Introduction to Altered Mental Status

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to altered mental status, strokes, and relevant medical evaluations, based on the lecture notes.

Altered Mental Status

Changes in a person's level of consciousness and processing.

Reticular Activating System (RAS)

A part of the brain that regulates input from sensory areas, level of activity, and alertness, crucial for consciousness.

AEIOU tips

A mnemonic used to consider possible causes of altered mental status, including Alcohol, Endocrine emergencies, Insulin, Overdose, Uremia, Trauma, Infection, Psychosis, Stroke.

Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)

A medical term for stroke, referring to blood vessel problems in the brain.

Ischemic Stroke

A stroke caused by a blockage in a blood vessel, accounting for about 87% of strokes.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

A stroke caused by a rupture of blood vessels, accounting for about 13% of strokes.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

A temporary episode of stroke symptoms that resolves completely, often considered a warning sign.

Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale (CPSS)

A tool used to identify strokes in prehospital settings by assessing facial droop, arm drift, and speech difficulties.

Last Known Well

The last time a patient was observed to be normal or symptom-free, critical for stroke treatment timing.

Vasovagal Syncope

A sudden loss of consciousness due to excessive parasympathetic stimulation, often temporary with normal recovery.