For this case study, you will create a case related to the Neurological Functions

Neurologic Function Case Study

Pain and Neurologic Syndromes

 

Instructions

For this case study, you will create a case related to the Neurological Functions.

 

Download this document, type your answers, and include references (including in-text citations per item). Then, upload it to this assignment page.

 

Neurological Function

 

Part 1:

Compare and contrast the 3 conditions in one of the charts below:

 

PAIN SYNDROME

 
Migraine Headaches 
Tension Headaches 
Meningitis 

Risk Factors
 
 
 

Pathophysiology
 
 
 

Clinical Manifestations
 
 
 

 

 

OR

 

NEUROLOGIC SYNDROME

 
Dementia 
Depression  
Anxiety

Risk Factors
 
 
 

Pathophysiology
 
 
 

Clinical Manifestations
 
 
 

 

 

Part 2:

Choose a pain or neurologic syndrome to explore. You can also choose a diagnosis not listed (that coincides with your advanced practice specialty) as long as it relates to the neurological function.

 

Present a hypothetical case that includes the following:

1. Vital information about a person who might be predisposed to this condition (I.e., a person who may have risk factors for this condition).

2. The pathophysiology of the disease, including clinical manifestations.

3. Which diagnostic tests you’d recommend and a rationale for the one(s) you choose.

4. How this condition compares to other differentials.

5. The evidence-based recommendations from the AHRQ Guidelines or guidelines recommended from a professional organization. Based on these recommendations, discuss how  to manage the condition best.

6. A patient safety issue that could be associated with the condition presented in this case.

These charts may help in organizing information to answer the narrative questions:

 

Name of Condition:
 

Risk factors
 

Pathophysiology
 

Clinical manifestations
 

Additional details (optional):
 

Differential Diagnoses (See chart below)
 

What makes this diagnosis unique from other differentials?
 

Guidelines and recommendations for condition management
 

Potential related safety issues
 

 

 

 

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS CHART

 
Condition
Differential 1
Differential 2
Differential 3

Risk factors
 
 
 
 

Pathophysiology
 
 
 
 

Clinical manifestations
 
 
 
 

Additional details (optional):
 
 
 
 

Unique characteristics
 
 
 
 

 

 

The Case:

you will create a case related to the Neurological Functions

## Neurologic Function Case Study: Pain and Neurologic Syndromes

 

### Part 1: Compare and Contrast Chart for Neurologic Syndromes

 

#### Dementia vs. Depression vs. Anxiety

 

| **Condition**        | **Dementia**                                          | **Depression**                                          | **Anxiety**                                              |

|———————-|——————————————————-|———————————————————|———————————————————|

| **Risk Factors**     | Age, family history, genetics, cardiovascular factors, traumatic brain injury | Family history, major life changes, trauma, certain medications, chronic illnesses | Family history, traumatic events, personality factors, chronic stress, certain medical conditions |

| **Pathophysiology**  | Neurodegenerative processes leading to brain cell death and atrophy, often involving abnormal protein deposits (e.g., amyloid plaques) | Imbalance of neurotransmitters (e.g., serotonin, norepinephrine), inflammation, and HPA axis dysregulation | Dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, neurotransmitter imbalances, and hyperactivity of the HPA axis |

| **Clinical Manifestations** | Memory loss, confusion, difficulty with language, impaired judgment, changes in personality | Persistent sadness, loss of interest, changes in appetite or sleep, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating | Excessive worry, restlessness, muscle tension, sleep disturbances, irritability, difficulty concentrating |

 

### Part 2: Hypothetical Case Exploration

 

#### Case: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

 

**Vital Information and Predisposing Factors**

– **Patient:** Jane Doe, a 32-year-old female

– **Background:** Lives in a high-stress urban environment, has a family history of anxiety disorders, and recently went through a divorce

– **Predisposing Factors:** Family history of anxiety, recent traumatic life event, and chronic work-related stress

 

**Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations**

– **Pathophysiology:** GAD is characterized by chronic and excessive worry that interferes with daily functioning. It involves dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, neurotransmitter imbalances (particularly serotonin and norepinephrine), and hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

– **Clinical Manifestations:** Persistent worry and fear, restlessness, muscle tension, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, and irritability.

 

**Recommended Diagnostic Tests and Rationale**

– **Diagnostic Tests:**

– **Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation:** To assess symptoms and rule out other psychiatric disorders.

– **General medical examination:** To rule out physical conditions that may mimic anxiety symptoms (e.g., hyperthyroidism).

– **Screening tools:** Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale to quantify the severity of anxiety symptoms.

– **Rationale:** These tests are essential to confirm the diagnosis of GAD, exclude other conditions, and determine the severity of the disorder.

 

**Comparison to Other Differentials**

– **Differentials:**

– **Major Depressive Disorder:** Characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest, which differs from the excessive worry seen in GAD.

– **Panic Disorder:** Involves sudden, recurrent panic attacks, unlike the constant worry in GAD.

– **Hyperthyroidism:** Can cause symptoms similar to anxiety (e.g., restlessness, irritability) but is diagnosed with thyroid function tests.

– **Unique Characteristics of GAD:** Chronic and pervasive worry that affects multiple aspects of life, typically without specific triggers, distinguishes GAD from these differentials.

 

**Evidence-Based Recommendations for Management**

– **Guidelines:**

– According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA) guidelines, first-line treatments for GAD include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and pharmacotherapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

– **Management Plan:**

– **CBT:** To help the patient develop coping mechanisms and reduce anxiety symptoms.

– **Medication:** Start with an SSRI such as sertraline, titrating the dose based on response and side effects.

– **Lifestyle Modifications:** Encourage regular physical activity, mindfulness practices, and stress management techniques.

 

**Patient Safety Issue**

– **Potential Issue:** The use of SSRIs may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, especially during the initial treatment phase.

– **Management:** Close monitoring during the first few weeks of treatment, providing clear instructions on when to seek immediate help, and regular follow-ups to assess mental health status.

 

### References

– American Psychiatric Association. (2020). Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder (3rd ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.

– National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad

– Mayo Clinic. (2021). Generalized anxiety disorder: Diagnosis and treatment. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20361045

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