Interactive Ready for Review: Interactivities

The , the largest part of the brain, is divided into right and left hemispheres, each controlling the opposite side of the body.

Different parts of the brain control different functions. The of the cerebrum controls emotion and thought; the middle controls touch and movement; the of the cerebrum is involved with vision. In most people, speech is controlled on the left side of the brain, near the middle of the cerebrum.

Many different disorders can cause brain or other neurologic symptoms. As a general rule, if the problem is primarily in the brain, only part of the brain will be affected. If the problem is systemic, the whole brain will be affected.

Stroke is a significant brain disorder because it is common and potentially treatable. Seizures and altered mental status are also common, and you must learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of each. Other causes of neurologic dysfunction include coma, infections, and tumors.

occur when part of the blood flow to the brain is suddenly obstructed; within minutes, brain cells begin to die. Signs and symptoms of %%4%% include receptive or expressive aphasia, dysarthria, muscle weakness or numbness on one side, facial droop, and, sometimes, hypertension.

You should always perform at least three neurologic tests on patients you suspect of having a stroke: test speech, facial movement, and arm movement.

In a , normal body processes break up the blood clot, restoring blood flow and ending symptoms in less than 24 hours. However, patients with %%5%% are at high risk for a permanent stroke. Because current treatments must be administered within 3 hours of the onset of symptoms to be most effective, you should provide prompt transport.

Always notify the hospital as soon as possible that you are bringing in a possible stroke patient, so that staff there can prepare to test and treat the patient without delay.

are characterized by unconsciousness and generalized twitching of all or part of the body. There are types of %%6%% that you should learn to recognize: generalized, absence, and febrile %%6%%.

Most seizures last between 3 and 5 minutes and are followed by a in which the patient may be unresponsive, have labored breathing and hemiparesis, and may have been incontinent. It is important for you to recognize the signs and symptoms of seizures so that you can provide emergency department staff with information as you transport the patient.

Altered mental status is also a common neurologic problem that you will encounter as an EMT-I. Signs and symptoms vary widely, as do the causes for this condition. Among the most common causes are hypoglycemia, alcohol intoxication, drug overdose, and poisoning.

As you assess the patient with altered mental status, do not always assume intoxication; hypoglycemia is just as likely a cause. Prompt transport with close monitoring of vital signs en route is indicated.