Syncope and Weakness: partial loss of consciousness. Monitor for cardiac dysrhythmias Headache: serious causes are tumors, bleeding, hypertension, meningitis, poisoning. Brain tissue has no nerves to feel pain, so all pain is from stretching or irritation of nearby structures: Vascular: involves cerebrovascular circulation, constriction or dilation of cerebral vessels. Rapid onset of severe headache could […]
Tag Archives | neurological emergencies
Coma & LOC | Neurological Emergencies
Coma and Altered LOC Causes of coma AIEOU, TIPS Acidosis, Alcohol Epilepsy, endocrine Infection Overdose Uremia Trauma Insulin Psychosis Shock, stroke Assessment: When was the patient last well? What was the onset? How did the symptoms progress? Pinpoint when things started to change. What symptoms preceded the onset of coma? Clues to drug use Abnormal […]
Seizures | Neurological Emergencies
Seizure: sudden abnormal brain cell activity. Seizures reoccurring over a span of years is called epilepsy. 3/4ths of people with epilepsy have their first seizures before age 20. Four types of seizures: Generalized major motor seizures: tonic-clonic, muscles rapidly contract and relax. Also called Grand mal, last 2-5 minutes Focal motor seizures or simple partial […]
Stroke CVA TIA | Neurological Emergencies
Stroke (Cerebrovascular accident -CVA) and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Stroke (CVA) results from interruption of circulation to the brain causing ischemia and damage to brain tissue. Neurological symptoms persist longer than 24 hours. Recovery takes place in weeks to months. Two types: Occlusive: 3 out of 4 strokes, caused by blockage in a blood vessel […]
Central Nervous System | Neurological Emergencies
Central Nervous System (CNS): brain and spinal cord, involved in the serious neurological problems. Affects: Cognitive Systems: responsible for alertness, awareness, normal wakeful state Cerebral Homeostasis: balance, maintaining brain perfusion and oxygenation using cerebral auto regulation. Motor Control: affects tics to seizures, weakness to paralysis Sensation: alterations in sensory systems accompany weakness>paralysis Types of CNS […]
Patient Assessment | Neurological
This audio training covers neurological assessment tips and techniques on your patients. (more…)