CNS pathologies Flashcards
(35 cards)
pupil fixed/dilated impaired eye movement impaired motor function causing abnormal posture changes in speech changes in vital sign high systolic blood pressure weak pulse vomiting/nausea headache changes in behavoiur progressively losing consciousness lthaergy seizures
increased intracranial pressure (ICP)
cerebral oedema or inflammation
headache - maybe worse in the morning after waking up neck pain drowsiness nausea vomiting confusion blurred vision difficulty walking
hydrocephalus
abnormal accumulation of CSF in ventricles or other cavities of the brain caused by blocked circulation or absorption of CSF
hydrocephalus
infection or inflammation of the membranes covering the brain/spinal cord
meningitis
causes meningitis
mostly bacterial
viral infection less severe
kernigs sign meningitis
resistance to leg extension when lying with the hips flexed
brudzinski sign meningitis
neck flexion causes flexion of hip & knee
can be life threatening when leads to ICP so condition classified as medical emergency petechiae - non-blanching sudden onset of SEVERE HEADACHE PHOTOPHOBIA STIFF NECK vomiting
menginitis
diagnosis meningitis
lumbar puncture
causes ICP
haemorrhage extreme hypoglycaemia hypoxia infections abcesses inflammation of brain meningitis tumours trauma/injury
complications meningitis
brain/nerve damage
meningitis treatment
antibiotics/antivirals
vary from mild-severe unconsciousness amnesia headaches seizures leaking CSF or blood from ear or nose fever
head injuries
reversible head injury which usually results from a significant BLOW to the head, causing sudden movement of the brain, disrupting neurological function
concussion
bruising of the brain with ruptured blood vessels and oedema, usually caused by a blunt blow to the head. residual damage depends on force of the blow and amount of tissue onjury
contusion
concussion symptoms + nausea vomiting seizures difficulty coordination/movement impaired memory, vision, speech, hearing
contusion
basilar fracture
fracture at base of skull
damage to the brain at a site contra-lateral to the site of direct damage/trauma
damage occurs as the brain bounces of the skull
contrecoup injury
common causes of headaches 7
sinus congestion muscle tension jaw/joint problems tension/stress climate hypoglycaemia caffeine withdrawal
what would indicate that a headache was a more serious condition
serious conditions start suddenly and affect the pupils
may begin with an ‘aura’ - unusual visual
incapacitating pain
begins on one side, then headache with visuals
sensory hypersensitivity
nausea & vomiting
migraine
cause migraine
abnormal blood flow/metabolism in the brain
food allergies, alcohol, food additives, emotions, hormones
differential diagnosis migraine
brain tumour, stroke, meningitis, head injury - watch pupils!
often morning headaches, increasing in frequency
maybe vomiting
uneven pupils
brain tumour
