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Fifty-four-year-old Fred is complaining of a headache that started about 2 weeks ago. For the past 2 days, the headache has increased in severity, and he is photophobic and has uncial rigidity and projectile vomiting. CT scan results show an arteriovenous malformation in the basal artery and a small hemorrhagic bleed in the middle meningeal artery.
How is the concept of “disorders of brain function” related to Fred’s presenting symptoms?
What aspects of cerebral circulation would come into play in Fred’s case?
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Introduction:
The presenting symptoms of a 54-year-old patient, Fred, with headache, photophobia, uncial rigidity, and projectile vomiting, have raised concerns about the possibility of disorders of brain function. This scenario is indicative of a medical emergency that requires an immediate medical intervention to circumvent further complications. Additionally, the presence of an arteriovenous malformation in the basal artery and a small hemorrhagic bleed in the middle meningeal artery has significantly complicated the case.
How is the concept of “disorders of brain function” related to Fred’s presenting symptoms?
The concept of “disorders of brain function” is related to Fred’s presenting symptoms because they are all related to the central nervous system. The central nervous system comprises of the brain and the spinal cord, and it is responsible for coordinating the human body’s activities. The symptoms experienced by Fred indicate that there may be a malfunction in specific areas of the brain due to the presence of the arteriovenous malformation in the basal artery and a small hemorrhagic bleed in the middle meningeal artery. The malfunction may have resulted in increased intracranial pressure, causing the symptoms observed in Fred, including headaches, photophobia, uncial rigidity, and projectile vomiting.
What aspects of cerebral circulation would come into play in Fred’s case?
Several aspects of cerebral circulation would come into play in Fred’s case. The cerebral circulation plays a crucial role in supplying blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the brain cells. In Fred’s case, the arteriovenous malformation in the basal artery resulted in abnormal blood flow, depriving some parts of the brain of the required oxygen and nutrients. Additionally, the hemorrhagic bleed in the middle meningeal artery is interfering with the process of cerebral circulation, causing complications that may lead to further damage to the brain cells. To mitigate this problem, medical interventions should focus on establishing a stable cerebral blood flow and controlling intracranial pressure.
