Neurology Flashcards
What is GCS?
Glasgow coma Scale is used to assess the level of consciousness and function of Pt after following a brain injury. Ranked between 3-15 (3 being worst)
Eye-opening 4, Verbal response5 , and Motor response 6.
What are some neurological examinations?
GCS, Cognitive function test, AVPU, motor function.
2- Cranial nerve function, (12 nerves)
3- Lumbar puncture for CSF (infection meningitis)
4- EEC for seizures, CT, MRI
What is TBI and some considerations?
coup and Countre Coup
Unresponsive??
Trauma is caused to the brain due to falls or injury, causing swelling and potential alteration to the brain function.
Coup- initial point of injury
Contre Coup- Opposite injury caused by the brain moving
Unresponsive- Maintain airway, slightly lift head to avoid aspirating, regular daily cycle (day/night), family, low sensory.
What is intracranial pressure
1) S+S
2) Risks
3) Treatment
4) Complications
The exertion caused by CSF inside the skull.
1) headache, blurred vision, Nausea, vomiting, cognitive alterations.
2) Brain tumour, injury, Intracranial hypertension, infection, seizure.
3) Surgery to relieve pressure, Ventilation, Anti-hypertensives.
4) Brain damage, Coma, Death.
What is stroke?
Types
S+S
Interventions
Complications
When there is a blockage in the cerebral arteries.
Ischemic- emboli, blood clots (atherosclerosis)
Hemorrhagic- Bleeding within the brain causes hematoma, making surrounding tissue ischemic.
S+S; Facial drooping Arm weak Speech difficulty Time (call help/ how long).
Interventions: Ischemic Fibrinolytic therapy activator of tPA breaks down blood clots. (DO NOT GIVE IF PT ACTIVTLY BLEEDING).
Hemorrhagic: Stop bleeding and prevent increase in ICP
-ICU -Blood may need to be removed from brain.
Complications; Dysphasia (trouble w eating)
Aphasia (Speech trouble)
Dysarthria (trouble w muscle control)
Hemiparesis weakened or inability to move limb
What is the seizure ?
types// signs
When the body release all the action potential causing sudden electrical activity.
General- Occurs all over the brain Tonic Clonic (Rigidity and stiffness Grand mal) Atonic (loss of muscle tone) Myoclonic (sudden jerking and stiffening of extremities) Absence (blank stare)
Parietal- Affects a specific part of the brain
Simple (Sensory S+S w motor pt stays aware)
Complex (altered behavior, LOC for a few seconds)
Interventions of seizure??
Maintain airway
Note time of duration
Pt laying down must protect head
Administer O2
Prepare to suction secretions
Loosen restrictive clothing.
What is Parkinson’s
S+S
Interventions
Complications
The progressive loss of dopamingeric neurons.
Help with motor movement. NO CURE or CAUSE UNKNOWN
S+S initial are tremors Rigidity and Bradykinesia
Interventions; Support, MTD (Physio, mental,)
Meds Levodopa- replenishes dopamine
Dopamine agonist mimic effects of dopamine
ECT (Deep brain stimulation)
Complications: Progressive Facial masking, speech impairment.
What is MS ?
Multiple sclerosis is when the body’s immune system attacks the myelin sheaths. Causing Muscle weakness, numbness, slow conduction, decreased coordination.
Types of Amnesia??
Anterograde- is when you cannot remember anything after the accident.
Retrograde- Cannot remember anything prior to the accident.
Post traumatic- Period of confusion and disorientation. May not remember the accident.
SCI
Types
Intervention
Spinal cord injury caused my primary- Direct cause of injury to the spine or spinal cord e.g. Fracture or laceration.
Secondary is caused by other biological processes eg inflammation, swelling.
_Maintain airway
- Keep person still
- Place towels for stability
- Supine position
- Avoid moving head.
