Neurological emergencies

Question 1

What is meningitis?

Answer 1

Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Question 2

What is encephalitis?

Answer 2

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain itself.

Question 3

What are the S&S of both meningitis and encephalitis?

Answer 3

Fever
Headache
Stiff neck
Photophobia
Altered mental status
Seizures

Question 4

What is an ischemic stroke?

Answer 4

Ischemic stroke is caused by a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain (e.g., due to a blood clot)

Question 5

What are the S&S of an ischemic stroke?

Answer 5

Sudden weakness
Numbness
Difficulty speaking
Vision problems
Dizziness

Question 6

What is a hemorrhagic stroke?

Answer 6

Hemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding into the brain due to a ruptured blood vessel (e.g., aneurysm rupture)

Question 7

What are the S&S of a hemorrhagic stroke?

Answer 7

Sudden severe headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Neurological deficits

Question 8

What is status epilepticus?

Answer 8

Continuous seizures lasting more than 5 minutes or recurrent seizures without full recovery between episodes

It can be life-threatening and requires immediate intervention to prevent brain damage

Question 9

What is a traumatic brain injury?

Answer 9

Results from external force (e.g., falls, car accidents, or violence) causing damage to the brain

Question 10

What are the S&S of a traumatic brain injury?

Answer 10

Loss of consciousness
Confusion
Vomiting
Seizures
Changes in mental status

Question 11

What is a spinal cord injury?

Answer 11

Result from trauma (e.g., car accidents, falls, sports injuries) or medical conditions (e.g., tumours, infections) that affect the spinal cord

This may lead to paralysis, loss of sensation, or bowel and bladder dysfunction