1. Describe the anatomy and physiology and functions of the brain and spinal cord. (pp 724–726)
2. Discuss the different types of headaches, the possible causes of each, and how to distinguish a harmless headache from a potentially life-threatening condition. (pp 726–727)
3. Explain the various ways blood flow to the brain may be interrupted and cause a cerebrovascular accident. (pp 727–728)
4. Discuss the causes, similarities, and differences of an ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and transient ischemic attack. (pp 728–730)
5. List the general signs and symptoms of stroke and how those symptoms manifest if the left hemisphere of the brain is affected and if the right hemisphere of the brain is affected. (pp 730–731)
6. List three conditions with symptoms that mimic stroke and the assessment techniques EMTs may use to identify them. (p 731)
7. Define a generalized seizure, focal-onset seizure, and status epilepticus; include how they differ from each other and their effects on patients. (pp 732–733)
8. Describe how the different stages of a seizure are characterized. (p 733)
9. Discuss the importance for EMTs to recognize when a seizure is occurring or whether one has already occurred in a patient. (pp 734–735)
10. Explain the postictal state and the specific patient care interventions that may be necessary. (p 735)
11. Define altered mental status; include possible causes and the patient assessment considerations that apply to each. (pp 735–737, 749)
12. Discuss scene safety considerations when responding to a patient with a neurologic emergency. (pp 737–738) 21