Neuro Flashcards
(51 cards)
What is a Primary Headache?
A headache with no underlying disease.
Tension type is the most common type with migraine being the most diagnosed.
What is a Secondary Headache
A headache with an underlying cause such as brain tumors, subarachnoid hemorrhage, meningitis.
What is Brudzinski Sign?
Clinical Sign in which forced flexion of the neck elicits a relflex flexion of the hips. (FOUND IN MENINGITIS AND SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE)
Kernig’s Sign
A positive Kernig’s sign is when the thigh is bent at the hip and knee at 90 degree angles, and subsequent extension in the knee is painful. (FOUND IN MENINGITIS AND SAH)
Key rule to headaches?
When diagnosing with a headache, RULE OUT BRAIN TUMORS OR UNDERLYING CAUSES.
S/S of Brain Tumor
Papilledema, unilateral weakness sensory loss, aphasia
Papilledema
Optic disk swelling that is caused by an increase in ICP.
Aphasia
Disorder of language function, not of vocalization, as in dysarthria or hoarseness. IT IS A SPECIFIC SIGN OF A LESION IN THE DOMINANT HEMISPHERE. Lesions in the non dominant hemisphere may produce apraxia-Inability to perform purposeful movements.
Two Types of Brain Tumors?
- Glioma
2. Meningioma
Glioma
Most common brain tumor. Has a differing degree of aggressiveness.
Meningioma
Benign, slow growing tumor.
Initial Dx test for Brain Tumor
MRI w/wo contrast
Before waiting for biopsy what medication should be started?
Dexamethosone to reduce swelling and for seizure precautions.
What is a Subarachnoid Bleed?
Bleeding into the subarachnoid space, may occur spontaneously, USUALLY FROM A RUPTURED CERBRAL ANEURYSM OR HEAD INJURY.
S/S of SAH
THUNDERCLAP HEADACHE, N/V, confusion, decreased LOC. + Brudzinski/Kernig
Initial Dx test for SAH
CT scan w/o contrast. Sensitivity is highest within 24 hours.
Treatment of SAH
Prevention of rebleeding by clipping and coiling.
What is Meningitis?
Acute inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. May be caused by infection with viruses and bacteria.
S/S of Meningitis
+ brudinski/kernigs. Nuchal rigidity. Fever, confusion, N/V, photophobia.
How to diagnose or exclude Meningitis?
Lumbar Puncture to extract CSF
Increased WBC/Neutrophils
Treatment for Meningitis?
Bacterial Meningitis is treated with antibiotics. CEFTRIAXONE, RIFMPICIN, CIPRO.
Viral Meningitis treatment is mostly supportive-Rest, hydration, antipyretics, pain or anti-inflammatory meds given PRN.
How to spread Meningitis?
Exchange of respiratory and throat secretions.
Most common cause of bacterial Meningitis?
Streptococcus pneumoniae
If CT scan is - for SAH what is the follow up procedure?
Lumbar puncture to assess for Meningitis.
