EMT Renewal Neurological
Emergencies for BLS Providers:
Strokes 2025/2026.
Encased in the skull, the ________ is a mass of nerve tissue and is the control center of the nervous
system.
Brain
The brain is generally divided into the cerebrum, brain stem, and ___________.
Cerebellum.
Cerebrum
Largest part of the brain and is divided into the right and left cerebral hemispheres. The outer most
layer, the cerebral cortex, contains four lobes: the parietal, temporal, occipital, and frontal lobes;
each lobe has specific functions.
The brain stem connects the brain with the spinal cord and is composed of what?
Midbrain, pons, and medulla.
Cerebellum
The second largest part of the brain and contains half of the neurons in the entire brain.
The 4 Lobes of the Cerebrum
frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital
Frontal Lobe
Parietal Lobe
Temporal Lobe
Brain Stem
Neurons
Also known as nerve cells, conduct nerve signals. Neurons detect information or stimuli to the body
and react by transmitting electrical information along an axon. At the end of an axon exists a small
gap known as a synapse. At the synapse, the electrical information is translated into chemical
information where it can cross the synaptic cleft to the receptors on the dendrites of other cells.
Nerves
Transmit information to the rest of the body. A nerve is a bundle of axons, also known as nerve
fibers, and is covered in three layers of connective tissue. There are three types of peripheral nerves:
motor (efferent), sensory (afferent), and autonomic. Each type is responsible for different tasks;
afferent nerves transmit impulses toward the brain and efferent nerves transmit impulses away from
the brain.
, Neurological emergency
Is a situation in which a patient exhibits signs and symptoms associated with a condition involving
the brain or spinal cord.
TIA
Transient Ischemic Attack. Results from temporary blood flow restriction in the brain. Symptoms
similar to a stroke yet resolve within minutes to hours. Also known as a mini-stroke and is often a
precursor to a stroke
CVA (Stroke)
Cerebrovascular Accident. Occurs when blood flow to / within the brain is completely restricted (cut
off) or reduced by a clot or rupture. Results in death of the brain tissue and hallmark signs indicating
a lock of oxygenation / nutrients to the affected area of the brain. Stroke is the leading cause of long-
term disability in the United States
Ischemic Stroke
A stroke secondary to a clot in the brain
Hemorrhagic Stroke
A stroke secondary to the rupture of a blood vessel
Seizure
Sudden abnormal changes in the electrical activity in the brain
PNS
Peripheral Nervous System. Composed of the nerves and ganglia outside of the central nervous
system. Divided into the sensory ( afferent ) and motor ( efferent ) divisions which are each divided
into somatic and visceral divisions. The visceral motor division, also known as the autonomic nervous
system ( ANS ) is further divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions
CNS
Central Nervous System Composed of the brain and spinal cord
Neuron
A single nerve cell. Neurons conduct nerve signals.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A head injury ( blunt force or penetration ) that disrupts normal brain function
Neurology
The branch of medicine regarding disorders and conditions of the nervous system
HPI
History of present illness. Especially helpful with seizure patients or repeat stroke patients / patients
who have recently been diagnosed with TIA indicating impending CVA
Emergencies for BLS Providers:
Strokes 2025/2026.
Encased in the skull, the ________ is a mass of nerve tissue and is the control center of the nervous
system.
Brain
The brain is generally divided into the cerebrum, brain stem, and ___________.
Cerebellum.
Cerebrum
Largest part of the brain and is divided into the right and left cerebral hemispheres. The outer most
layer, the cerebral cortex, contains four lobes: the parietal, temporal, occipital, and frontal lobes;
each lobe has specific functions.
The brain stem connects the brain with the spinal cord and is composed of what?
Midbrain, pons, and medulla.
Cerebellum
The second largest part of the brain and contains half of the neurons in the entire brain.
The 4 Lobes of the Cerebrum
frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital
Frontal Lobe
Parietal Lobe
Temporal Lobe
Brain Stem
Neurons
Also known as nerve cells, conduct nerve signals. Neurons detect information or stimuli to the body
and react by transmitting electrical information along an axon. At the end of an axon exists a small
gap known as a synapse. At the synapse, the electrical information is translated into chemical
information where it can cross the synaptic cleft to the receptors on the dendrites of other cells.
Nerves
Transmit information to the rest of the body. A nerve is a bundle of axons, also known as nerve
fibers, and is covered in three layers of connective tissue. There are three types of peripheral nerves:
motor (efferent), sensory (afferent), and autonomic. Each type is responsible for different tasks;
afferent nerves transmit impulses toward the brain and efferent nerves transmit impulses away from
the brain.
, Neurological emergency
Is a situation in which a patient exhibits signs and symptoms associated with a condition involving
the brain or spinal cord.
TIA
Transient Ischemic Attack. Results from temporary blood flow restriction in the brain. Symptoms
similar to a stroke yet resolve within minutes to hours. Also known as a mini-stroke and is often a
precursor to a stroke
CVA (Stroke)
Cerebrovascular Accident. Occurs when blood flow to / within the brain is completely restricted (cut
off) or reduced by a clot or rupture. Results in death of the brain tissue and hallmark signs indicating
a lock of oxygenation / nutrients to the affected area of the brain. Stroke is the leading cause of long-
term disability in the United States
Ischemic Stroke
A stroke secondary to a clot in the brain
Hemorrhagic Stroke
A stroke secondary to the rupture of a blood vessel
Seizure
Sudden abnormal changes in the electrical activity in the brain
PNS
Peripheral Nervous System. Composed of the nerves and ganglia outside of the central nervous
system. Divided into the sensory ( afferent ) and motor ( efferent ) divisions which are each divided
into somatic and visceral divisions. The visceral motor division, also known as the autonomic nervous
system ( ANS ) is further divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions
CNS
Central Nervous System Composed of the brain and spinal cord
Neuron
A single nerve cell. Neurons conduct nerve signals.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A head injury ( blunt force or penetration ) that disrupts normal brain function
Neurology
The branch of medicine regarding disorders and conditions of the nervous system
HPI
History of present illness. Especially helpful with seizure patients or repeat stroke patients / patients
who have recently been diagnosed with TIA indicating impending CVA
