EMET Pre-learning: Neurological Emergencies

Disorders of the brain present one of the most challenging emergencies and may be associated with devastating sequelae if not recognised and treated early in many cases. Common presentations include acute headache, confusion, agitation or coma, seizures and acute neurologic deficit. In this pre-learning we look at five neurological emergencies - acute headache, status epilepticus, head injury, acute back pain and acute vertigo. The range of possible causes for each presentation is very wide with some causes requiring urgent intervention to prevent morbidity and mortality.