Nurs 3366 - Miscellaneous CNS disorders and Ophthalmologic problems

What is a Migraine?

severe episodic headache

1. prodrome - S&S before the headache

2. headache itself- often unilateral

3. postdrome - washed out, tired, weak

What is the treatment of Migraines?

abortive drugs, such as Immitrex

• patients are instructed to use at the start of their migraine - at the first sign of the prodrome.

What are seizures?

sudden, explosive, disorderly charge of neurons(convulsions)

• general or partial

What are General seizures?

patient is ALWAYS unconscious

• movement is tonic-clonic --alternating rigidity & contraction of muscles

What are Partial seizures?

begin locally and can have varied level of unconsciousness

What is the post-seizure condition?

state of a patient following the end of a seizure is sometimes known as post-ictal

• the patient is still dazed and confused

What is status epilepticus?

if seizure continues non-stop

What is Meningitis?

infection & inflammation of meninges

• viral or bacterial

What is Viral meningitis?

also known as aseptic meningitis

• milder S&Ss and clinical course than bacterial

What is Bacterial meningitis?

caused by meningococcus & pneumococcus

• more virulent and dangerous than the viruses & cause a worse clinical picture for the patient

What are the S&S of Bacterial meningitis?

S&S of edema of meninges surrounding brain

• photophobia (pain in eyes when exposed to light)

• restlessness, decreased LOC

S&S of edema of meninges surrounding spinal cord

• neck stiffness, also known as nuchal rigidity

• positive Brudzinski’s and /or Kernig’s signs

petechiae and purpura in meningococcal meningitis

leukocytosis

How can you diagnose Bacterial Meningitis?

Spinal Tap (Lumbar puncture)

• high WBC

• higher-than-normal protein count

• decreased CSF glucose

• blood in CSF

What is Myasthenia Gravis?

chronic autoimmune disease

• antibodies produced by the body's own immune system destroy the receptors for acetylcholine

• increased cholinesterase(breaks down acetylcholine) causes muscle weakness

What is it called when Myasthenia Gravis affects breathing?

myasthenia crisis

What is the treatment of Myasthenia Gravis?

anti-cholinesterase

What is Mydriasis?

pupil dilation—sympathetic response that occurs upon exposure to darkness

• adrenergic effect

What is Miosis?

pupil constriction—parasympathetic response that occurs upon exposure to light

• cholinergic effect

What is Diplopia?

double vision; caused by a week ocular muscle

What is Nystagmus?

rhythmic, involuntary, unilateral or bilateral movement of the eyes

What is Papilledema?

edema and inflammation of the optic nerve where it enters the retina