Neurologic Emergencies Flashcards
In the presence of HA, the below are indicative of…
Nausea/vomiting Papilledema Unilateral or bilateral fixed pupil consciousness Decorticate or decerebrate posturing
elevated ICP
Ominous finding of elevated ICP…
Cushing’s triad
bradycardia, hypertension, resp. depression
Lab workup for elevated ICP
type and cross CBC CMP Osmolality BAL/Tox Screen Glucose Coags
CT/MRI
Initial Tx of elevated ICP… (5)
Head of bed 30 degrees O2 hyperventilation BP control/NS Mannitol
Gold standard of ICP monitoring…
Intraventricular monitor
The below are indications for what ICP intervention?
at risk
GCS < 8
aggressive medical care
Intraventricular monitor
In increased ICP hyperventilation, what is the target PCO2?
26-30 mmHg
Neuro presentation of linear skull fx?
no neuro sxs
3 MC regions of linear skull fx
temporoparietal
frontal
occipital
A linear skull fx on the _____ bone can disturb vascular structures and cause bleeding…
temporal bone
Linear skull fx can be managed with ED observation for 4-6 hours if what two things are present…
neg CT
no neuro deficit
_____ skull fx often involves injury to brain parenchyma
depressed
mgmt of depressed skull fx…
CT
neuro admit
+/- Td
What skull fx can tear the dura, causing communication in subarachnoid space, sinuses, and middle ear?
basilar skull fx
A basilar skull fx of the ______ increases risk of epidural hematoma
temporal bone
What is an important facet of mTBI assessment?
mental status testing
Closed head injury home disposition…4 factors…
GCS 15
normal CT
no bleeding risk
can monitor at home
The below are ED precautions for…
Unable to awaken the patient Severe or worsening headaches Somnolence or confusion Restlessness, unsteadiness, or seizures Vison changes Vomiting, fever, or stiff neck Urinary or bowel incontinence Weakness or numbness involving any part of the body
closed head injury
This is the shearing of white matter tracts from traumatic deceleration/blunt trauma
diffuse axonal injury
this is a cause of persistent vegetative state
diffuse axonal injury
CT shows blurring of grey-to-white margin, small lesions in white tracts, cerebral hemorrhage and/or edema
diffuse axonal injury
surgery for diffuse axonal injury?
no
Brief LOC –> lucid interval
–> rapid clinical
deterioration
epidural hematoma
this intracranial hematoma is associated with adolescents and young adults w/ skull fx and trauma
epidural hematoma
middle miningeal artery
most subdural hematomas occur via…
falls
bridging vein tear
The below describes what “rule”:
Age ≥40 years Neck pain or stiffness Limited neck flexion on examination Witnessed loss of consciousness Onset during exertion Thunderclap headache (instantly peaking pain)
Ottowa SAH rule
If CT is negative and SAH is suspected, what diagnostic is mandated?
LP
what can be done in lieu of LP in SAH?
CTA
Pt. p/w:
Acute onset of focal neurologic deficit Increasing neurologic signs/symptoms over time Headache Vomiting Decreased LOC Seizures
ICH
MC etiology of ICH?
HTN
Imaging for ICH?
stat non-contrast CT or MRI (smaller lesions)
important facet of ICH management
BP 140-160/90