Neurology Flashcards
ICP increased intracranial pressure
Rising pressure in cranium wall cranial vault, caused by trauma hemorrhage, trauma, tumor edema, are inflammation. I see normal level 5 to 15 MM of Hg.
Hypercarbia
Increased carbon dioxide in the blood.ICP may be increased by hypercarbia. Which leads to cerebral vasodilation and a edema, endotracheal or oral suctioning, coughing, blowing the nose forcefully.
Extreme neck Or hip flexion/extension, maintaining the head of the bed and the angle less than 30°, increasing intra- abdominal pressure, (restrictive clothing, Valsalva maneuver).
early signs for ICP
Include restlessness lead to hypoxia, consciousness late to decreased cardiac output.
Late signs: include increasing system systolic pressure with widened-and plus pressure,
slow heart rate, irregular respiration(Cushing triad)
a change in body temperature may also occur because increased ICP Affects the thalamus
Cheyne strokes respirations. Occular signs can happen. assess neurological status Q1 to 2hrs.Assess bowel(constipation) and bladder (distention)to avoid valsalva maneuver.
head injury
Open/penetrating trauma (Skull integrity compromised,skull opened).
Il)closed/ blunt trauma (skull integrity maintained)
inside the skull is fracture but not outside.
fractures
Linear-Most common-possible hematoma but Dura intact. Minimal risk.
Comminuted and depressed -overlying skin and Dura can be damaged
high risk for brain damage and infections need surgery within 24hrs –
basilar-involve base of skull -CSF leakage -prevent meningitis.
Basilar skull fracture Signs
Battle’s sign: Ekhymosis over mastoid process (back behind the ear ).
hemotympanum-blood visible behind tympanic membrane.
raccoon face – bilateral Peri orbital ecchymosis.
rhinorrhea- CSF leak is through nose to nose.
– otorrhea-CSF leakage through ear.
CSF-test reveals glucose. Mucus- no glucose.halo sign
1hour: “golden window” for treatment of head injuries-emergency treatment provide during this time frame decreased the morbidity and mortality.
Coup-counter head injury
 brain injury under the area of impact (coup -frontal)
The rebound injury to the opposite side (contercoup)
Occipital lobe of damages is common-visual problems.
Common in mortar vehicle accident and the shaken baby syndrome
head injuries may associated with hemorrhage.
Epidural hematoma between dura and skull
Usually from tear-in meninges artery,Rapid deterioration in neurological status.
Subdural hematoma
Usually involve veins ( might involve small arteries)
Intracerebral
Intracerebral: bleeding into brain tissue.most common - frontal or temporal lobes.
Intracerebral bleeding symptoms
Monitor for severe headache, rapid decline consciousness, worsening, neurological function,and changes in ICP.
Close head injury
Evaluate the patient certain concussion:neurological changes after a blow to the head GCS
confusion bruise on the brain. skull fracture, epidural or subdural bleeding.
Nursing care plan or coup-countercoup head injury.
Assist/monitor the client at regularly scheduled intervals:
respiratory status -brain function declines after 3min of oxygen deprivation.
changes in LOC (GCS). Cranial nerve function.
Finding of infection and (nactual rigidity occurs with the meningitis). Bilateral sensory and motor responses.
Inter-cranial pressure I CP: teach patient to report any changes, avoid taking alcohol or anysedative med, don’t drive soon.
Craniotomy
craniotomy is the removal of non-viable brain tissue that allows for expansion and/or remove of epidural are subdural hematoma.
it involves during a burr hole or creating bone flap to permit access to the affected area.
This is the life saving procedure, and is associated with many potential complications.
craniotomy Complications
severe neurological impairment, infection, persistent Seizures,neurological deficiencies and/ or death
What is the nursing action for craniotomy
Postoperative treatment:it will depend upon the neurological status of the client after surgery. Five supra tentorial surgery, elevate 30° with body portioning to prevent increase ICP.
Intra tentorial craniotomy: keep client flat on either side for 24 to 48 hours to prevent pressure on neck incision site.
hyperventilate:the mechanically ventilated client for 24 to 48 hours as prescribed to maintain PaCO2 around 35 MM Hg
Monitor wound dressing and Mark drainage every 1 to 2 hours, documenting output every 8hours
Seizures 
Abnormal, sudden, excessive discharge of electric activity within the brain.
A generalized seizures is also called Tonic- clonic Seizures (grand malseizures).
triggers: hormonal changes, fatigue, stress, genetic inherited, toxins.
A generalized Seizure begins for only a few seconds with a tonic episode( stiffening of muscles) and losses of consciousness
A1to2minclonic episode (Rhythmic jerking of the extremities) follows the tonic episode. Incontinence can also accompany a seizure.
During postictal phage,a period of Confusion and sleepiness follows the scissors.
Complex partial seizures
Complex partial seizures have associated automatisms(behaviors that the client is unaware of,such as least lipsmacking are picking at clothes).
The seizures can caused the loss of consciousness for several minutes
amnesia may occur immediately prior to and after the seizures
Tonic Seizures
During a seizure,only the tonic phase is experienced.
The seizures usually lasts 30 seconds to several min
A loss of consciousness occur.

clonic seizures
Only the clonic phase is experienced.
The seizures lasts several minutes.
During this type seizures,the muscle contract and relax
Absence of seizure seizure
Include unconscious,involuntary behavior associated with eye fluttering, smacking of the lips, and then picking at clothes, called automatism.
The seizures consists of a loss of consciousness lasting if you seconds (genetics).
It is associated with blank staring and (starting at someone) and children common in children.