Week 5 Flashcards
what is a cerebral aneurysm
Localized weakness in the wall of an artery ( pouching like a balloon). frequently multiple, initially small and symptomatic
S&S of enlarging aneurysm
Pressure on surrounding structures or nerves causing
loss of visual field or visual disturbance and a headache
S&S of a small leak
Headache, photophobia,
intermittent periods of dysfunction ( confusion, slurred speech, weakness), and Nuchal rigidity or neck stiffness
S&S of massive rupture or subrachnoid hemorrhage
Immediate severe “blinding”, headache, Vomiting,
Photophobia, Seizures and loss of consciousness may develop Leading to death shortly after rupture.
ischemic stroke
thrombotic- occlusion (block of plaque and blood clot or thrombus)
embolus- sudden obstruction (mass lodging in a cerebral artery)
how does atherosclerosis begin
with injury to the endothelial lining of the vessel wall
anosognosia
incorrect perception of self and illness, secondary to loss of parietal lobs.
Homonymous hemianopia
blindness occurs in same half of visual fields of both eyes.
Agnosia
inability to recognize an object by sight, touch, or hearing.
Apraxia
inability to carry out learned sequential movements on command.
Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs)
May occur singly or in a series.
Partial occlusion of an artery, Vascular spasm
hemorrhagic CVA
Caused by rupture of a cerebral artery in patient with severe hypertension and aneurysm
- usually abrupt
- 50% mortality rate
patho of hemorrhagic CVA
Blood from vessel leaks into surrounding cerebral tissue, Blood accumulation exerts pressure on surrounding areas
intracerebral vs. subarachnoid hemorrhage
intracerebral- bleeding within the brain
subarachnoid- bleeding into the CSF
what is mannitol
used to lower intracranial pressure (pulls excessive fluid from the CNS into vascular space via osmotic gradient)
