Neurological Flashcards
Altered Mental Status causes
AEIOU TIPS
A
Alcohol (drunk or withdrawal)
Acidosis
Alkalosis
E
Electrolytes
Endocrine (thyroid, diabetic)
Epilepsy
Encephalopathy (brain disfunction)
I
Infection
*sepsis
*meningitis
*encephalitis (inflammation)
O
O2 (hypoperfusion)
Opiates
OD
U
Uremia (kidney dysfuntion)
T
Trauma
Toxins
Tumors
Temp
I
Insulin (surplus or deficit)
P
Psychiatric
S
Stroke
Syncope
Seizure
Shunt
Space occupying lesion
Most common CNS infections
-Meningitis
-Encephalitis
-Brain abscesses
-Brudzinski & Kernig sign
-Nuchal rigidity &/or Joint pain
-Headache
-Fever
-Vomiting
-Photophobia
-Rash
-Sleepy/Fatigue
-ALOC/confusion/seizures
HX:
-Infection
Meningitis
Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord;
Myelitis refers to inflammation of the spinal cord;
When both the brain and the spinal cord are involved, the condition is called encephalomyelitis
-Fever
-Headache
-Sensitivity to light
-Sensitivity to sound
-Neck stiffness
-Movement disorders
-Seizures
-ALOC
HX:
-Enteroviruses
-Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2
-Rabies virus
-Arboviruses like West Nile virus
-Rabies
-Fungus
-Parasites
-Autoimmune diseases
-Certain medications
Encephalitis
Inflammation of the brain
Brain abscess
An accumulation of purulent material surrounded by a capsule within the brain
-Develops from a bacterial infection that often begins in the nasal cavity, middle ear, teeth, or mastoid cells
-May also develop after surgery or penetrating cranial trauma, especially when bone fragments are retained in cranial tissue
-Clinical manifestations are often nonspecific and may be associated with intracranial infection and an expanding intracranial mass.
-Headache is the most common early symptom
CNS tumors
The second most common group of tumors in children and the most common solid organ tumors in pediatric patients
Heredity may play a role in development; also associated with exposure to radiation, tobacco use, dietary habits, some viruses, and the use of some medications.
-Effects of the tumor depend on its size, location, and growth rate, and whether any evidence of hemorrhage or edema exists
-Headache
-Seizures
-Weakness
-Sensory loss
-Visual disturbance
-Aphasia
-Cognitive dysfunction
-Vomiting
Neurogenic Shock TX
- General Impression
- LOC
- ABC’s
-HX
-C spine Precautions - High Flow 02 & End Tidal cO2
-Large bore IV Access (2 18g IVs or IO)
-TX SHOCK (Fluids, Epi, Warmth)
-Rapid Head to Toe Assessment
-Stabilize PT (backboard) & Rapid Transport
TBI TX
- General Impression
- LOC
- XABC’s
-HX (MOI? Blood Thinners?)
-C Spine Precautions -
High Flow 02 & End Tidal cO2 (Ventilate if needed but do not hyperventilate)
-Semi-Fowler for reduced ICP
-Large Bore IV Access (2 18g IV’s or IO)
-Fluids to sustain BP >110
-Physically restrain combative PT
-Rapid Transport
-Monitor VS
