Revision Flashcards
How does cerebral oedema affect ICP??
Increased fluid in brain means increased ICP.
Leads to ischaemia and infarction (cell death).
Complications of elevated ICP??
Brain hypoxia, lactic acidoses, brain herniation, compromised brain function.
Treatment available for raised ICP and what’s the most powerful??
Hyperventilation.
Head elevation.
Most useful: Decompressive Craniectomy.
How does brain try to reduce ICP??
- Venous vasoconstriction
2. Brain gets rid of CSF to decreased CSF volume to decrease volume in skull.
Brain herniation that’s most life threatening?
Tonsillar: Involves brain stem where vital respiratory and cardiac centres are located.
What is meningitis?
Inflammation of the meninges (protective coverings of brain and spinal cord).
Two types of meningitis?
Bacterial and Viral.
Viral is less severe.
Why LP is performed? What would CSF look like if positive for Bacterial meningitis?
To run diagnostic test on CSF.
It would look cloudy and purulent.
Would contain glucose and protein.
Complications of meningitis?
Cerebral oedema.
Brain herniation.
Increased ICP = may lead to death.
Treatment
Urgent antibiotics.
Corticosteroids.
The rash in meningitis is caused by
Diffuse intravascular coagulation
Not likely seen in patient with viral meningitis?
Petechial rash
Acute complication of bacterial meningitis
Development of cerebral oedema.
