Week 9: Chronic Neurological Disorders Flashcards
Is a chronic, progressive, degenerative, autoimmune disorder of the CNS characterized by disseminated demyelination of nerve fibres of the brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves
MS
Lhermitte’s sign is seen in?
MS
Lhermitte’s sign
a transient sensory symptom described as an electric shock radiating down the spine or into the limbs with flexion of the neck
Alternate therapy for MS?
Exercise (especially water exercise)
Diet for MS
Megavitamin therapy with low fat gluten free food and raw veggies
PD
progressive, neurodegenerative disease of the CNS (basal ganglia) characterized by a slowing down in the initiation and the execution of movement (bradykinesia), increased muscle tone (rigidity), tremor at rest, and impaired postural reflexes
Tremor
often the 1st sign of PD. Its is more prominent at rest and is aggravated by emotional stress.
Rigidity
increased resistance to passive motion when limbs are moved through their ROM. This is caused by sustained muscle contraction
Bradykinesia
evident in the loss of automatic movements including blinking of the eyelids, swinging of the arms while walking, swallowing and self-expressions
why is diet important to the patient with PD
because malnutrition and constipation can be serious consequences of inadequate nutrition
how should food be given to patients with PD
should be appetizing and cut up into small pieces. Ample time should also be given for them to eat
epilepsy
Is a condition in which at least two spontaneous seizures occur more than 24 hours apart and is caused by a chronic underlying pathology
Tonic phase
stiffening of the body
Clonic phase
jerking of the extremities
Absence seizure
Occur only in children. Child stares blankly off into space.
Status epilepticus
a state of continuous seizure activity in which seizures recur in rapid succession without return to consciousness between seizures
During a seizure, the nurse should do the following:
- Maintain a patent airway by turning the patient to the side and ensuring the tongue falls forward
- Protect the patients head, loosen constrictive clothing, ease patient to the floor (if seated)
- Do not restrain the patient
- Do not place any objects in the patients mouth
What is a diet for those with epilepsy
a ketogenic diet (high fat, low carb)
