Chronic Neurological Disorders

These flashcards cover the key vocabulary and concepts related to chronic neurological disorders, their types, symptoms, treatments, and important nursing interventions.

Headache (HA)

Most common type of pain; can be categorized into functional (like migraines, tension, cluster) and organic (caused by other diseases).

Tension-Type Headache (TTH)

Characterized by bilateral head pain; often mild to moderate intensity, described as a dull or pressure pain.

Migraine Headaches

Recurrent episodic attacks of head pain; often unilateral and throbbing, may include an aura preceding the headache.

Cluster Headaches

Occur in clusters; characterized by severe, sudden pain around the eye and associated with autonomic symptoms.

Aura

Sensory phenomenon indicating the onset of a headache or seizure; may involve visual or sensory changes.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

A complementary alternative medicine approach often used in managing headaches.

Risk Factors for Migraine

Female gender, age, family history, low education level, stress, and certain medical conditions.

Triggers for Migraine

Bright lights, loud noises, certain smells, poor sleep, high stress, and hormonal fluctuations.

Status Epilepticus

Medical emergency caused by prolonged seizures lasting more than 5 minutes, potentially leading to death.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Chronic disease characterized by demyelination and axonal nerve damage, typically with remissions and exacerbations.

Myasthenia Gravis (MG)

Acquired autoimmune disease characterized by muscle weakness due to antibodies blocking acetylcholine receptors.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Chronic, progressive neurological disease affecting motor neurons; leads to muscle weakness and paralysis.

Parkinson’s Disease

Progressive neuro-degenerative disease causing cognitive and mobility decline; characterized by tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia.

Cholinergic Crisis

Acute exacerbation of muscle weakness caused by excessive anticholinesterase drugs.

Demyelination

Process that slows or stops nerve impulse transmission; occurs in MS due to overactive immune response.

Pharmacologic Management for Headaches

Includes NSAIDs, triptans, and preventive medications based on headache type.

Differentiation of Headaches

Identifying the type of headache based on clinical manifestations, risk factors, and triggers.

Post-Ictal Care

Care provided after a seizure, including oxygen, vital signs assessment, and allowing the patient to rest.

Seizure Phases

Stages of a seizure which may include an aura, ictal (active) phase, and postictal (after the seizure) phase.

Goals of Nursing Interventions for MS

Focus on infection prevention, improving mobility, and maintaining cognition and vision.