Neurologic Emergencies in the Elderly




Neurologic diseases are a major cause of death and disability in elderly patients. Due to the physiologic changes and increased comorbidities that occur as people age, neurologic diseases are more common in geriatric patients and a major cause of death and disability in this population. This article discusses the elderly patient presenting to the emergency department with acute ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, chronic subdural hematoma, traumatic brain injury, seizures, and central nervous system infections. This article reviews the subtle presentations, difficult workups, and complicated treatment decisions as they pertain to our older patients.”


Key points








  • Neurologic diseases are a major cause of death and disability in elderly patients.



  • Due to the physiologic changes and increased comorbidities that occur as people age, neurologic diseases are more common in geriatric patients and a frequent cause of emergency department (ED) presentation.



  • The care of geriatric patients with neurological emergencies in challenging and complicated. ED physicians can improve outcomes and quality of life in these patients through aggressive and directed care in conjunction with specialists consultation.


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Dec 13, 2017 | Posted by in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Neurologic Emergencies in the Elderly

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