The Journal of neuroscience nursing : journal of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses
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Although the individual's baseline neurological status may appear normal, episodic dyscontrol syndrome presents with recurrent outbursts of rage. In some cases family may describe a history of personality traits reflective of minimal brain dysfunction, and the study by Elliot confirmed organic cerebral disorders in 94% of the sample. Due to difficulty of diagnosis and lack of reporting, as well as social factors, the prevalence of this syndrome may be underestimated. This article discusses the syndrome, reviews a case history and outlines the role of the neuroscience nurse.
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Pupil changes provide vital information related to the cause and location, and at times, severity of disease processes which alter level of consciousness. Size and reactivity are sensitive to a variety of influences including local eye damage, functional state of brainstem, local systemic drugs, seizures and anoxia. Therefore, accurate measurement of pupillary size and reactivity is essential. ⋯ There was no significant difference in the reliability of nurses assessing pupillary size regardless of whether they used a penlight pupil gauge to measure or used observation without a pupil gauge. Agreement among the nurses on the pupillary size was high. Agreement on the pupillary reaction, however, was poor to good.