NUERO

• The nervous system is a complex network of nerves and cells that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to various parts of the body.
• The proper functioning of these nerves ensures that each organ system, such as the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and immune systems, can adequately communicate with one another.
• The nervous system includes the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).
• The CNS is made up of the brain and spinal cord, whereas the PNS is made up of the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.
• The brain is part of the CNS.
• The spinal cord is part of the CNS.
• The Glasgow Coma Scale is used to assess neurologic status.
• Pupillary checks are used to assess neurologic status.
• Atonic/Akinesic (Drop Attack) = Drop (sudden momentary loss of muscle tone) – ensure safety of head – Post-Ictus (immediate recovery)
• During a seizure, it is important to stay with the patient, avoid restraint, not put anything into the mouth, and avoid restrictive clothing.
• Seizure nursing responsibilities include seizure precautions, such as oxygen and suction at bedside, IV access, padded side rails, and pillows, avoiding restrictive clothing, and not putting anything inside the mouth.
• Tests/procedures for seizures include EEG, CT scan/MRI, and neurological examination.
• Surgery is an alternative treatment for seizures, such as Thymectomy.
• Seizure medications include Phenytoin (Dilantin), Phenobarbitol, Benzodiazepine (Diazepam), and Valproic Acid.
• Types of Seizure include Generalized Tonic-Clonic (Grand Mal), Focal/Partial (Simple), and Complex (Unaware).
• Skull and spinal radiography is used to diagnose fractures of the bones of the skull and birth defects.
• Computed tomography scan provides cross-sectional views of the brain and helps to identify pathologies such as tumors, hematomas, and edema.
• Vagus nerve stimulator (electrical device)
• Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or stroke is a life-threatening condition that can occur due to a variety of factors such as unhealthy diet, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, hypertension, and atherosclerosis.
• Cerebral ischemia, or stroke, is a condition where blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing tissue hypoxia and cellular starvation.
• A precipitating factor in CVA/stroke is the build up of plaque deposits in the walls of blood vessels, which can lead to thrombus and cerebral hypoperfusion.
• Ischemic stroke is a type of stroke caused by blockage, while hemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding into the brain.
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a mini stroke that lasts for minutes to hours and is a warning sign that a more serious/severe type of stroke may happen.
• Stroke symptoms, also known as S/SX of stroke, include FACE (check the symmetry), ARMS (assess for weakness), SMILE (assess the smile), TIME of stroke, and other signs such as aphasia, agnosia, apraxia, agrapha, alexia, dysphagia, dysarthria, and homonymous hemianopsia.
• Diagnostic tests/procedures for stroke include CT scan and MRI to rule out bleeding, and TPA (Tissue Plasminogen Activator) for ischemic stroke.
• X-ray uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to make images of the skull and spine to diagnose fractures of the bones of the skull, birth defects, infection, foreign bodies, pituitary tumors.
• Angiography is an x-ray study of the cerebral circulation after a contrast agent has been injected into a selected artery that allows visualization of vascular problems, tumors, and hematomas.
• Brudzinski’s sign is a sign of meningitis characterized by reflex flexion of patient’s hips and knees after passive flexion of the neck.
• Seizure precaution is necessary in meningitis patients, and signs of intracranial pressure (ICP) should be assessed.
• Release of cell wall fragments and lipopolysaccharides of the microorganism occurs during meningitis.
• CSF in meningitis is purulent and turbid, indicating bacterial meningitis.
• Elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees, and avoid neck flexion and extreme hip flexion in meningitis patients.
• Inflammation of the subarachnoid and pia mater occurs during meningitis.
• The causative agent of meningitis enters the bloodstream and crosses the blood-brain barrier.
• Prevent stimulation and restrict visitors in meningitis patients.
• As CSF flows through the subarachnoid space, the inflammatory cellular materials from the affected meningeal tissue enter and accumulate.
• Nuchal rigidity is a sign of meningitis characterized by neck stiffness.
• Priority in the management of meningitis is antibiotic, especially if it is bacterial, and a culture and sensitivity test should be done first before antibiotic administration.
• Electroencephalography evaluates the brain’s electrical activity and is used primarily in diagnosis of epilepsy and brain death.
• Prevent respiratory complications resulting from altered consciousness in meningitis patients by implementing measures such as oxygen therapy, ABG, and pulse oximetry.