Assessment/Diagnostics
This scale is used to assess level of consciousness in neuro patients.
What is the Glascow Coma Scale (GCS)?
This triad of symptoms—HTN, bradycardia, and irregular respirations—indicates a medical emergency.
What is Cushing's triad?
This acronym helps identify stroke symptoms quickly.
What is FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time)?
This type of headache is often unilateral, throbbing, and may be preceded by an aura.
What is a migraine headache?
This condition results from an overdose of anticholinesterase drugs and causes increased muscle weakness due to excess acetylcholine.
What is a cholinergic crisis?
This test records electrical activity in the brain.
What is an EEG?
This is the gold standard for monitoring intracranial pressure.
What is a ventriculostomy/external ventricular drainage (EVD)?
This type of stroke is caused by a clot blocking blood flow to the brain.
What is an ischemic stroke?
This serotonin receptor agonist is used to treat moderate to severe migraines.
What is sumatriptan?
This autoimmune disorder causes fluctuating muscle weakness, especially in ocular muscles.
What is myasthenia gravis (MG)?
This doctrine explains how brain tissue, blood, and CSF must remain at a constant volume in a closed skull.
What is the Monro-Kellie doctrine?
This sign indicates a CSF leak from the nose or ear.
What is the halo or ring sign?
This type of stroke is caused by bleeding into brain tissue or ventricles.
What is a hemorrhagic stroke?
This seizure emergency involves continuous seizure activity lasting more than 5 minutes.
What is status epilepticus?
This chronic disease involves demyelination of CNS nerve fibers.
What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?
This diagnostic test is contraindicated in patients with increased ICP.
What is a lumbar puncture (LP)?
This type of hematoma is a neurologic emergency due to rapid arterial bleeding.
What is an epidural hematoma?
This scale is used to measure stroke severity and predict outcomes.
What is the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)?
This class of drugs is used to rapidly stop seizures in status epilepticus.
What are benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, midazolam)?
This medication is a chemical precursor to dopamine and is the most effective treatment for Parkinson’s symptoms.
What is levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet)?
The two possible patient positions for a lumbar puncture.
What is seated or side-lying? (side-lying is most common)
This type of skull fracture is indicated by raccoon eyes and Battle’s sign.
What is a basilar skull fracture?
This medication must be given within 3 to 4.5 hours of ischemic stroke onset.
What is tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)?
This intervention helps prevent aspiration and keeps the airway open during a seizure.
What is turning the patient onto their side?
This genetic neurodegenerative disorder causes progressive deterioration of physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities.
What is Huntington’s disease?