Acute Neuro & Neuroimmune Disorders

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)

A condition that includes Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE).

DVT

Deep Vein Thrombosis, a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs.

PE

Pulmonary Embolism, a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs.

VTE prophylaxis

Preventative treatment to reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism.

Early mobilization

Encouraging movement as soon as possible after surgery or injury to prevent VTE.

Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)

A type of anticoagulant used in VTE prophylaxis.

Sequential Compression Devices (SCDs)

Devices used to promote blood flow and prevent clotting.

Hydration

Maintaining fluid balance to help prevent VTE.

Cerebral Perfusion Pressure (CPP)

The pressure gradient driving blood flow to the brain, calculated as MAP - ICP.

Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)

The average pressure in a patient's arteries during one cardiac cycle.

Intracranial Pressure (ICP)

The pressure inside the skull, which can affect brain function.

Normal CPP range

60-100 mmHg.

Ischemia

Insufficient blood flow to tissues, indicated by CPP < 50 mmHg.

Cushing’s Triad

Bradycardia, hypertension with widened pulse pressure, and irregular respirations are a late sign of elevated ICP.

IVIG

Intravenous Immunoglobulin, a treatment used to modulate immune response.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

An autoimmune disorder that results in rapid onset weakness caused by the immune system damaging the peripheral nervous system.

Ascending paralysis

Weakness that starts in the lower extremities and moves upward, typical in GBS.

Saddle anesthesia

Loss of sensation in the buttocks and inner thighs, a symptom of Cauda Equina Syndrome.

Cauda Equina Syndrome

A serious condition involving compression of lumbosacral nerve roots, resulting in pain and loss of function.

Autonomic Dysreflexia

A serious complication often seen in SCI patients above T6, characterized by sudden hypertension and other symptoms.

Emergency surgery

Procedure required for urgent conditions, such as Cauda Equina Syndrome.

Bladder dysfunction

Loss of bladder control, commonly seen in Cauda Equina Syndrome.

Full bladder

The most common trigger for Autonomic Dysreflexia.

Impaction

A condition where stool becomes hard and difficult to pass, potentially triggering Autonomic Dysreflexia.

Not a cause of Autonomic Dysreflexia: Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia does not trigger autonomic dysreflexia.

Diaphragm paralysis

A major risk in GBS that can lead to respiratory failure.

Surgical decompression

Surgical intervention required to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.

Severe low back pain

A symptom of Cauda Equina Syndrome that may involve radiculopathy.

Antipyretics

Medications used to prevent fever, important in managing elevated ICP.

Sedatives

Medications used to calm patients, helpful in managing agitation and ICP.

Dexterity

Skill and ease in using the hands, potentially impacted in patients with GBS.

ICP range: Normal

5-15 mmHg for intracranial pressure.

Mannitol

An osmotic diuretic used to decrease ICP.

Hypertonic Saline

A treatment used to manage elevated ICP by drawing fluid out of the brain.

Flaccid paralysis

Loss of muscle tone, often associated with Cauda Equina Syndrome.

Saddle area loss of sensation

Loss of feeling in areas that correspond to where a saddle sits, a key symptom in Cauda Equina Syndrome.

Anticonvulsants

Medications used to prevent seizures, critical in managing patients with elevated ICP.

Risk of herniation

A serious danger associated with high ICP, particularly during lumbar punctures.

Max weakness in GBS

Typically occurs within 4 weeks of symptom onset.

Tight clothing

Can trigger Autonomic Dysreflexia, particularly in patients with spinal cord injuries.

Gamma Globulin therapy

Another term for intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG), used in GBS.

Symptoms of autonomic dysfunction

Fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rhythm, commonly observed in GBS.