Ch 15 - Brainstem: Disorders of Consciousness/4D's of Brainstem Dysfunction
stupor
arousable ONLY by strong stimuli, including strong pinching of the achilles tendon
syncope
(fainting) - brief loss of consciousness due to a drop in BP
Dysphagia Dysarthria Diplopia Dysmetria
Four Ds of Brainstem- Region Dysfunction Cardinal signs of brainstem dysfunction
delirium
Reduced attention, orientation, and perception, assoc. w/ confused ideas and agitation.
minimally conscious state
Severely altered consciousness w/ at least one behavioral sign of consciousness. Signs include: -Following simple commands -Gestural or verbal yes/no responses -intelligable speech -movements or affective behaviors that are not reflexive.
coma
UNAROUSABLE, no response to strong stimuli including strong pinching of the achilles tendon.
vegetative state
complete loss of consciousness, without alteration of vital functions. Distinguished by: -spontaneous eye-opening, regular sleep-wake cycles, -normal respiratory patterns
Dysarthria
difficulty in speaking
Dysphagia
difficulty in swallowing
Diplopia
double vision
Dysmetria
inability to control the distance of movements
obtunded
sleeping more than awake; drowsy and confused when awake