Neurological Flashcards
What can cause a neurological change
Anything that affects the brain
Caused by damage to the brain itself
anything that affects the spinal cord
Paralysis
Numbness
Twitching movements
GCS
Eyes - 4
Verbal - 5
Motor - 6
Cerebrovascular
Stroke when the blood supply to a part of your brain is interrupted (or reduced) which then deprives brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients.
what is ischaemic stroke
This is the most common type of stroke and occurs when a blockage cuts off the blood supply
what is Haemorrhagic stroke
This is due to bleeding into the brain following a blood vessel rupturing
Speech
Expressive aphasia -when someone is unable to produce meaningful words or sentences
Receptive aphasia - is when someone is able to produce vast sentences at a normal rate but there will be no meaning or value
Anomic aphasia -This is when someone can’t find the right word
Transient ischaemic attack
caused by a temporary disruption in the blood supply to the brain symptoms are temporary and sometimes, simply resolve on their own must be blue to the HASU
Meningococcal disease
This is a life-threatening infection. It is a term used to describe two major illnesses – meningitis and septicaemia. Meningitis is an infection of the meninges – the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
what is septicaemia
Septicaemia is blood poisoning. It occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream.
What is the management of Meningococcal disease
High flow oxygen
Paramedics can give benzylpenicillin and fluids
Blue call to hospital
what is a Seizures
Seizures are caused by bursts of uncontrolled electrical activity between neurons in the brain,This leads to temporary abnormalities in muscle tone or movements. There are different types:
Febrile
Focal
Generalised
what is focal
This is when electrical impulses start in one area on one side of the brain. This can happen in any one of the lobes in the brain
what is febrile
is due to a high fever and is not linked to intracranial pathology most common in children
what is Generalised
This is when the whole brain starts firing off impulses. This presents in a variety of ways
Absent seizures
This causes someone to ‘blank out’ or stare for a few seconds. Can be triggered by flashing lights or following episodes of hyperventilation
Myoclonic seizures
These are sudden, short-lasting jerks that can affect some or all of the body. They don’t impair consciousness and can sometimes last seconds
Clonic seizures
This results in fast stiffening and relaxation of a muscle in quick succession (repeated jerking). Can affect one side of the brain (one arm moves) or both sides of brain when whole body moves
Tonic seizures
This is when the body becomes overly stiff.
Tonic-clonic seizures
This combines tonic and clonic together
Clonic = rhythmic jerking
Tonic = stiffening
whole body becoming stiff or jerking. It leads to tongue biting and urinary incontinence
What are the causes of seizures
Discontinuation of medication
Infection – meningitis or encephalitis
Metabolic derangements
Drug toxicity (cocaine, amphetamines)
Alcohol withdrawal
CVA
Intracranial mass
Head injury
what is the management of seizures
Putting them in the recovery position is best practice -who is having an active tonic-clonic seizure
manage their airway Np airways
bitten their tongue, then there might be blood in their mouth. Therefore, you might need to use suction
high flow oxygen
Headaches history taking
“Is this the worst headache you’ve ever had?”
“Is this different from your usual headaches?”
“Is this a new headache?”
What is a tension headache
This is the most common type of headache. Normally, they’re brought on by stress or fatigue pain is generalised or posterior
What is sinus headache
This is caused by the sinuses becoming blocked and inflamed. Associated with a deep and persistent ache in the cheekbones, forehead or bridge of nose.
what is exertion headaches
These can happen immediately following periods of intense physical activity such as running, weightlifting. They are short-lived but are throbbing in nature on both sides of the head
what is a migraine
These can be incapacitating causing severe pain that even disrupts daily life. Migraines are related to blood vessel constriction and are often triggered by the environment cause throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head
What is cluster headaches
These are rare that consists of severe burning or piercing pain around, or behind, one eye or side of the face, often with facial swelling
What is thunderclap headache
The pain of these severe headaches peak within 60 seconds
usually having to do with bleeding in and around the brain.
