NREMT® Paramedic > EMT-P (4) Medical > Neurologic Emergencies > Flashcards

Neurologic Emergencies Flashcards

Explore the neurological system and the prehospital emergencies within (75 cards)

Study These Flashcards
1
Q

What is the function of the central nervous system (CNS)?

A
  • thought
  • perception
  • feeling
  • autonomic body functions

Composed of the brain, brainstem and spinal cord.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the function of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

A

It transmits commands from the brain to the body and receives feedback from the body.

It is composed of the cranial nerves and peripheral nerves.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Define:

efferent nerves

A

These are nerves that transmit commands from the brain to the body.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Define:

afferent nerves

A

These are nerves that send signals to the brain.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Describe the function.

diencephalon

A

It filters unneeded information.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Describe the function.

midbrain

A

It regulates level of consciousness.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Describe the function.

brainstem

A

It controls pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate and pattern.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Describe the function.

pons

A

It controls respiratory rate and depth.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Describe the function.

medulla oblongata

A

It controls pressure and pulse rate.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Describe the function.

limbic system

A

It generates rage and anger.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Describe the function.

hypothalamus

A

It controls pleasure, thirst and, hunger.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Describe the function.

pituitary glands

A

Receives information from the hypothalamus and releases chemicals to the adrenal glands to release norepinephrine and epinephrine.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Describe the function.

adrenal glands

A

It releases epinephrine and norepinephrine.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Describe the function.

cerebellum

A

It controls complex motor activity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Describe the function.

synapse

A

A junction between two neurons, or between a neuron and another cell (such as a muscle or gland), where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals across the gap.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Give examples of neurotransmitters.

A
  • dopamine
  • acetylcholine
  • epinephrine
  • serotonin
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Fill in the blank:

The bridge that connects the synapse is called a(n) ______.

A

axon

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is myelin?

A

A sheath that surrounds the nerve cell.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Define:

Cushing’s triad

A
  • decreased HR
  • irregular RR
  • widened pulse pressure
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Define:

trismus

A

Clenched teeth.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Describe:

decorticate posturing

A
  • Arms contracted to the chest
  • Toes pointed inward
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Describe:

decerebrate posturing

A
  • Arms and wrists contracted outwards
  • Toes pointed inwards
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Study and memorize the GCS chart.

This chart will be referenced multiple times throughout the NREMT.

A
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What are delusions?

A

These are thoughts or perceived abilities that are not realistic.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
# Define: psychosis
The patient cannot tell the difference between **reality** and what's in their **mind**.
26
# Fill in the blank: Tapping between the eyes to check for a reflex is known as the \_\_\_\_\_ reflex.
glabellar
27
# Fill in the blanks: A patient's **pupillary response** should be **\_\_\_\_\_\_** when relaxed and **\_\_\_\_\_** when excited.
constricted, dilated
28
# Define: agnosia
Inability to **recognize or identify** objects, people, sounds, shapes, or smells, despite having intact sensory function.
29
# Define: apraxia
Inability to **perform** learned movements or gestures, even though there is no paralysis or weakness.
30
# Define: receptive aphasia
Unable to **understand** speech. ## Footnote Can speak clearly.
31
# Define: expressive aphasia
Unable to **speak** clearly. ## Footnote Can understand speech.
32
# Define: global aphasia
Unable to **talk** _or_ **understand**.
33
# Define: hemiparesis
**Weakness** on **one side** of the body.
34
# Define: hemiplegia
**Paralysis** on **one side** of the body.
35
What is **gait?**
It refers to the manner of **walking** or **moving** on foot. ## Footnote Typically abnormal in individuals with Parkinson's disease.
36
# Define: ataxia
It refers to the inability to perform **coordinated motions**. ## Footnote Eg. walking, scratching their face.
37
What occurs during the **myoclonus** phase of a seizure?
Involuntary **rapid muscle jerking**.
38
# Define: dystonia
A movement disorder where a **body part contracts and remains contracted**. ## Footnote Treatment is diphenhydramine for a dystonic reaction.
39
Describe the **tonic phase** of a seizure.
The body is **rigid**.
40
Describe the **hypertonic** phase of a seizure.
The body is **rigid** with an **_arched back_**.
41
# Define: paresthesia
An abnormal sensation, such as tingling, prickling, or numbness. ## Footnote It is typically felt in the hands, feet, arms, or legs.
42
What are the two types of **strokes**?
* **Ischemic** (75%) * **Hemorrhagic** (25%)
43
What causes an **ischemic stroke**?
An **occlusion** or blockage within the brain, typically from a **thrombus or embolus**.
44
What causes a **hemorrhagic stroke**?
A **bleed** within the intracranial cavity. ## Footnote It is caused by traumatic injury or rupture.
45
# Assessment: stroke
* **Language** - slurred speech, aphasia, apraxia * **Movement** - hemiparesis, hemiplegia, arm drift, facial droop, ataxia * **Sensory** - headache, blurred vision * **Cognitive** - LOC, seizures, coma * **Cardiac** - hypertension
46
# Treatment: stroke
* Maintain BP at least **110-120** * Slight hyperventilation at **16-20 bpm** if signs of herniation * HOB **30°** * Draw **labs** if available * Fluid bolus for **hypotension** * MAP maintained **\>65mmHg**
47
What is the goal of **tPA** times for a stroke? | Tissue Plasminogen Activator
**≤ 3 hours** from symptom onset (per guidelines). ## Footnote Ideally within 60 minutes of hospital arrival (door-to-needle time)
48
# Describe: transient ischemic attack
Episodes of **cerebral ischemia** that **self-resolve**.
49
# Describe: presentation of **tonic/clonic seizures**
Wide spread body movement/involvement.
50
# Describe: presentation of **absence seizures**
**Little to no movement** that involves a **select body part**. | Petit Mal ## Footnote Eyes, fingers, eyelids, toes, feet.
51
What are **pseudoseizures?**
Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures | (PNES) ## Footnote Episodes that resemble seizures but have psychological origin.
52
# Define: Jacksonian march
**Localized** seizure that spreads throughout the body.
53
# Describe: presentation of a **partial seizure**
**Localized** to one part of the body.
54
What is classified as **status epilepticus**?
A seizure lasting **≥5 minutes**, or **≥2 seizures** without return to baseline between.
55
# Treatment: migraine headaches
* **Toradol** 30mg * **Demerol** 25mg * **Morphine** 2-4mg * **Fentanyl** 25mcg * **Zofran** 4mg * **Phenergran** 12.5-25mg
56
# Define: dementia
Chronic deterioration of: * memory * personality * language skills * perception * reasoning
57
What is the cause of **Wernicke encephalopathy**?
Lack of vitamin **B1**. ## Footnote Typically seen in alcoholism.
58
# Define: neoplasms
**Abnormal growths** within the body. ## Footnote Benign or malignant.
59
# Define: metastasis
The process of cancer cells **spreading to distant parts of the body** through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
60
# Define: multiple sclerosis | (MS)
An autoimmune disorder that attacks the **myelin sheaths** of the brain and spinal cord.
61
# Assessment multiple sclerosis
* Nystagmus * Impairment of pain, touch and sensory * **Lhermitte sign** - *experiencing electrical sensation when head is flexed forward*.
62
# Define: Guilliane-Barré syndrome
The immune system attacks the **peripheral nervous system**; **paralysis** typically starts in the feet and ascends.
63
# Define: Lou Gehrig disease | (ALS)
A disease that affects **voluntary neurons**.
64
# Define: Parkinson's disease
A progressive **neurological disorder** that affects movement. It is characterized by tremors, stiffness, slow movements, and balance problems. ## Footnote **Past injuries of the brain** can cause disassociation of neurons.
65
# Define: bradykinesia
Patient takes **small steps** when turning.
66
# Define: dystonia
**Severe muscle cramps** that cause abnormal contractions or postures.
67
# Fill in the blank: **Trigeminal neuroglia** is a stabbing/shocking pain in the face that involves cranial nerve **\_\_\_**.
V
68
# Define: Ménière's disease
An **increase** of fluid in the inner ear.
69
What is the typical cause of encephalitis?
Herpes simplex virus
70
What sign is present if a patient is **unable to straighten their legs** when the hips are flexed?
Kernig sign
71
What is **hydrocephalus**?
The **body produces enough CSF**, but cannot rid of it fast enough.
72
What is **Spina Bifida**?
A **congenital defect** where part of the spinal cord and meninges protrude **outside** the vertebral column.
73
What causes **Cerebral Palsy**?
A non-progressive brain injury, often due to **perinatal hypoxia or trauma**, affecting movement and posture; not limited to frontal lobe.
74
# Treatment: Wernicke encephalopathy
**Thiamine** 100-200mg IVP
75
What **sign** is present when a patient’s **hips and knees flex** in response to passive neck flexion?
Brudzinski sign
EMT-P (4) Medical
flashcards
Decks in class (8)
# Cards
Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2026 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions