Emergencies in neurology

Abstract

Emergencies are life-threatening conditions that require accurate and prompt intervention. Inadequate medical care in the early stages of patient stabilization can leave lasting consequences on health. A large proportion of patients in veterinary small practice also present various neurological disorders, which can pose a challenge for the veterinarian due to the complexity of diagnosis and treatment. Neurological symptoms may arise due to primary disease of the central or peripheral nervous system, or secondarily as a result of systemic disorders. Triage is a procedure that allows for differentiation between stable and unstable patients and helps clinician decide which condition is the most serious and should be dealt with first. The main goal in stabilizing emergency patients is to ensure sufficient oxygen supply to the brain, heart and other vital organs. Once stabilised, patients with neurological symptoms should receive a detailed neurological examination. The aim of the neurological examination is to determine whether the nature of the disorder, location of the lesion and its aetiology, and the severity of the patient’s condition. The neurological exam includes evaluation of posture and body position at rest, identification of abnormal movements, evaluation of gait, postural reaction testing, cranial nerve and spinal reflex examination, palpation and nociceptive testing. In most cases, the location of the lesion can be determined, and this is ultimately essential for compiling a list of differential diagnoses and for defining further diagnostic and treatment plans. The prognosis of individual emergencies in veterinary neurology largely depends on the location and aetiology of the lesion.