NR 507 Week 8 Edapt Content; CNS Brain Disorders

458469175260Week 8 CNS: Brain Disorders Convulsions: involuntary muscle contractions, may or may not be associated with seizures ConvulsionsNo specific pathology but a variety of potential causes. More a symptom than a condition Rapid muscle twitching or a broader extremity tremor. Can affect all muscle groups, including unconsciousness, or be seen focally, w/t loss of consciousness Possible causes: fever, infection (meningitis, encephalitis), head injury, stroke, reaction to certain meds, drugs, or toxins. A mental health issue may be the cause and must be treated with respect and dignity. Safety is the priority. Detailed information needed: duration, movement, body parts involved, preceding events. Ex.: eye closure during a convulsion is a reliable sign of a psychogenic nonepileptic seizure. Patho of Seizure 432435016647Uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain is caused by excessive neuron discharges. Caused by neuronal injury, metabolic or chemical changes, medication toxicities, or electrolyte imbalances. Ischemia: causes acidosis and potential electrolyte abnormality leading to seizure. Increased Ox demand during seizure leads to hypoxemia, depletion of glucose, and an increase in lactic acid. Electrolytes: Na, K, and others can lead to a decrease in the action potential threshold, causing increased depolarization. It also causes uncontrolled electrical activity, especially if hypoNa Direct trauma: causes edema, and changes in electrolytes, and pH. Need meds to prevent seizure Neurotransmitter: Because medications are often used to increase or decrease neurotransmitter activity, toxicities can lead to seizure activity. Serotonin syndrome, caused by medications that increase serotonin levels, has a potential adverse reaction to seizures. Types of Seizure Focal seizures (partial seizures) Simple partial seizures: The individual remains conscious and aware during the seizure. Symptoms involve twitching or sensory changes (such as taste, smell, or visual disturbances). Complex partial seizures: These involve a change or loss of consciousness. Individuals may seem dazed and confused, perform repetitive actions, and not remember the seizure afterward. Generalized seizures Absence seizures (petit mal): Brief, sudden lapses in attention or staring spells that might be mistaken for daydreaming. These are more common in children. Tonic seizures: Muscles in the body become stiff, especially in the extremities, leading to a fall if the person is standing. Clonic seizures: Repetitive, rhythmic jerks that involve both sides of the body. 2203450318578Tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal): Characterized by a sudden loss of consciousness, body stiffening and shaking, and sometimes loss of bladder control or biting the tongue. Atonic seizures (drop): Loss of muscle control, causing the person to collapse suddenly. Myoclonic seizures: Sudden brief jerks or twitches of the arms and legs. Etiology of Seizure Genetic inheritance: Seizure disorders like epilepsy appear to be inherited in some families. Structural brain abnormalities: Space occupying tumors or blood outside the vascular space can cause an increased possibility of seizure activity, as seen in a TBI. 13 Metabolic imbalances: Elevated or reduced electrolyte levels like Na or glucose may lead to seizures. Seizures may also arise when electrolyte imbalances are too rapidly treated. Infectious causes: Infection in and around the brain can lead to seizures. Any type of meningitis caused by