Neurological system Flashcards
describe normal cerebral activity
neurones transmit information through chemical and electrical signals
interneurons are inhibitory cells which regulate activity
what happens to cerebral activity causing seizures?
hypersynchronisation of neurones due to imbalance of inhibitory and excitatory input
define seizure
abnormal, uncontrollable, hypersynchronous electrical activation of large groups of neurones
list the types of seizures
isolated cluster status epilepticus partial/focal generalised tonic clonic
what is an isolated seizure?
one seizure lasting less than 5 minutes
what is a cluster siezure?
2 or more seizures within 24 hours with complete recovery between
what is status epilepticus?
seizure lasting more than 5 minutes or 2 seizures without full recovery between
what are partial/focal seizures?
asymmetric seizures where one part of the brain affected
simple or complex
what is a simple seizure?
no change in mentation
what is a complex seizure?
changed mentation
list signs of partial/focal seizure
facial twitching
hypersalivation
changes in behaviour
maintained consciousness
what are generalised tonic clonic seizures?
bilateral cerebral hemisphere involvement
pre and post ictal phases
list signs of generalised tonic clonic seizures
autonomic signs
excreting
loss of consciousness
what is pre-ictal phase of seizures and what can be seen?
before seizure
behavioural changes, altered mentation, attention seeking
what is ictal phase of seizures and what can be seen?
seizure phase
unconsciousness
muscle contraction
excretion
what is post-ictal phase of seizures and what can be seen?
after seizure
abnormal neurological signs for minutes to days
list extracranial causes of seizures
toxins
portosystemic shunt causing toxin build up
hypoglycaemia
hypocalcaemia
list intracranial causes of seizures
tumour
inflammation
hydrocephalus
idiopathic epilepsy
what is seen with idiopathic epilepsy?
recurrent but not cluster seizures
normal inter-icteral neuro exams, metabolic investigations, MRI and CSF
how are seizures diagnosed?
history blood tests MRI CSF analysis videos monitoring retinal exam and BP to rule out other causes
what is meant by seizure mimics?
disorders that look like seizures but aren’t
list seizure mimics
narcolepsy fly catching movement disorder syncope 3rd degree AV block canine epileptoid cramping syndrome
what is narcolepsy?
inherited sleep wake disorder
what is seen in narcolepsy?
loss of muscle tone during episode
no autonomic signs
what are signs of fly catching?
fly catching behaviour with normal mentation and no autonomic signs
what happens in movement disorders?
episodes of involuntary, spontaneous movement
patient stays conscious
normal between episodes
what causes syncope?
reduced oxygenation to the brain cardiac issues neurological issues hypoglycaemia hypocalcaemia
what causes seizure like activity from 3rd degree block?
prolonged hypoxic event
what is canine epileptoid cramping syndrome?
movement disorder
with normal consciousness, mentation
what is emergency management for seizures?
oxygen IV placed if possible diazepam assess circulation and temperature intubate as needed cool if hyperthermic mannitol if seizure over 15 minutes or cerebral oedema full blood tests
what is phone triage for seizure patients?
keep owner calm history of seizures toxin exposure head trauma length of seizure consciousness excretions travel when no longer seizing get contact number
what are considerations for seizure patients on ward?
quiet area dim lights as can be sensitive bottom kennel for access seizure plan on kennel with meds available limited traffic
how do you respond if patient seizes?
note time call clinician for help remove dangers dim lights reduce noise observe and monitor follow seizure plane
what do you do initially when owner brings in seizure patient?
reassure triage ABCs oxygen anticonvulsants if needed check temperature CRI and intubation as needed
what is the main aim when patient presents with seizure in an emergency?
stop the patient seizing
what are the aims or managing patients with recurrent seizures?
improve quality of life
reduce frequency and severity
manage side effects and cost
educate owner
how can phenobarbital help manage seizures?
increases frequency of synaptic inhibition
reduces neuronal excitability
what are potential side effects of phenobarbital?
hepatotoxicity sedation PUPD polyphagia ataxia
how does potassium bromide help control seizures?
reduces neuronal excitability alongside other drugs or alone
list possible side effects for use of potassium bromide
gastric irritation nausea PUPD sedation pancreatitis
how does imepitoin help manage idiopathic epilepsy?
reduces electrical activity
what are potential side effects of imepitoin?
ataxia
vomiting
polyphagia
what are considerations for owners with pets who have seizures?
managed expectations
situation and ability to care for pet
finances as life time treatment needed
home environment
how can nurses provide long term support to owners with pets with seizures?
consistency in who they see in follow ups
follow up calls
written communication
support groups
what part of the body does NMD affect?
peripheral nervous system particularly motor neurones innervating skeletal muscle
what is polyradiculoneuritis?
immune mediated disease affecting myelin and axons causing axonopathy
how does polyradiculoneuritis present?
short strides progressing to tetraparesis
dysphonia
normal autononic functions such as eating and toileting
varys between patients
how is polyradiculoneuritis diagnosed?
history physical exam neuro exam EMG nerve and muscle biopsy
how is polyradiculoneuritis treated?
recumbency care
keep muscles moving to prevent contracture
physio
define myasthenia gravis
disease of neuromuscular transmission affecting NMJ
juncionopathy
what causes myasthenia gravis?
congenital or immune mediated reduction in NMJ receptors
less functional receptors so muscles cant contract normally
describe presentation of myasthenia gravis
muscle weakness and fatigue, focal or generalised
regurgitation due to oesophageal weakness
how is myasthenia gravis diagnosed?
history
presentation
megaoesophagus
edrophonium/tensilon test showing normal walking after medication
how is myasthenia gravis treated?
anticholinesterase therapy
immunosuppressive corticosteroids
intensive nursing
manage aspiration pneumonia risk
define polymyositis
immune mediated inflammatory myopathy
what causes polymyositis?
idiopathy
clinical diseases
what are the two types of polymyositis?
focal affecting muscles of mastication
diffuse affecting multiple groups over the body across the body
describe presentation of polymyositis
exercise intolerance stiffened gait muscle weakness and atrophy dysphonia regurgitation
how is polymyositis diagnosed?
rule out other causes clinical history increased creatinine kinase electrodiagnostic testing muscle biopsy megaoesophagus
how is polymyositis treated?
immunosuppressive corticosteroids
manage aspiration pneumonia risk
prevent pressure sores from low muscle coverage
what is the effect of aspiration pneumonia?
pulmonary damage
inflammatory response
list signs of aspiration pneumonia
coughing
tachypnoea
crackles on auscultation
how is aspiration pneumonia managed?
prevention intense monitoring to catch early signs antibiotics IVFT oxygen respiratory physio turning patients to prevent fluid accumulation food balls from height to prevent inhaling ventilation in severe cases
how do pressure sores form?
increased pressure on bony prominences in recumbent patients
what is seen in type 1 pressure sore?
light pigmentation
what is seen in type 2 pressure sore?
broken skin
what is seen in type 3 pressure sore?
wound deep to fat
what is seen in type 4 pressure sore?
wound deep to muscle or bone
necrotic or infected
how can pressure sores be prevented?
thick bedding turning every 2-4 hours donut bandages vet bed physio close monitoring boots if cant lift feet
how are pressure sores treated?
debridement
antibiotics
prevention better
how does muscle contracture happen?
recumbency and immobilisation causes adaptive shortening of muscle and soft tissue
how is muscle contracture treated?
intensive physiotherapy
what are considerations when treating muscle contracture patients?
temperament client expectations disease process previous injuries other conditions
why is it important for nurses to understand spinal cord injury?
provide best care
identify progression of disease
correct monitoring
support owners
describe the anatomy of spinal cord
extracranial part of CNS encased in spinal column
how are SCD patients assessed?
history physical exam neurological exam potential diagnosis diagnostic tests diagnosis prognosis treatment