Neurological Conditions Flashcards
What is a stroke caused by? (brief overview)
a sudden interruption in blood flow in the brain leading to a neurological deficit
modifiable risk factors for strokes
high blood pressure
smoking
TIAs
Heart disease
diabetes
anaemia
non-modifiable risk factors for strokes
age
gender (more common in men)
race (people who are African, south Asian or African Caribbean are more likely to have a stroke)
previous stroke
genetics
What happens during an ischaemic stroke?
it is caused by a blockage (atherosclerosis or an emboli). More common in elderly patients. Easier to treat but they develop slowly.
Symptoms of ischaemic strokes (9)
hemiparesis (weakness down one side)
hemiplegia (paralysis)
numbness
confusion
convulsions
incontinence
slurred speech
facial weakness
headache
What happens during a haemorrhagic stroke?
rupture of a blood vessel, can happen at any age, can be caused by stress, exertion and cocaine use. Happens abruptly
symptoms of haemorrhagic strokes
sudden, severe headaches
nausea and vomiting
convulsion
loss of consciousness
intracranial pressure raises
Cushing’s reflex (widening pulse pressure, bradycardia and irregular respiration)
What is a TIA?
episodes of cerebral dysfunction that lasts minutes to hours and symptoms will resolve within 24 hours.
They have an ischaemic cause
Can indicate and impending stroke
potential causes of seizures (10)
stroke, head injury, hypoxia, toxins, infections, hypoglycaemia, hypoperfusion, eclampsia, brain tumours and febrile convulsions
What do convulsions result from?
synchronised and excessive activation or neurons in the cerebral cortex
What are the 2 types of general seizure?
Tonic Clonic
Absences
Tonic Clonic seizures
Tonic: patient goes stiff, falls, jaw clenches
Clonic: jerking movement of limbs, patient may experience incontinence
Absence seizures
often in children
can be confused for daydreaming
eyelids may flutter
pulling at clothing
no engagement
The 2 types of partial seizures
simple and complex
Simple partial seizure
patient is often conscious
hallucinations
very brief
Complex partial seizure
change to consciousness
lip smacking
chewing, fiddling
often resolved in minutes
Status epilepticus
a seizure that lasts between 5-20 mins or a series of seizures where the patient does not fully recover in between.
commonly caused by withdrawal from or sub-optimal doses of anti-epileptic information
non-epileptic attack disorder
has a psychological cause
loss of normal function
patients usually have a postictal phase where they feel sleepy and confused.
Migraine overview
severe, incapacitating headache
throbbing pain on one side that spreads
Associated visual disturbances and GI issues
triggered by caffeine, food, change in altitude and emotions
Muscular dystrophy
inherited muscle disorder
weakened muscles
progressive
Multiple sclerosis
progressive disease of the CNS
autoimmune
immune system attacks the myelin sheath of neurons - affecting the passing on of action potentials
Parkinson’s
parts of the brain become progressively damaged
involuntary tremors
balance issues
memory issues
Alzheimer’s
death of nerve cells and brain tissue
