Care of the Child with Cognitive-Perceptual Patterns Alterations

Flashcards based on key concepts related to the care of children with cognitive-perceptual pattern alterations, focusing on neurologic disorders, seizures, and related medical conditions.

Cerebral Palsy (CP)

A group of nonprogressive disorders affecting the upper motor neurons, resulting in motor dysfunction and complications such as cognitive challenges and muscle spasticity.

Neurologic Disorder

A wide array of problems resulting from congenital disorders, acquired dysfunction, infection, or trauma that can cause severe illness or complications.

Recurrent Seizures

A situation where a person experiences repeated seizures over time, characterized by uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain.

Partial Seizures

Seizures that start in one specific area of the brain, which can be simple (consciousness intact) or complex (consciousness impaired).

Generalized Seizures

Seizures that affect the whole brain and typically involve loss of consciousness, such as tonic-clonic seizures.

Absence Seizures

A type of generalized seizure characterized by brief lapses in awareness or staring spells, lasting only a few seconds.

Bacterial Meningitis

A severe and potentially life-threatening infection of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, often leading to increased intracranial pressure.

Intracranial Pressure (ICP)

The pressure within the skull that can be affected by various medical conditions, including infections like meningitis.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

The fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord, clears waste, and maintains pressure balance.

Muscle Spasticity

Increased muscle tone or stiffness that can lead to movement difficulties and orthopedic problems in individuals with conditions like cerebral palsy.

Neural Tissue Regeneration

The limited ability of neural tissue to regenerate after damage, unlike other body tissues.

Tonic-Clonic Seizures

Also known as Grand Mal seizures; a type of generalized seizure that affects the whole brain and typically lasts for 1-3 minutes.

Prodromal Phase

The initial phase of a seizure where early signs and symptoms can appear hours or days before the seizure occurs.

Aura

A sensory warning that can occur seconds before a seizure, which may include odd smells or visual disturbances.

Postictal Phase

The recovery phase following a seizure, characterized by deep sleep, confusion, and headache.