Neurological & Psychiatric Disorders Flashcards

What is a seizure?

Answer: Brain activity

A seizure is fundamentally a transient occurrence of signs and/or symptoms due to abnormal excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain. It is caused by uncontrolled electrical discharges in the brain, which can manifest in various ways, including altered consciousness, involuntary movements, or sensory disturbances.

How to treat status epilepticus?

Answer: Lorazepam

Status epilepticus is a medical emergency characterized by prolonged or recurrent seizures without full recovery of consciousness between episodes. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam, are the first-line treatment because they act rapidly to suppress seizure activity by enhancing the effect of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

What is stroke sign?

Answer: Facial droop

Facial droop is a classic and easily recognizable sign of a stroke, often affecting one side of the face. It occurs due to damage to the brain areas that control facial muscles. This symptom is part of the FAST mnemonic (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) and indicates a need for urgent medical evaluation for potential stroke.

What is psychosis?

Answer: Delusions or hallucinations

Psychosis is a severe mental disorder characterized by a loss of contact with reality. Its hallmark symptoms include delusions (fixed, false beliefs not amenable to change in light of conflicting evidence) and hallucinations (perceiving things that are not actually present, such as hearing voices or seeing things). These symptoms indicate a significant disruption in thought processes and perception.

What is priority in head trauma?

Answer: Spine and GCS

In head trauma, ensuring cervical spine immobilization is paramount to prevent further neurological injury, as concurrent spinal cord injury is common. Assessing the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is crucial for evaluating the patient's level of consciousness and neurological status, which guides immediate management and helps monitor changes over time. These are critical components of the primary survey in trauma.

What causes altered mental status?

Answer: Multiple causes

Altered mental status (AMS) is a broad term indicating a change in a person's usual level of awareness or responsiveness. It can be caused by a wide array of medical conditions, including metabolic disturbances (e.g., hypoglycemia, electrolyte imbalances), infections, drug overdose, head injuries, stroke, hypoxia, and psychiatric conditions. Therefore, a thorough diagnostic workup is essential to identify the underlying cause.

What tool evaluates mental status?

Answer: GCS

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a standardized neurological assessment tool used to objectively measure a person's level of consciousness. It evaluates eye-opening, verbal response, and motor response, providing a numerical score that helps clinicians assess the severity of brain injury or altered mental status and monitor changes over time.

What is suicide risk factor?

Answer: History of attempt

A history of previous suicide attempts is one of the strongest predictors and highest risk factors for future suicide. Individuals who have attempted suicide before are at a significantly increased risk of making another attempt, underscoring the importance of recognizing this history and providing ongoing support and intervention.

What helps de-escalate agitated patient?

Answer: Verbal de-escalation

Verbal de-escalation techniques are the preferred first-line approach for managing agitated patients, aiming to reduce their distress and prevent escalation to physical aggression. This involves using calm, respectful communication, active listening, empathy, and offering choices to help the patient regain control and cooperate with care. It prioritizes patient safety and autonomy over immediate physical restraint or sedation.