Summary
For any experienced nurse, the mere mention of storming provides a vivid image of the clinical scenario. The term "storming" relates the sporadic nature of the episodes as well as the variability in the severity and duration of an episode. Differential diagnosis is important in defining the appropriate treatment modality. This places the nurse in the center of the storm. Frequent assessment, monitoring of vital signs, and providing basic care provides the nurse with the key elements needed to define the problem.
Astute nursing care can identify the triggers, reduce the occurrence, severity and duration of episodes, and alert the nurse to seek pharmacological intervention to treat the outward expression of the phenomena. The nurse not only is instrumental in the diagnosis of the storming but also is the moderator of the storm.
The print version of this article was originally certified for CE credit. For accreditation details, contact the publisher. American Association of Neuroscience Nurses, 4700 W. Lake Avenue, Glenview, IL 60025
J Neurosci Nurs. 2004;36(1) © 2004 American Association of Neuroscience Nurses
Cite this: Riding Out the Storm: Sympathetic Storming after Traumatic Brain Injury - Medscape - Feb 01, 2004.
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