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