Core Neuro Concepts

Assessment

100

This is the most sensitive indicator of neurological function

LOC

200

This standardized tool assesses eye opening, verbal response, and motor response?

Glasgow coma scale

300

A decline in cerebral blood flow and slower reflexes are normal changes in this population?

older adults

400

Asking a patient to interpret a simple proverb tests this part of the mental status exam 

abstract thinking

500

This neurological finding- rigidity and spasms- is due to damage to the CNS motor pathways 

spasticity 

Cranial Nerves

100

This nerve allows a patient to smile, frown, and puff cheeks

VII (facial)

200

Shock like pain in trigeminal neuralgia comes from this cranial nerve

cranial nerve V

300

The vagus nerve is the only cranial nerve that extends into these two major body cavities

Thoracic and abdominal 

400

A patient who cannot shrug shoulders may have damage to this cranial nerve

XI (spinal accessory)

500

Pupillary constriction tests this cranial nerve

III (Oculomotor)

Critical emergencies

100

This combination of bradycardia, widened pulse pressure, and irregular respirations signal impending herniation. 

Cushing's Triad

200

The priority action during a seizure is?

Turn patient to the side to prevent aspiration (PROTECT AIRWAY)

300

A stroke is suspected; the acronym FAST stands for this assessment? 

Face, Arm, Speech, Time

400

HOB should be elevated to this range to decrease ICP

30-45 degrees

500

LP is contraindicated in this situation

Suspected increased ICP

Headaches and Neuropathic Pain

100

Tightening of the neck and scalp muscles causes this type of headache?

Tension

200

Patients with vascular headaches should avoid foods containing this amino acid?

Tyramine

300

This chronic neuropathic pain disorder causes post-herpetic burning sensations

Post-herpetic neuralgia

400

Lightening-like pain in lips and gums describes this disorder 

Trigeminal neuralgia

500

This exam must be normal before diagnosing a simple headache 

Neurological exam 

Stroke and Seizures

100

This type of stroke is caused by a clot blocking blood flow

Ischemic 

200

This seizure type causes brief staring episodes with minimal motor activity

Absence seizures

300

Patients with seizures may report this sensory warning beforehand

aura

400

This type of stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures 

Hemorrhagic 

500

This period after a tonic-clonic seizure is marked by confusion and fatigue 

Postictal period