How do you approach and manage patients with common neurological emergencies?

Sample interview questions: How do you approach and manage patients with common neurological emergencies?

Sample answer:

Approach to Common Neurological Emergencies

1. Initial Assessment and Stabilization:

• Obtain a thorough history, including symptom onset, duration, and associated factors.
• Conduct a comprehensive neurological exam, including pupillary response, motor strength, sensory function, and coordination.
• Stabilize the patient as needed, ensuring adequate respiratory and cardiovascular support.

2. Diagnosis and Triage:

• Consider common neurological emergencies, such as stroke, seizure, meningitis, and encephalitis.
• Utilize diagnostic tests, such as CT/MRI scans, lumbar puncture, and EEG, as indicated.
• Triage patients promptly to appropriate facilities based on severity and acuity.

3. Stroke Management:

• Act swiftly to minimize tissue damage.
• Assess for signs of cerebral ischemia (e.g., hemiparesis, aphasia).
• Elevate head of bed and maintain normothermia.
• Administer tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) if criteria are met.
• Arrange for neuroimaging and urgent surgical intervention as needed.

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