1. Structure & Med Treatments

when does the central nervous system begin developing?

during the first 3–4 weeks of gestation

what can cause malformations during central nervous system development?

infection, trauma, teratogens, and malnutrition

why are newborns at increased risk for skull fractures?

cranial bones aren’t well developed or fused at birth

why is the infant’s brain at increased risk for hemorrhage?

it’s highly vascular

which infants are at greater risk for brain damage?

premature infants

how do sutures and fontanels benefit the newborn?

• they make the skull flexible for passage through the birth canal

• allow room for expansion if brain swelling occurs

what can early or late fontanel closure indicate?

problems with brain growth

why are children at high risk for cervical spine injury?

their spines are very mobile

how developed is the nervous system at birth?

development is complete but immature, and myelinization is incomplete

how does increasing myelinization affect a child’s motor development?

it increases the speed and accuracy of nerve impulses, allowing fine and gross motor movements and coordination

myelinization proceeds in the _____ direction

cephalocaudal

what problems can nervous system immaturity cause in preterm infants?

• delayed motor skills

• difficulty sucking and swallowing, leading to feeding and growth issues

• episodes of apnea

why are infants and young children more prone to head injury from falls?

their heads are large in proportion to their bodies, and their neck muscles aren’t well developed

what does a shunt do for a child with hydrocephalus & increased ICP?

drains excess cerebrospinal fluid from a ventricle into the peritoneal cavity, heart’s atrium, or pleural spaces

what’s the purpose of physical, occupational, and speech therapy for children with neurologic disorders?

improve motor function and ability

what’s external ventricular drainage (EVD)?

a temporary catheter drains cerebrospinal fluid from a ventricle into an external reservoir through a closed system

what’s the purpose of a ventricular tap?

reduce cerebrospinal fluid accumulation and decrease intracranial pressure

how does a vagal nerve stimulator help manage seizures?

an implanted device stimulates the vagus nerve at preset intervals, with additional stimulation available

what’s a ketogenic diet for seizure management?

high fat, adequate protein, and very low carbohydrates to produce ketosis and help control difficult-to-control seizures