BCEN Neurological Emergencies Flashcards

Which stroke syndrome presents with ipsilateral facial weakness and contralateral body weakness?

Answer: Middle cerebral artery stroke

MCA strokes often cause contralateral hemiplegia with face and arm involvement, as MCA supplies the primary motor cortex.

A patient post-seizure is confused and lethargic. What is this period called?

Answer: Postictal state

The postictal state is a transient period of confusion and fatigue that follows a seizure as the brain recovers.

Which of the following is the priority intervention for a patient with a suspected spinal cord injury?

Answer: Spinal immobilization

Spinal immobilization is the immediate priority to prevent secondary injury from movement before definitive imaging and diagnosis.

Battle's sign (bruising over the mastoid process) is associated with which type of injury?

Answer: Basilar skull fracture

Battle's sign is a delayed ecchymosis behind the ear that indicates a basilar skull fracture at the posterior fossa.

A patient has weakness, diplopia, and dysphagia that worsen throughout the day. What neurological emergency should be suspected?

Answer: Myasthenia gravis crisis

Myasthenic crisis presents with fatigable weakness that worsens with activity and may require ventilatory support.

What is the primary concern when managing a patient with Guillain-Barré syndrome in the ED?

Answer: Respiratory failure from ascending paralysis

Guillain-Barré syndrome causes ascending demyelinating paralysis that can reach the diaphragm, necessitating close respiratory monitoring.