Chapter 38 Caring for Clients With Cerebrovascular Disorders

What is the most common type of headache?

Tension headache.

What characterizes a migraine headache?

Recurrent, severe, lasts for a day or more, and has a vascular origin.

What is a cluster headache?

Episodic, recurring over 6 to 8 weeks, may be a variant of migraine headaches.

What is the pathophysiology behind tension headaches?

Occurs when neck and facial muscles are contracted for a prolonged time leading to sensitized nociceptors.

Which neurotransmitter changes contribute to migraine headaches?

Changes in serotonin receptors.

What common dietary items can trigger migraines?

Certain chemicals in foods, food-related allergies, and drugs.

What are common assessment findings for tension headaches?

Pressure or steady constriction on both sides of the head.

What symptoms are associated with classic migraines?

Aura, throbbing pain, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, irritability.

What diagnostic tests can be used for headaches?

CT scan, brain scan, head and neck radiographs, and angiography.

How are tension headaches medically managed?

Rest, mild analgesics, stress management techniques, and counseling for severe cases.

What medications are used to prevent migraines?

Methysergide (Sansert) and topiramate (Topamax).

What is the role of sumatriptan (Imitrex) in migraine treatment?

It interrupts migraines that have already developed.

What causes Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs)?

Temporary interruption in cerebral blood flow due to causes like atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, and cardiac disease.

What are symptoms of a TIA?

Light-headedness, confusion, speech disturbances, loss of vision, weakness on one side.

How can TIAs be diagnosed?

Auscultation of carotid artery, ultrasound examination, CT scan, MRI.

What is a common management strategy for TIAs?

Control blood pressure, lose weight, and manage atherosclerosis.

What surgical procedure can be done for TIA management?

Carotid endarterectomy.

What characterizes a Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)?

Prolonged interruption in blood flow causing brain infarction.

What types of strokes exist?

Ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke.

What is the risk of embolic stroke in atrial fibrillation?

Clots may develop and travel to the brain.

What are common assessment findings post-stroke?

Numbness, weakness, confusion, difficulty speaking, severe headache.

What diagnostic tests are used for stroke evaluation?

CT scan, MRI, transcranial Doppler ultrasonography.

What is Tissue Plasminogen Activator (TPA) used for?

Treatment of ischemic stroke.

When should a nurse assess a client who suddenly cannot talk after a stroke?

Immediately, as this may indicate an extending stroke.

What symptoms indicate a ruptured cerebral aneurysm?

Sudden severe headache, dizziness, nausea, loss of consciousness.

What imaging is used to diagnose cerebral aneurysms?

Cerebral angiography, CT scan, MRI, lumbar puncture.

What interventions help in managing increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?

Complete bed rest, elevating the head of the bed, hypertension control.