WEEK: 7 NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS LECTURE: INCREASE INTERCRANIAL PRESSURE CLINICAL FEATURES TREATMENT Stages of compensation: Removal of a portion of the skull Headaches, confusion and lethargy Craniotomy/craniectomy Relieves the pressure Due to pressure on pain receptors around intracranial blood vessels and dura mater Preventing events that may permanently damage brain tissue Blurred vision - papilloedema Due to swelling and compression of optic nerve Hypertonic saline solution Draws out the water to itself relieving intracranial pressure Nausea, vomiting Due to pressure on vomiting centres in brainstem Should be careful when using as not to dehydrate the brain or cells, causing necrosis if pressure is not decreased, decompensation occurs Stages of decompensation: " Irregular pattern of breathing ASSESSMENT - Papillary changes Changes in blood pressure and pulse Abnormal Flexor and extensor responses - Coma The Glasgow coma scale allows us to assess the level of severity Bilateral dilation and Fixation of pupils are a sign of end of life " Herniation and death