DNRS 6501 Week 7 Assignment Neurological Disorders

Pathophysiology of Primary Diagnosis

Trauma to the brain is the result of an external mechanical force that causes dysfunction of the brain, typically because of a violent jolt or impact to the body or head. Injury results in acute damage to brain tissues (primary injury), with subsequent secondary injuries, including inflammation, ischemia, increased intracranial pressure, and neuronal death (Obasa et al., 2024).

Causes 

Risk Factors (genetic/ethnic/physical)

• Falls
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Sports injuries
• Assaults
• Explosive blasts (common in military personnel)

Genetic Factors

• Family history of neurological disorders

Ethnic Factors

• Limited access to healthcare in some ethnic communities
• Cultural practices affecting safety equipment use (e.g., reluctance to wear helmets)

Physical Factors

• Age (very young and elderly at highest risk)
• Male gender
• Participation in high-risk sports or military combat
• Alcohol or substance use
• Previous brain injuries
• Lack of safety precautions (e.g., not wearing helmets or seatbelts) (Obasa et al., 2024)

Signs and Symptoms – Common presentation

How does the diagnosis impact each body system?  Complications?

• Loss of consciousness
• Headache
• Confusion
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Nausea or vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Seizures
• Pupil dilation
• Memory loss or cognitive impairment

• Neurological system: Cognitive dysfunction, seizures, altered mental status, coma
• Cardiovascular system: Dysregulation of autonomic functions
• Respiratory system: Potential respiratory depression, aspiration pneumonia
• Musculoskeletal system: Weakness or paralysis
• Psychological effects: Depression, anxiety, PTSD
• Complications: Brain swelling, increased intracranial pressure, hematomas, infections (especially if skull is fractured), long-term disability, death) (Rauchman et al., 2023)

• Stroke
• Brain tumor
• Encephalitis
• Meningitis
• Hypoglycemia
• Seizure disorder
• Intoxication (alcohol/drugs) (Wongsripuemtet et al., 2025)

• CT scan or MRI of the head
• Neurological examination (GCS assessment)
• Blood glucose level (to rule out hypoglycemia)
• Toxicology screen
• EEG (if seizure activity is suspected)
• Lumbar puncture (if meningitis or encephalitis suspected) (Wongsripuemtet et al., 2025)

• Acute phase: Stabilization of airway, breathing, and circulation; prevention of secondary brain injury; managing intracranial pressure
• Medications: Diuretics (e.g., mannitol), anti-seizure medications, pain relievers, sedatives
• Surgical interventions: Craniotomy for hematoma evacuation or to relieve pressure
• Rehabilitation referrals: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, neuropsychology
• Long-term care: Case management, vocational rehab, mental health support (Wongsripuemtet et al., 2025)