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SECONDs Administration Guidelines: A Fast Tool to Assess Consciousness in Brain-injured Patients
Published on: February 6, 2021
Impaired consciousness and herniation syndromes
1Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London Health Sciences Centre, 339 Windermere Road, London, Ontario N6A 5A5, Canada. bryan.young@lhsc.on.ca
Neurologic Clinics
|October 29, 2011
Summary
Intracranial mass lesions can alter consciousness by affecting the ascending reticular activating system. This review focuses on how these lesions secondarily impair consciousness through compression and distortion, impacting neural functions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
Background:
- Intracranial mass lesions are associated with altered consciousness.
- The ascending reticular activating system (ARAS) is crucial for maintaining consciousness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms by which intracranial mass lesions cause alterations in consciousness.
- To focus on the secondary mechanisms of consciousness impairment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on intracranial mass lesions and consciousness.
- Analysis of neuroanatomical and neurophysiological pathways involved.
Main Results:
- Intracranial mass lesions can impair consciousness through direct strategic location within the ARAS.
- Secondary mechanisms involve compression and distortion of the ARAS, disrupting synaptic and neurochemical functions.
Conclusions:
- Secondary compression and distortion by intracranial mass lesions are significant causes of consciousness impairment.
- Understanding these mechanisms is vital for diagnosing and managing patients with altered consciousness.
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