Yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the blood.
Jaundice
Relating to or occurring during a seizure or a sudden attack, especially of epilepsy.
Ictal
Temporary loss of reflexes, sensation, and thermoregulation below the level of injury.
Spinal Shock
Bruising around the eyes, a sign of a basilar skull fracture
Raccoon Eyes
The placement of an EVD into the ventricles of the brain.
Ventriculostomy
Stroke caused by a blockage of a blood vessel in the brain
Ischemic Stroke
Referred to as the "master gland," it controls the function of many other endocrine glands
Pituitary Gland
Medications that increase the force of heart contractions
Inotropes
The presence of excess fat in the feces, often due to impaired fat digestion and absorption, commonly seen in conditions like pancreatitis and liver disease.
Steatorrhea
Relating to or characterized by alternating contractions and relaxations of muscles, especially in a spasm or convulsion.
Clonic
Hypotension and bradycardia caused by loss of sympathetic nervous system innervation.
Neurogenic Shock
Bleeding between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater, typically venous and slower to develop
Subdural Hematoma
Resistance to knee extension when the hip is flexed, indicative of meningeal irritation
Kernig's Sign
Stroke caused by bleeding in or around the brain
Hemorrhagic Stroke
A hormone that regulates calcium and phosphate levels in the blood
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
A type of shock characterized by abnormal vasodilation and maldistribution of blood flow
Distributive Shock
A chronic, irreversible liver disease characterized by scarring (fibrosis) of the liver tissue, leading to impaired liver function.
Cirrhosis
A seizure that originates in a specific area of one hemisphere of the brain.
Focal Onset
Paralysis of all four limbs
Tetrapalegia
An excessive accumulation of CSF in the ventricles of the brain
Hydrocephalus
A late sign of severe IICP characterized by bradycardia, hypertension, and irregular respirations
Cushing's Triad
A temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, producing stroke-like symptoms that typically resolve within 24 hours
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Small glands located on top of each kidney that produce hormones vital for metabolism, stress response, and blood pressure regulation
Adrenal Glands
Cellular respiration that occurs in the absence of oxygen, producing lactic acid as a byproduct
Anaerobic Metabolism
A sudden and rapid deterioration of liver function in a patient without pre-existing liver disease; it is a medical emergency.
Acute Liver Failure (ALF)
A type of headache characterized by severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head.
Migraine
Paralysis of the lower half of the body
Parapelgia
A ring of clear fluid surrounding blood on a dressing, indicating the presence of CSF
Involuntary bending of the hips and knees when the neck is flexed, indicating meningeal irritation
Brudzinski's Sign
A thrombolytic medication used to dissolve blood clots, commonly administered in cases of ischemic stroke within a specific time window after symptom onset
tPA (Activase)
A complication of diabetes, typically type 2, characterized by very high blood sugar levels without significant ketone production
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Syndrome (HHS)
A build-up of lactic acid in the body due to anaerobic metabolism, leading to a decrease in blood pH
Lactic Acidosis
A protein produced by the liver responsible for maintaining fluid balance in blood vessels.
Albumin
A life-threatening condition in which a seizure lasts for more than five minutes, or a person has multiple seizures without regaining consciousness between them.
Status Epilepticus
A potentially life-threatening condition in individuals with spinal cord injuries at or above T6, characterized by severe hypertension, bradycardia, headache, sweating, and flushing, triggered by stimuli below the level of the injury
Autonomic Dysreflexia
Displacement of brain tissue due to increased pressure, leading to life-threatening complications
Herniation
The pressure difference between mean arterial pressure and intracranial pressure, driving blood flow to the brain
Cerebral Perfusion Pressure (CPP)
A medical emergency protocol activated when a patient exhibits symptoms of stroke, triggering rapid response and prioritized care to expedite diagnosis and treatment
Code Stroke
A condition characterized by excessive ADH, leading to water retention and low sodium levels.
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)
A generalized inflammatory response to a variety of insults, including infection, trauma, and ischemia
Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS)