Chapter 17 #2 - Neurology - AI Powered Flashcards
(140 cards)
Cards coming…I reached my AI summarization limit for the day. HAHA
:)
What is dementia?
Dementia can affect multiple functions in the brain, leading to a variety of symptoms and signs.
What are common manifestations of dementia?
- Difficulty with learning and retaining information
- Problems with handling complex tasks
- Impaired reasoning
- Spatial disorientation
- Language problems
- Behavioral symptoms
What are early-stage symptoms of dementia?
- Memory loss for recent events
- Changes in behavior and personality
- Impairment in work/skills performance
What symptoms characterize middle-stage dementia?
- Significant decline in skills
- Difficulty identifying objects
- Confusion and disorientation
- Worsening personality changes
What are late-stage dementia symptoms?
- Loss of basic skills (e.g., eating and drinking)
- Weight loss
- Loss of ability to ambulate independently
- Loss of recognition of familiar people and environments
What is mild cognitive impairment (MCI)?
A condition of memory loss beyond what is expected with normal aging, but minimal or no loss in daily work or routines.
What is the significance of establishing an accurate diagnosis of dementia?
To determine whether cognitive decline is related to an irreversible illness or reversible causes.
What are some examples of reversible causes of cognitive decline?
- Depression
- Chronic renal insufficiency
- Thyroid disease
- Vitamin deficiencies
What are the main types of stroke?
- Ischemic stroke
- Hemorrhagic stroke
What is an ischemic stroke?
Occurs when a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain is clogged.
What are the two ways ischemic strokes can occur?
- Thrombotic stroke (clot forms in a narrow artery)
- Embolic stroke (clot travels to the brain)
What are modifiable risk factors for ischemic stroke?
- High blood pressure
- Dyslipidemia
- Atrial fibrillation
- Coronary artery disease
- Diabetes mellitus
- Overweight and obesity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Tobacco use
- Illicit drugs
What are common symptoms of an ischemic stroke?
- Contralateral weakness and/or sensory loss
- Aphasia
- Confusion
- Visual perceptual problems
- Dysphagia
What are the seven Ds in the management of ischemic stroke?
- Detect
- Dispatch: call 911
- Door: immediate triage
- Data: obtain evaluations
- Decision: establish thrombolytic therapy
- Drug: administer t-PA
- Disposition: transfer to appropriate unit
What is the primary goal of symptomatic therapy for Alzheimer’s disease?
To enhance cognitive function using cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor blockers.
True or False: Antipsychotics and sedatives should be used regularly in dementia treatment.
False
What complications can arise from Alzheimer’s disease?
- Injury and trauma
- Malnutrition
- Incontinence
- Aspiration pneumonia
- Pressure ulcers
- Seizures
What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
A warning sign of future strokes, characterized by transient neurologic events lasting up to 24 hours.
What is the best management setting for a patient with acute ischemic stroke?
A special care unit (e.g., stroke unit)
Continuous neurologic and cardiovascular monitoring by skilled medical personnel is essential.
What are some general measures used in caring for acute ischemic stroke patients?
- Optimal blood pressure control
- Control of fluid and/or electrolyte balance
- Adequate oxygenation
- Maintenance of euglycemia
Normal blood sugar levels are crucial for patient care.
What precaution should be taken for patients with significant aphasia or drowsiness after a stroke?
Keep them without food per mouth until safe to eat
This helps avoid aspiration pneumonia.
What is the only proven and effective pharmacologic treatment for acute ischemic stroke?
t-PA (tissue plasminogen activator)
Administered within 4.5 hours of symptom onset.
What are major contraindications to t-PA?
Systemic or cerebral bleeding risks
These contraindications are critical to minimize t-PA-associated risks.