Neurological Disorders Overview

• Introduction: CAA108, by Lisa Bowerman and Janelle White.

Central and Peripheral Nervous System (NS)

• Divisions: CNS (Central Nervous System) and PNS (Peripheral Nervous System).

• CNS Components:

  • Brain: Includes structures like the anterior and posterior arteries for blood supply.

  • Spinal Cord: Connective pathway for signals between the brain and body.

• Blood Supply:

  • Essential for brain function; includes various arteries like the basilar and cerebral arteries.

Altered Mental State (AMS)

• Definition: State of confusion or cognitive dysfunction.

• Assessment Tools: Various tools to evaluate patient AMS.

Concussions

• Definition: Reversible brain injury without structural damage.

• Causes: Mild to moderate impact, temporary loss of consciousness.

• Symptoms: Confusion, drowsiness, irritability, mild retrograde amnesia.

Types of Unconsciousness

• Causes of AMS:

  • Blood oxygenation and circulation issues.

  • Metabolic and CNS problems.

Brain Functionality Needs

• Key Elements:

  • Glucose and oxygen as crucial for brain operations.

Causes of Medical Emergencies

• A.E.I.O.U.T.I.P.S:

  • Alcohol, Epilepsy, Insulin, Overdose, Uraemia, Trauma, Infection, Poisoning, Stroke.

Primary Survey (CVA cases)

• Initial Assessment Tasks:

  • Assess airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure.

• Primary Signs: Decreased LOC, unequal pupils, facial droop.

Ischaemic vs. Haemorrhagic Stroke

• Ischaemic Stroke: 80% of cases caused by blockage.

• Haemorrhagic Stroke: Caused by rupture; often linked to hypertension.

Differentiating Strokes in a Hospital

• Necessary Diagnosis: Essential to distinguish between stroke types for treatment.

  • Ischaemic stroke treated with clot busters.

TIA vs. CVA

• Define TIA: Transient ischaemic attack; often a warning sign of a potential full stroke.

Headaches

• Types: Primary headache disorders include migraines, tension-type headaches, and cluster headaches.

• Symptoms: One-sided headache, nausea, throbbing pain indicate migraines.

Serious Headache Causes

• Causes to Investigate: Tumors, meningitis, hypertension, and strokes.

Management of Headaches

• Approach: Symptomatic treatment, reassessment of symptoms crucial; include observation.

Seizures Management

• Emergency Protocol: ABCs of seizure treatment; protection, breathing, circulation, and disability assessment.

Epilepsy Overview

• Statistics: 1 in 120 people; recurrent unprovoked seizures define epilepsy.

• Seizure Types: Various causes including metabolic, drug-induced, or structural factors.

Status Epilepticus

• Critical Condition Definition: Seizures lasting over 5 minutes or multiple seizures without recovery.

Syncope Overview

• Definition: Sudden temporary loss of consciousness due to blood flow reduction.

• Key Symptoms: Include pre-syncopal symptoms like dizziness or nausea.

• Common Causes: Vasovagal reactions, arrhythmias, dehydration.

Management of Syncope

• Clinical Decision Making: Assess for serious underlying causes; use relevant assessments and investigations.

Recognition and Treatment Mnemonic**

• Syncope Mnemonic: P-A-S-S-O-U-T.

  • Pressure, Arrhythmias, Seizures, Sugar levels, Output issues, Unusual reactions, TIA/CVA.

Summary

• Covered neurological anatomy & physiology, pathophysiology of common conditions (CVA, TIA, headaches, seizures, syncope).