Neurologic Emergencies Flashcards
Central Nervous System
Responsible for thought, perception, feeling and autonomic body functions
(Brain, brainstem, spinal cord)
Peripheral Nervous System
Responsible for transmitting commands from the brain to the body and receiving feedback from the body
(Cranial Nerves, peripheral Nerves)
Efferent Nerves
Leave the brain and convey commands to other parts of the body
Afferent Nerves
Send signals to the brain
Diencephalon
Filters unneeded information before reaching cerebral cortex
Midbrain
Responsible for regulating LOC, including patterns of sleep and wakefulness
Brainstem
Controls pulse, pressure, and respiratory rate and pattern
Pons
Controls respiratory rate and depth
Medulla Oblongata
Controls pressure and pulse rate
Limbic System
Where rage and anger are generated
Hypothalamus
Where pleasure, thirst and hunger are found
Pituitary Glands
Receives information from the hypothalamus and then sends chemical to the adrenal glands to release epi and norepi
Adrenal Glands
Release epinephrine and norepinephrine
Cerebellum
Manages complex motor activity unconsciously (tree of life)
Synapse
Connects to the cell by chemicals called neurotransmitters. Doesn’t physically touch the nerve cell
Neurotransmitter
Dopamine, acetylcholine, epinephrine, serotonin
These chemicals send signals from one nerve cell to the other
Axon
Bridge that connects the synapse to the nucleus
Myelin
A sheath that surrounds the nerve cell allowing the cell to transmit its signal consistently without “shorting out”
Vitals for Increased Intercranial Pressure
Decreased HR, Decreased RR, Increased BP
Trismus
Clenched teeth
Ptosis
Drooping, sagging, or prolapse of a part of the body
Bell palsy, stroke
Coma
State where patient does not respond to painful stimuli
Supra orbital Foramen
Notch near bridge of nose used to elicit pain
Decorticate Posturing
Contractions of arms towards their chest and point their toes
Indicative of damage directly below cerebral hemisphere
Decebearate Posturing
Contract arms and wrists outwards and point their toes
Indicative of damage near the brainstem
GCS
Eyes Opening- 4 Spontaneous 3 Voice 2 Pain 1 None Verbal- 5 Oriented 4 Disoriented 3 Innapropiate Words 2 Incompetent 1 None Motor- 6 Obeys 5 Localizes 4 Withdraws 3 Decorticate 2 Deceberate 1 None
Hallucinations
Hear voices, see snakes, feel insects, all that are within their mind
Delusions
Thoughts or perceived abilities that are not based on reality
Psychosis
Patient can not tell what is real or inside his mind
Corneal Reflex
Tap between the eyes to determine gag reflex
Pupillary Response
Shine from 45 degree angle Thickness of dime is about a millimeter Dialated with adrenaline Constricted when relaxed <1mm is not abnormal
Agnosia
Unable to tell you names of an object
Apraxia
Unable to use a common object
Receptive Aphasia
Unable to understand speech, but able to speak clearly