CEN Neurological Emergencies Question and answers 2026 verified to pass 100 Correct Answers Verified A Graded
CEN Neurological Emergencies Exam Study Guide 2026 | Certified A+ Answers What is the main goal when treating a patient with a headache? - answer - To identify emergent conditions Common causes for pain receptors to fire - answer - Traction Pressure Displacement Inflammation Dilation What are most headaches caused by? - answer - Muscle contraction or blood flow problems What types of headaches are soft tissue/scalp headahces? - answer - Tension headache Stress headache What types of headache are vascular headaches? - answer - Migraines What is a primary headache? - answer - The headache is the main problem No organic cause Chronic condition Types of primary headaches - answer - Migraine- 50% Cluster Tension What is.a secondary headache? - answer - Headaches associated with an organic cause. If the underlying cause is fixed, the headache should go away Causes of secondary headache - answer - Tumor Aneurysm Meningitis Temporal arteritis Serious headache red flags - answer - Sudden onset (peaking 1 min) Thunderclap Change from prior headaches Concurrent evidence of infection AMS Age 50 Immunosuppression Focal neurological deficits Stiff neck Toxic appearance Sx of migraine - answer - Unilateral Pulsating N/V Photo/phonophobia With or without aura What are cluster headaches? - answer - Pattern of headachs that come in groupings Sx of cluster headaches - answer - No aura Peri-orbital/temporal locations Each attack lasts 1hr Photo/phonophobia Unilateral tearing and nasal congestion Eyelid edema Red eye Swelling Each pt has a unique pattern of pain- burning, severe, sharp, excruciating Frequency of cluster headaches - answer - 1-8 per day 15-180 min in duration Usually occurs for months to weeks at a time Demographic differences in migraines versus cluster headaches - answer - Cluster affects more men than women Migraine affects more women Sx of tension headache - answer - Dull/non-pulsating Bilateral Tight/band like Possible neck involvement N/V rare Usually no photo/phonophobia What is temporal arteritis? - answer - AKA: giant cell arteritis Inflammation of the temporal artery build up over time What is temporal arteritis frequently associated with - answer - Lupus RA Infections Sx of temporal arteritis - answer - Unilateral, severe, constant pain Tender over temporal artery when palpating Who does temporal arteritis most commonly affect? - answer - Avg age of onset 65-70yo Female: male 3:1 What is the biggest concern with temporal arteritis? - answer - May lead to blindness secondary to blood loss to optic nerve What test should be ordered to dx temporal arteritis? - answer - Sed rate- would be very high Treatment for temporal arteritis - answer - Biopsy for confirmation Can be done outpatient if pt is stable High dose steroids and analgesics Common headache triggers - answer - Emotional EtOH/caffeine withdrawal Sleep deprivation Menstural cycle Food Position changes Recent head trauma Muscle spasm Aura prodrome N/V Photo/phonophobia Visual changes What else to assess when a pt presents with a headache - answer - General appearance LOC Vitals Amt of distress Skin: color, rashes, sores Neuro: GCS, pupils, cranial nerves ENT: sinus tenderness Dx tests to order for headache - answer - Sed rate (TA) CBC (infection or TA) Lumbar puncture CT scan When would you order a lumbar puncture? - answer - If you suspect a bleed despite normal CT LP results if pt was positive for meningitis - answer - Cell count elevated Decreased glucose LP results if pt positive for intracranial HTN - answer - Cell count and protein normal LP results if pt positive for SAH - answer - Blood seen in CSF When to order a CT scan - answer - Sudden onset Onset with exertion/cough Focal neurological deficit Stiff neck new onset Hx of CA Immunocompromised New onset 55 Change in usual HA patte
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