Neurological Emergencies Flashcards
What drug is often used to control blood pressure in SAH or hemorrhagic stroke?
Nimodipine
What study found that t-PA might improve survival in ischemic stroke?
NINDS
Symptoms of dominant hemisphere stroke?
- Contralateral numbness and weakness
- Contralateral visual field deficit
- Gaze preference
- Dysarthria
- Aphasia
Symptoms of non-dominant hemisphere stroke?
- Contralateral numbness and weakness
- Visual field cut
- Hemineglect
- Dysarthria
Posterior cerebral artery stroke symptoms?
- Lack of visual recognition
- AMS with impaired memory
- Cortical blindness (reflexes still intact)
Vertebrobasilar stroke symptoms?
- Dizziness, vertigo
- Diplopia
- Dysphagia
- Ataxia
- Ipsilateral cranial nerve palsies
- Contralateral weakness
Basilar artery stroke symptoms?
- Quadriplegia
2. Locked-in syndrome (except for upward gaze)
Lacunar infarct symptoms?
Pure motor or sensory deficit
What are blood pressure goals in hypertensive urgency and emergency?
Lower MAP 20-25% over first hour
What are commonly used agents for hypertensive urgency?
- Nitroprusside
- Labetalol
- Nicardipine
What is the probable cause of AMS in HTN emergency?
Endothelial cell dysfunction leading to cerebral edema
DOC for BP control in preeclampsia and eclampsia?
- Hydralazine
2. Labetalol 2nd line
Side effect of sodium nitroprusside
Cyanide toxicity
How does sodium nitroprusside work?
Peripheral vasodilator that decreases preload and afterload
β blockers are contraindicated in what patient populations?
- COPD
- Acute asthma
- Heart failure
- Sympathomimetic use
Why is adding esmolol with nitroprusside sometimes helpful?
It can help blunt reflex tachycardia from nitroprusside
What drug can be helpful with BP control in HTN encephalopathy?
Nicardipine. It crosses BBB.
It acts quickly and can cause reflex tachycardia
NTG is contraindicated in what patient populations?
Preload dependent states
- Right sided MI
- Severe aortic stenosis
- LV outflow obstruction