Alterations in Neurologic Function
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Alterations in Neurologic Function
There are vast conditions associated with neurological dysfunction. This may result in various neurologic disorders, which include genetic defects in metabolism, tumors, congenital malformations, brain injuries, among others. Once a problem arises, primary illness occurs, resulting in a neurological complication. A good example is when a metabolic disorder occurs, resulting in encephalopathy, which consequently leads to a delay in recognition of an intracerebral hemorrhage (Themes, 2016). But it is worth noting that neurological alterations are defined by problems that originate from various acute aspects such as spinal cord injury, stroke as well as status epilepticus. This paper is incarnating as it discusses various signs and symptoms that are related to alterations in neurologic functions.
Alteration of Consciousness
Impaired consciousness is normally the first of the chronic pathological process in critical illness. Consciousness is normally self-recognition, as well as the surrounding environment. It requires both awareness and arousal. Depressed consciousness results in a coma, which is a state of unresponsiveness in which a patient appears asleep and cannot be aroused by various stimuli (Themes, 2016). Consciousness is the most important indicator of neurologic dysfunction and progresses through a number of stages and eventually to coma. This includes confusion, delirium (fear, anxiety, and agitation), obtunded (limited response, falls asleep), stupor (respond to vigorous stimuli only), and finally coma, whereby even painful stimuli are not responded to.
Alterations in Motor Function
This comprises skeletal muscle weaknesses and paralysis originating from lesions that occur in the voluntary motor and sensory pathways. Any damage to alpha motor neurons may result in a number of signs and symptoms, which include; muscle atrophy, weakness, fasciculation (spontaneous action potentials), fibrillation, hypotonia (decrease in muscle tone), and hyporeflexia (Perez et al., 2018). On the other hand, damage to upper motor neurons results in a number of symptoms, which include; weakness, hypertonia, absence of atrophy, fibrillation, and fasciculations.
Alterations in Cerebral Metabolism and Perfusion
This results in a number of complications, which include impaired oxygen delivery due to reduced cerebral parenchyma. The various clinical manifestation of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) includes visual disturbances, pupils sluggish, sunsetting eyes, seizures, dilated scalp veins, cat-like cry, wide sutures, bulging fontanel as well as a change in levels of consciousness (Perez et al., 2018). Late signs of Increased ICP include Cushing’s Triad, a significant decrease in LOC as well as fixed and dilated pupils.
In conclusion, the management of neurological alterations is vital. This helps cushion the progression of the disorders into chronic stages. A thorough examination is needed in order to administer appropriate therapy. Failure to do so may result in serious complications of the neural system.
References
Perez, D. L., Martin, N., Williams, B., Tanev, K., Makris, N., LaFrance Jr, W. C., & Dickerson, B. C. (2018). Cortical thickness alterations are linked to somatoform and psychological dissociation in functional neurological disorders. Human Brain Mapping, 39(1), 428-439.
Themes, U. (2016, July 11). Neurological Alterations and Management. Nurse Key. https://nursekey.com/neurological-alterations-and-management/