Neurology Literature Summaries
Neurology Literature Summaries
Non-Convulsive Status Epilepticus (NCSE)
Non-Convulsive Status Epilepticus (NCSE) is a persistent change in the level of consciousness, behaviour, autonomic function, and sensorium from baseline associated with continuous epileptiform EEG changes, but without major motor signs
Airway exchange catheter
Airway exchange catheter; aka airway exchange guide; examples include the Cook Airway Exchange Catheter and the Aintree Intubation Catheter
A-a gradient
A-a gradient is calculated as PAO2 – PaO2. A normal A–a gradient for a young adult non-smoker breathing air, is between 5–10 mmHg.
Intubation and Mechanical Ventilation
INDICATIONS A – protection and patencyB – respiratory failure (hypercapnic or hypoxic), increase FRC, decrease WOB, secretion management/ pulmonary toilet, to facilitate bronchoscopyC – minimise oxygen consumption and optimize oxygen delivery (e.g. sepsis)D – unresponsive to pain, terminate seizure, prevent…
Mechanical Ventilation Overview
Basics of mechanical ventilation by Todd Fraser
Modes of Ventilation
Modes of Ventilation. Classification based on the following: Initiation; Cycle; Limit; and Pressure Regulated Volume Control
Neuromuscular Blockade in ARDS
The use of neuromuscular blockade in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is controversial. Renewed interest since the French ACURASYS trial in 2010
Intralipid and lipid rescue therapy
Intralipid and lipid rescue therapy as an antidote of last resort in cardiotoxic overdoses of lipophilic agents (best described for bupivacaine)
Vancomycin
Vancomycin: glycopeptide derivative; impairs cell wall synthesis of gram +ve bacteria
Warfarin
Warfarin: anticoagulant; prevents the synthesis of vitamin K dependent clotting factors; II, VII, IX & X in liver; prevents the reduction of vitamin K 2, 3-epoxide -> vitamin K
LV function echocardiography
Left ventricular Function and Haemodynamic Assessment Echocardiography