Neurological emergencies Flashcards
What is meningitis & encephalitis?
Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges (membranes covering the brain and spinal cord).
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain itself.
What are the S&S of both meningitis and encephalitis?
Fever
Headache
Stiff neck (more in meningitis)
Photophobia
Altered mental status
Seizures
Nausea/vomiting
What is an acute ischemic stroke?
Occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to a part of the brain, leading to ischemia and potential infarction.
What are the S&S of an acute ischemic stroke?
Facial drooping
Arm weakness
Speech difficulties (slurred or aphasia)
Vision loss (one or both eyes)
Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance
Hemiparesis or hemiplegia
What is an intracerebral haemorrhage?
Bleeding directly into the brain tissue, often caused by hypertension, trauma, or vascular malformations.
What are the S&S of an intracerebral haemorrhage?
Sudden severe headache
Nausea/vomiting
Decreased level of consciousness
Neurological deficits (e.g., weakness, aphasia)
Seizures
High blood pressure
What is status epilepticus & epilepsy?
Epilepsy: A neurological disorder marked by recurrent seizures.
Status Epilepticus: A seizure lasting >5 minutes or multiple seizures without recovery in between (a medical emergency).
What is a traumatic brain injury?
Damage to the brain from an external force (e.g., falls, car accidents, or violence), ranging from mild concussion to severe injury.
What are the S&S of a traumatic brain injury?
Loss of consciousness
Confusion/memory loss
Nausea/vomiting
Seizures
Changes in mental status
Visual disturbances
Headache
Dizziness/balance issues
What is a spinal cord injury?
Damage to the spinal cord that can result in partial or complete loss of motor and/or sensory function below the level of injury.
What are the S&S of status epilepticus & epilepsy?
Uncontrolled jerking movements
Loss of consciousness
Confusion post-seizure (postictal state)
Staring spells (absence seizures)
Tongue biting, incontinence (in tonic-clonic seizures)
Cyanosis in prolonged seizures
What are the S&S of a spinal cord injury?
Paralysis (tetraplegia or paraplegia)
Loss of sensation
Bladder/bowel dysfunction
Respiratory issues (with high cervical injuries)
Hypotension, bradycardia (neurogenic shock)
Pain or intense stinging sensation (neuropathic pain)
What is a subarachnoid haemorrhage?
Bleeding into the subarachnoid space, usually due to a ruptured aneurysm.
what are the S&S of a subarachnoid haemorrhage?
“Thunderclap” headache (worst ever)
Neck stiffness
Photophobia
Nausea/vomiting
Decreased consciousness
Seizures
Focal neurological deficits (less common early on)
What is inter cranial hypertension?
A condition where the pressure inside the skull increases, often due to trauma, mass lesions, or hydrocephalus. It can lead to brain damage if untreated.
What are the S&S of inter cranial hypertension?
Headache (worse in the morning or with coughing/sneezing)
Nausea/vomiting
Papilledema (optic disc swelling)
Blurred or double vision
Altered consciousness
Seizures
Cushing’s triad (bradycardia, hypertension, irregular respirations – late sign)
