Nur 165 - Neuro (Headaches/Seizures) Questions With
Complete Solutions
Abortive Therapy Correct Answers Aimed at alleviating pain
during the aura phase or soon after the headache starts
• Acetaminophen and NSAIDs - for mild migraine headaches.
Naprosyn
• Ergotamine derivatives - constricts arteries & veins that supply
blood to the head. Cafergot - caffeine & ergotamine. DHE---IV,
IM, sub q, intranasal
• Triptans - 5-HT (serotonin receptor) agonist, constricts large
intracranial arteries. Imitrex (Sumatriptan succinate), Tablets,
sub q injection, nasal spray. Contraindicated Ischemic Heart
Disease, HTN, PVD, Prinzmetal's Angina
• Isometheptene combinations (Midrin) - Constricts blood
vessels, has mild analgesic & sedative effects
Absence Seizure (petit mal) Correct Answers Generalized
Seizure
• More common in children
• Consists of brief periods (often seconds) of loss of
consciousness and blank staring as if daydreaming
• Returns to baseline immediately after seizure
• If undiagnosed/untreated, may occur frequently throughout day
interfering with work or school
Atonic Seizures Correct Answers Generalized Seizure
• (Akinetic seizure or drop attack)
• Characterized by a sudden loss of muscle tone
• Lasts seconds
• Followed by postictal confusion
, • Usually cause patient to fall
Aura Correct Answers Sensation that signals the onset of a
headache, usually visual changes
Benzodiazepines Correct Answers • Inhibits GABA (a neuro-
transmitter substance)
• Used for status epilepticus
• Monitor (ABCs): airway, breathing, circulation
• Examples: Valium (Diazepam), Ativan (Lorazepam)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol) Correct Answers • Reduces
excitatory sodium currents.
• Controls generalized tonic-clonic seizures, partial seizures.
• Report headache, dizziness, diplopia (double vision),
nausea/vomiting, leukopenia
• Monitor CBC
Classic Migraine (With Aura) Correct Answers • Pain
aggravated by routine physical activities, Pain unilateral &
pulsating, Pain accompanied by N&V or light sensitivity or
sound sensitivity
• Last 4-72 hours
• Occurs in early morning, during times of stress, or in those
with premenstrual tension or fluid retention
--
• First or Prodrome Phase - Aura develops, last several minutes
to 1 hour. Visual disturbances, flashing lights, lines or spots,
shimmering or zigzag lights, diplopia. Neurologic changes such
as numbness, tingling, of lips and tongue, acute confusion,
aphasia, vertigo, unilateral weakness, drowsiness
Complete Solutions
Abortive Therapy Correct Answers Aimed at alleviating pain
during the aura phase or soon after the headache starts
• Acetaminophen and NSAIDs - for mild migraine headaches.
Naprosyn
• Ergotamine derivatives - constricts arteries & veins that supply
blood to the head. Cafergot - caffeine & ergotamine. DHE---IV,
IM, sub q, intranasal
• Triptans - 5-HT (serotonin receptor) agonist, constricts large
intracranial arteries. Imitrex (Sumatriptan succinate), Tablets,
sub q injection, nasal spray. Contraindicated Ischemic Heart
Disease, HTN, PVD, Prinzmetal's Angina
• Isometheptene combinations (Midrin) - Constricts blood
vessels, has mild analgesic & sedative effects
Absence Seizure (petit mal) Correct Answers Generalized
Seizure
• More common in children
• Consists of brief periods (often seconds) of loss of
consciousness and blank staring as if daydreaming
• Returns to baseline immediately after seizure
• If undiagnosed/untreated, may occur frequently throughout day
interfering with work or school
Atonic Seizures Correct Answers Generalized Seizure
• (Akinetic seizure or drop attack)
• Characterized by a sudden loss of muscle tone
• Lasts seconds
• Followed by postictal confusion
, • Usually cause patient to fall
Aura Correct Answers Sensation that signals the onset of a
headache, usually visual changes
Benzodiazepines Correct Answers • Inhibits GABA (a neuro-
transmitter substance)
• Used for status epilepticus
• Monitor (ABCs): airway, breathing, circulation
• Examples: Valium (Diazepam), Ativan (Lorazepam)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol) Correct Answers • Reduces
excitatory sodium currents.
• Controls generalized tonic-clonic seizures, partial seizures.
• Report headache, dizziness, diplopia (double vision),
nausea/vomiting, leukopenia
• Monitor CBC
Classic Migraine (With Aura) Correct Answers • Pain
aggravated by routine physical activities, Pain unilateral &
pulsating, Pain accompanied by N&V or light sensitivity or
sound sensitivity
• Last 4-72 hours
• Occurs in early morning, during times of stress, or in those
with premenstrual tension or fluid retention
--
• First or Prodrome Phase - Aura develops, last several minutes
to 1 hour. Visual disturbances, flashing lights, lines or spots,
shimmering or zigzag lights, diplopia. Neurologic changes such
as numbness, tingling, of lips and tongue, acute confusion,
aphasia, vertigo, unilateral weakness, drowsiness
