Neurological
Fundamentals
High Fowlers = dec. ICP, pressure on brain
LOC = most sensitive indicator of neuro status
Pupil size: 3-5 mm
Often Confused Terms:
Dysphasia/Aphasia = impaired communication/written language comprehension
Dysphagia = impaired swallowing
Dysarthria = muscle weakness to speak
Apraxia = impaired ability to perform a learned movement
Glascow Coma Scale (GCS)
9-12 = moderate
<8 = severe
, Babinski Sign
normal: toes point downward upon stroke
abnormal: great toe bend upward, small toes fan out
Decorticate vs Decerebrate Postures
Decorticate - nonfunctioning cortex
s/sx: flexion of arms and extension of legs
Decerebrate - brainstem lesion (manifestation of drowning pt)
s/sx: rigid extension and pronation of arms/legs
Fundamentals
High Fowlers = dec. ICP, pressure on brain
LOC = most sensitive indicator of neuro status
Pupil size: 3-5 mm
Often Confused Terms:
Dysphasia/Aphasia = impaired communication/written language comprehension
Dysphagia = impaired swallowing
Dysarthria = muscle weakness to speak
Apraxia = impaired ability to perform a learned movement
Glascow Coma Scale (GCS)
9-12 = moderate
<8 = severe
, Babinski Sign
normal: toes point downward upon stroke
abnormal: great toe bend upward, small toes fan out
Decorticate vs Decerebrate Postures
Decorticate - nonfunctioning cortex
s/sx: flexion of arms and extension of legs
Decerebrate - brainstem lesion (manifestation of drowning pt)
s/sx: rigid extension and pronation of arms/legs
