Neuroscience and Neurotrauma Nursing

Seizures

• Aetiology: can be caused by genetic predisposition, head trauma, infections, tumors, and metabolic disorders
• Clinical manifestations: altered state of consciousness, convulsions, muscle rigidity, loss of bowel control, and post-seizure confusion
• Nursing management: maintain a safe environment, monitor vital signs, administer medications as prescribed, and provide emotional support
• Interprofessional management: collaboration between healthcare professionals, including neurologists, nurses, and pharmacists, to develop a personalized treatment plan

Normal Intracranial Pressure

• Physiological processes: cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation, blood flow, and venous drainage help maintain normal intracranial pressure (ICP)
• CSF circulation: produced in the choroid plexus, circulates through the ventricles, and absorbed into the bloodstream
• Blood flow: regulated by the autonomic nervous system to maintain a consistent blood pressure
• Venous drainage: ensures the removal of waste products from the brain

Raised Intracranial Pressure

• Aetiology: can be caused by traumatic brain injury, infection, tumors, and cerebral edema
• Clinical manifestations: headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and decreased level of consciousness
• Nursing management: monitor ICP, maintain a stable environment, and manage pain and discomfort
• Interprofessional management: collaboration between healthcare professionals, including neurosurgeons, intensivists, and nurses, to develop a personalized treatment plan

Head Injury

• Types of head injury:
  • Closed head injury: occurs when the skull is not fractured
  • Open head injury: occurs when the skull is fractured
  • Penetrating head injury: occurs when an object pierces the skull
• Mechanism of injury:
  • Acceleration/deceleration injuries: caused by rapid acceleration or deceleration of the head
  • Impact injuries: caused by direct blows to the head
  • Blast injuries: caused by explosions
• Clinical manifestations:
  • Consciousness: altered level of consciousness, confusion, and disorientation
  • Motor function: weakness, paralysis, or loss of motor function
  • Sensory function: numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation

Traumatic Brain Injury

• Nursing management: maintain a safe environment, monitor vital signs, manage pain and discomfort, and provide emotional support
• Interprofessional management: collaboration between healthcare professionals, including neurosurgeons, intensivists, and rehabilitation specialists, to develop a personalized treatment plan and promote optimal recovery