Delayed Awakening in ICU
Delayed Awakening in ICU
Examination of the unconscious patient
Coma is a state of unconsciousness caused by temporary or permanent impairment of the ascending reticular system in the brainstem, or both cerebral hemispheres.
Eye Movements in Coma
A simplified approach to spontaneous eye movements in coma
GBS vs CIP
OVERVIEW References and Links
Ranitidine
Ranitidine: H2 receptor antagonist; competitive blockade of H2 receptors -> decrease in secretion; also decreases action of gastrin and acetylcholine
Magnesium
Magnesium: electrolyte (second most abundant cation in intracellular fluid, after potassium); depresses neuronal activation; essential cofactor in >300 enzyme systems
Alfentanil
Alfentanil: synthetic mu-opioid receptor agonist analgesic drug. Analogue of the synthetic opioid fentanyl that is only 10% as potent (on a weight-to-weight basis), but has quicker onset, quicker time to maximal effect, shorter duration of action (10 minutes), is more cardiovascularly stable and has more respiratory depression
Alkali Therapies
Alkali Therapies: sodium bicarbonate; THAM; Carbicarb; Dichloroacetate; Dialysis / hemofiltration
Alteplase (rtPA)
Alteplase is a tissue plasminogen activator used as a thrombolytic medication in: Acute Ischaemic Strokes, Acute Myocardial Infarction and PE
Amiodarone
Amiodarone: class III anti-arrhythmic; prolongs cardiac action potential & delaying refractory period
Aprotinin
Aprotinin: antifibrinolytic; single chain polypeptide which occurs naturally in bovine lung and other tissues; inhibits fibrionlysis via inactivation of free plasmin
Aspirin
Aspirin: antiplatelet agent; irreversible acetylation of cyclooxygenase -> blocks the production of prostaglandins from membrane phospholipids -> inactivation of platelet aggregation by arachidonic acid and collagen.