, high-pitched cry, increased head circumference, “setting sun” sign (eyes), Macewen’s sign (cracked pot sign), irritability, restlessness, changes in feeding habits, crying with cuddling and rocking
Increased ICP signs - older children
Headache, vomiting, cognitive/personality/behavior changes, diplopia, blurred vision, anorexia, nausea, weight loss, seizures
Late manifestations of increased ICP
Decreased LOC (lethargy, coma), abnormal pupil size and reactivity, abnormal sensation, decerebrate and decorticate posturing, papilledema, abnormal breathing, Cheyne-Stokes respirations
Increased ICP treatment
Medications - diuretics, steroids Keep head and neck neutral No suctioning, percussion, fast movements, flexion or extension of neck Strict I/Os Laxatives to prevent straining Prevent weight loss Monitor for DI and SIADH
Generalized seizure
Involves both hemispheres of the brain, are bilateral and symmetrical
Includes tonic, clonic, tonic-clonic, absence, atonic, myoclonic, and febrile seizures
Tonic seizure
Rigidity, extension and stiffening of extremities, fixed jaw, respiratory cessation, dilated pupils, loss of consciousness
Clonic seizure
Rhythmic jerking
Absence seizure
Staring spell, may not remember what happened during seizure, usually returns to normal state of awareness immediately afterward
Atonic seizure
Sudden loss of muscle tone
Myoclonic seizure
Short muscle contractions - body “jolts”
Infantile spasms - occurs in first few months of life - sudden jerk then stiffening that lasts 1-2 seconds, can occur in clusters, most often just after waking up or falling asleep
Partial seizure
Occurs in a limited area of the cerebral cortex - symptoms vary depending on what area it affects - one-sided contractions, abnormal head and eye movements, lip smacking, sensory issues, inappropriate behavior
Includes simple and complex partial seizures
Simple partial seizure
Maintains consciousness, no memory loss
Complex partial seizure
Progress to unconsciousness
Neural tube defects
Group of related defects of the CNS involving the cranium or spinal cord that vary from mild to severely disabling
Cystic or non-cystic
Include anencephaly, encephalocele, spina bifida
50% of neural tube defect cases are due to ____
Deficiency of folic acid in diet