Pathophysiology exam 4 Flashcards
Describe and compare congenital neurological disorders. (Hydrocephalus, Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy)
-Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus (May be present at birth or develop later in life)
“Water on the brain”,
-CSF accumulation within the skull
-Ventricles dilate and the brain and blood vessels become compressed
-Pressure thins the cortex, causing severe brain damage
Risk factors: prematurity, pregnancy complications, CNS infections
Hydrocephalus (continued)
-Infants
Usually large head, rapid increase in the head size, bulging fontanelle, seizures, development delay.
-In older adults and children
Headache followed by vomitting, nausea
Blurred vision/diplopia/sluggish pupil response to light
Treatment: Surgical repair of blockage, shunt placement
Describe and compare congenital neurological disorders. (Hydrocephalus, Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy)
-Spina Bifida
Most common neural tube defect in the United States (lumbar area is the most common area of site)
The posterior spinous processes on the vertebrae fail to fuse permitting the meninges and spinal cord to herniate.
Maternal Risk factors: family history of neural defects, folate deficiency, certain medications, diabetes mellitus
Complications: physical and neurologic impairments, hydrocephalus, meningitis, and learning problems
Types of Spina Bifida
Spina Bifida occulta
Spina Bifida occulta
-Mildest form results in one or more vertebrae
-The spinal nerves and meninges do not usually protrude through the opening.
-Usually no clinical manifestations/neurologic defects
Types of Spina Bifida
Meningocele
Rare form that involves the same bony defects as in spina bifida occulta, but the meninges protrude through the vertebral opening
-The meninges and CSF form a sac on the surface of the back
-The spinal cord develops normally
-Neurologic impairment is usually not present.
Types of Spina Bifida
Myelomeningocele
Most severe form
The spinal canal remains open along several vertebrae in the lower or middle back
Complications: neurologic impairment (often including paralysis)
Describe and compare congenital neurological disorders.
Cerebral Palsy
A group of nonprogressive disorders that appear in infancy or early childhood and permanently affect motor movement and muscle coordination
-Cognition and communication functions may be affected
-Usually caused by damage to the cerebellum during the prenatal period or during childbirth
Cerebral Palsy (Contributing Factors/Manifestations)
Prematurity, low birth, breech births, multiple fetuses, hypoxia, cerebral hemorrhage, neurologic infection etc
Cerebral Palsy Manifestations
persistence of early reflexes
development delays
ataxia, spasticity, flaccidity, hyperreflexia
May affect the entire body or one area, balance and coordination issues, contractures, atrophy below the waist, speech delays
Compare and contrast infectious neurologic disorders (Meningitis, Encephalitis, Zika)
Meningitis
Inflammation of the Meninges and subarachnoid space, leading to swelling of the meninges and increased intracranial pressure
Causes: bacteria, viruses, HIV
Compare and contrast infectious neurologic disorders
Meningitis Manifestations and Complication
Manifestations: fever, chills, mental status changes, decreased consciousness, nausea, vomiting,
Complications: permanent neurologic damage, paralysis, seizures, hearing loss, blindness
Compare and contrast infectious neurologic disorders
Encephalitis
Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord usually resulting from an infection
Infection triggers the inflammatory response that causes vasodilation, increased capillary permeability etc
Causes: virus, bacterial infections
Encephalitis Complications and Manifestations
Complications: cerebral edema, cerebral hemorrhage, and brain damage
Manifestations: Similar to meningitis but with a more gradual onset, history of flu like symptoms
Compare and contrast infectious neurologic disorders
Zika Virus
A growing worldwide health concern (several outbreaks in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the pacific), caused by flavivirus.
Transmission: mosquito, foreign travel, local mosquito spread, sexual transmission
