EMT Chapter 15 Neurological Emergencies

Brain Structure and Functions

• The brain consists of three major parts: cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem.
• The brain stem is responsible for vital functions such as breathing, blood pressure, and swallowing.
• Muscle control and body coordination are governed by the cerebellum.
• The left cerebral hemisphere controls functions on the right side of the body.
• The anterior aspect of the cerebrum regulates emotions.

Neurological Emergencies

• The spinal cord exits the skull through the foramen magnum.
• Conditions like respiratory failure or cardiopulmonary arrest can affect the entire brain.
• Interruption of cerebral blood flow typically occurs due to a blockage, not vasodilation.
• An ischemic stroke is caused by blockage in a cerebral artery.
• Sudden severe headache with unresponsiveness indicates a ruptured cerebral artery.
• Hypertension is the most significant risk factor for a hemorrhagic stroke.

Aneurysms and Strokes

• An aneurysm is defined as a swelling in a weakened arterial wall.
• A sudden, severe headache is a key clinical sign of a ruptured cerebral artery.
• A transient ischemic attack (TIA) indicates that the body has successfully destroyed a clot in a cerebral artery.

Communication and Seizures

• Aphasia refers to the inability to produce or understand speech.
• Dysarthria is characterized by slurred or difficult-to-understand speech.
• Hypovolemia is unlikely to mimic stroke symptoms.
• Generalized seizures lead to severe twitching of all muscles in the body.
• Absence seizures are also known as petit mal seizures and involve brief lapses of consciousness.
• Simple partial seizures originate in one extremity.

Postictal State and Seizure Management

• The mental status after a typical seizure usually improves within 5 to 30 minutes.
• The postictal state features confusion and fatigue.
• Status epilepticus involves prolonged seizures without regaining consciousness.
• Severe hypovolemia is not a common cause of seizures; poisoning can be a metabolic cause.

Medications and Febrile Seizures

• Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) is not used to treat patients with seizure history.
• Febrile seizures are generally benign but require evaluation.
• In the event of a febrile seizure in a child, transport to the hospital and reassure the caregiver is crucial.

Patient Assessment

• When assessing a patient post-seizure, obtaining a description of the seizure's progression is essential.
• Patients with altered mental status are not clear in thinking or cannot be easily aroused.

Test your knowledge on neurological emergencies with these flashcards from EMT Chapter 15. The quiz covers the major parts of the brain and their functions, helping you understand critical concepts in emergency medical training. Perfect for EMT students preparing for exams.