Neurologic Disorders Flashcards
(49 cards)
Autonomic Nervous System
- controls visceral activities
- comprised of sympathetic/parasympathetic systems, with opposite effects on same organs
Sympathetic Nervous System
- “fight or flight”
- epinephrine and norepinephrine
Parasympathetic Nervous System
- slows activity, decreases metabolic rate
- acetylcholine
Pathophysiology and Defense Mechanisms
- nervous system is related to all parts of the body
- neurotransmitters include dopamine, serotonin, glutamate
Assessment of the Nervous System - History
- onset
- pain and/or headache
- sensory deficits
- injury
- reflexive responses
- behavioral changes
- motor/balance changes
Assessment of the Nervous System - Medical History
- prenatal
- birth history/neonatal course
- injuries/infections
- cardiovascular/respiratory disorders
- environmental exposure to toxins
- metabolic disorders
- past neurologic diseases/tests
- drug ingestion
- urinary tract disease
- physical growth
Assessment of the Nervous System - Family Disease History
- similar symptoms/pedigree
- consanguinity
- migraine history
- intellectual functioning of family members
Specifics of the Neurological Examination
- Behavior and mental status
- Cranial nerve function
- Motor examination
- Sensory examination
- Reflexes
- Cranium examination
- Autonomic nervous system
- Meningeal signs
Diagnostic Studies for Neurologic Disorders
- CT/MRI
- Laboratory studies for systemic disease, infection, inflammation
- lumbar puncture
- electroencephalogram
- US in infants
- polysomnography, electromyography, nerve conduction, evoked responses, cerebral arteriography
Multiple Sclerosis
- chronic, relapsing disorder of the CNS
- demyelination of brain, spinal cord, optic nerves
- rare before the age of 10
Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
- unilateral weakness, ataxia, other cerebellar symptoms
- symptoms last more than 24 hours
- HA
- motor symtoms: vague parasthesias
- visual disturbances
- vertigo, dysarthria, sphincter disturbances
Multiple Sclerosis - Diagnostic Studies
- Neuroimaging
- Lumbar puncture
Multiple Sclerosis - Management
- Corticosteroids
- IVIG
- Plasmapheresis
- Monoclonal antibodies
Cerebral Palsy
- nonreversible disorder
- chronic, nonprogressive; impairs control of movement
- may have disturbances in sensation, perception, cognition, communication, behavior
- epilepsy, musculoskeletal problems may be present
- degree of brain injury individual
Three Types of Cerebral Palsy
- Spastic - muscle stiffening and tightness
- Athetoid - involuntary, purposeless muscle movement
- Ataxic - affects balance and coordination
Cerebral Palsy - Clinical Findings
- Prenatal/natal history
- Seizures
- Hearing, vision problems
- Change in growth parameters, head circumference
- Early head injury or meningitis
- Developmental milestones
- Functional health problems - feeding, irritability, movement difficulties, persistent primitive reflexes, communication
- Orthopedic exams - scoliosis, fractures, dislocations
- Neurologic exam - DTR, tone, atrophy, fasciculations, asymmetric movements, head size
Cerebral Palsy - Diagnostic Studies
- imaging studies
- chromosomal and metabolic studies
- lumbar puncture if sepsis is suspected
Cerebral Palsy Prevention
- good prenatal care and screening
Management of Cerebral Palsy
- referral of suspected cases
- family education/support/financial resources
- nutrition/elimination
- dentistry/drooling
- respiratory, skin, mobility, vision, communication, pain, osteopenia
Bell Palsy
- sudden, acute unilateral paralysis/weakening of facial nerve without sensory loss
- viral etiology suspected
- onset rapid; may last 1-9 weeks; spontaneous remission
Bell Palsy - History
- localized pain
- swelling in one ear
- sagging of face
- URI within previous 2 weeks/exposure to cold temperatures
Clinical Findings of Bell Palsy
- unilateral motor changes - forehead, cheek, perioral
- normal BP
- dribbling liquids from weak side/eating difficult
- hypersensitivity to noise
- eyelid fails to close on affected side
- lacrimation, taste, salivation impaired
- no limb weakness
- herpes lesions on affected side
Bell Palsy Diagnostic Studies
Not indicated
Management of Bell Palsy
- methylcellulose eye drops
- steroids in newly diagnosed patients