Emergent neurologic events

Barbara Bennett Jacobs, University of Connecticut School of Nursing

Document Type Article

Abstract

Because the spectrum of severity of neurologic events ranges from minor to life-threatening, and many neurologic reasons exist to seek health care, this article focuses on some of the more common pathologies. A general assessment plan is presented that may be adapted for the specific problems that individual patients present. Pain is discussed in relation to the nociceptor transmission of painful stimuli. An example of pain from a neurogenic shock-induced migraine headache is discussed from pathogenesis, presentation, and intervention viewpoints. Alterations in cerebral blood flow, cerebrovascular accidents, and subarachnoid hemorrhage are reviewed from a pathophysiologic perspective.