Clinical Neuro Localization - Sev

Question 1

How do you define a mass when localizing a neuro lesion?

Answer 1

A Mass lesion is defined as any lesion that is focal (localized) and progressive, and produces neurologic deficits by expansion and compression of adjacent normal tissue.

Mass might include:
vascular (hematoma), inflammatory (abscess) and neoplastic lesions

Question 2

How do you define a non-mass?

Answer 2

The lesion is diffuse in location
or
the symptoms and signs suggest non-progressive focal abnormality (infarct).

Question 3

Easy way to determine likely pathology?

Answer 3

Temporal profile and focality:

Vascular (< 24 hrs )
Inflammatory (1 day - 1 mo)
Neoplastic (> 1 mo) and Focal
Degenerative (> 1 month) and Diffuse