Neurologic Support

12 important questions on Neurologic Support

What are common mechanisms of primary brain injuries?

trauma:
Ischemia
inflammation
compression: hematoma
metabolism:

What are common mechanisms of secondary brain injuries?

hypoperfusion: global ( ICP, systemic arterial hypotension, severe anemia ) vs regional ( ICP, local edema, vasospasm )
hypoxia: systemic  / regional hypoperfusion, seizures, hyperthermia
electrolyte or acid base chagnes
reperfusion injury with free radical formation

What is the primary goal in brain injury management?

Prevention of secondary injury
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Cerebral blood flow is usually evaluated by cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP),

which is the MAP ( driving pressure minus the ICP )
normal = 60 - 100 mmhg

What are the general principles of managing brain injury?

avoid fever
avoid seizurs
avoid anxiety, agitaiotn or pain
avoid shivering
minimize stimulation, particulary for the first 72 hours

What clinical findings suggest herniation?

pupillary asymmetre ( horizontal shift of the brain --> precedes downward herniations in pt with supretentorial masses )
Cushing reflexic of hypertension by bradycardia and altered respiration may indicate brain herniation.
Disconjugate eye moments
change in respiratoyr pattern
deerioation in motor respons ( EMV   ) --> increas in intracranial mass effec

In the case of a suspicion of herniation, what are important steps to take?

Get neurosurgical assistance
Mannitol / hypertonic saline
A brief period of hyperventilation ( alkalosis --> vasoconstriction --> ICP lower yet   higher chance of increased secondary ischemia )

What medication should be avoided in traumatic brain injury patients?

corticosteroids

What drugs should be avoid in intracerebral hemorrhage?

Drugs that causes substantials intracranial vasodilation ( nitroprusside, nitroglycerin )

What is the treatment of SAB?

1. ensure abc
2. control bloodpressur early ( rebleeding is the major complication early on ) labetalol and nicardipine have een advocated.
3. initiate oral nimodipine, 60 mg every 4hours ( hypotension should be avoided )
4. avoid hyponatremia, which is commonly encountered.

How to treat a seizure?

lorazepam 0.1 mg / kg i.v.

in the case of seizure activity it should be followed by i.v. dose of phenytoin or fosphenytoin.

When is a lumbar puncture allowed without performing a CT-scan

In the absence of papilledema or focal neurologic signs for the evaluation of meningitis.

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