Neuro Flashcards

(177 cards)

1
Q

what are the different types of sensory neurons and what do they carry

A

Alpha- heavily myelinated, proprioception
Beta- less myelinated, crude touch pressure vibration
Delta- least myelinated, cold temperature, sharp pain
C fibres, unmyelinated- hot tempreture dull pain

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2
Q

what are the different types of nerve damage

A

demylination- post diptheria neuropathy, GB sybdrome
axonal damage- denegerative, toxic neuropathy (commonest type
compression- Pressure- entrapmentt
Infarction- DM neuropathy
Inflammatory and granulomas- leprosy, granulomas

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3
Q

what is mononeuropathy and its causes

A

Neuropathy of 1 singular nerve, causes by trauma or entrapment

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4
Q

types of mono neuropathys

A
Carpal tunnel syndrome
bells palsy
common peroneal nerve palsy
sciatica 
ulner nerve palsy 
radial nerve palsy 
lateral cutaneous nerve of thigh- meralgia parasthesia
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5
Q

investigation and diagnosing mononeuropathys and mononeuropathy complex

A

nerve conduction studies and history

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6
Q

what is mono neuropathy complex and its cause

A
neuropathy of a few specific nerves 
WARDSPLC
wengers 
aids 
rheumatoid
diabetes M 
Sarcoidosis 
Leprosy 
Carcinoma
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7
Q

what is polyneuropathy and its types of presentation

A

Disorder of peripheral nerves, can be acute or chronic, sensory or motor. commonest is sensory motor

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8
Q

sensory neuropathy presentation

A

parasthesia,
ataxia - test if ataxia is sensory or centeral, close eyes.
sensory loss

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9
Q

motor neuropathy presentation

A
Weakness, paresis 
plegia, paralysis 
fasiculations, twictching. 
cramps
atrophy
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10
Q

Axonal Polyneuropathy, commonest type and its presentation

A

symmetrical sensory motor PN

starts ditsally as just sensory and becomes more proximal and more motor

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11
Q

causes of axonal PN

A
DM, Renal failure, hyopthyroidism 
malignancy or polycythemia rubra vera 
Inflammatory, GB syndrome sarcoidosis 
Vit B12 deficiency 
Drugs, alcohol induced, metronidazole 
inherited, charcot mary tooth 
vasculitis- ANA and ANCA
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12
Q

commonest cause of neuropathy

A

Diabetic Neuropathy

then Chronic idiopathic axonal neuropathy- probablu inflamatory but unkown

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13
Q

commonest cause of demyelination

A

Chronic inflammatory immune mediated demyelination- autoimmune- (type of GBS)
then genetic causes like charcot mary tooth syndrome

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14
Q

what is Guillain barre syndrome

A

acute inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy, can be axonal- only affects peripheral nerves

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15
Q

causes and onset of Guillain barre syndrome

A

onset after infection, Campylobacter jejuni or cytomegalovirus, actual cause unknown could be vaccines

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16
Q

clinical features of Guillain barre syndrome

A

usually starts 1-3 weeks post infection. start with parastheis and weakness deveops proximally as time goes on and gets worst over 6 weeks then spontanously improves
affects proximal muscles body like trunk more
can deveopl respiratory muscle wekaness or autonomic signs like retention, bowel and bladder plus erectile dysfunction

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17
Q

diagnoses of Guillain barre syndrome

A

clinical based on history, can do nerve condction studies.

CSF protien elevated

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18
Q

management of Guillain barre syndrome

A

IV immunoglobulins improve prognosis

monitor for resp complications may need ventilation

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19
Q

General management for neuropathies

for vasculities or Guillain barre syndrome

A

Pain- amytriptyline or Gabapentin
balance- physiotherapy and occupational therapist, walking aid, retraining, foot care in neuropathies
GBS- IV Immunoglobulins
Vasculitis- steroids

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20
Q

commonest cause of brain tumour

A

Secondary tumour that has metastasised from elsewhere usually lung or breast

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21
Q

Types of brain tumour

A
primary- Gliomas, commonest primary tumour
other types, meningioma
schwannoma, acoustic neuroma 
craniophangyoma- in pituitary 
Secondary
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22
Q

How does a brain tumour present

A

focal or non focal neurological defects- weakness, dysathia
Generalised or localised seizures
raised ICP will cause ICP headache and papilloedma

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23
Q

feautures of raised ICP hedache

A

headache, worst at night and in mornings, worst when lie down or cough or exercise.
relieved by vomiting,
assosiated with papilloedma
Dull pain behind eyes

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24
Q

Investigations for Brain tumour

A

CT or MRI, any new onset seizure = CT Scan

biopsy once confirmed its a tumour to see what kind of tumour it is and treatment options

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25
How are Gliomas Classified
``` WHO classification of primary Gliomas 1 begin 2 slow growing 3 high grade 4 commonest type- 12 month survivability ```
26
causes of primary brain tumours
usually no known cause associated with ionising radiation at a young age family history immunosuppresssion
27
Treatment of brain tumour
Dexamethasone to reduces brain swelling and oedema diuretics Tumour resection or removal (awake craniotomy) followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy
28
what is motor neuron disease and what neurons does it affect or not affect
chronic degenerative disease affecting Upper and lower MNs. does not affect eyes. does not affect sensory or sphincters
29
what is the prevalence likely age group and prognosis of MND
Prevalence 6 in 100,000 average onset 60 prognosis 2-4 years
30
types of MND
Amylotrophic lateral sclerosis- commonest progressive bulbar palsy progressive muscular atrophy primary lateral sclerosis
31
Presentation of MND
Has both UMN and LMN lesions, no effect on eyes. fasiculations. spasticity. increased tone but weakness. hyperreflexia CXR shows raised diaghram bilaterally
32
Diagnosis of MND
clinical diagnoses neurophysiology studies- confirms deinnervation neruoimaging to exclude other causes
33
Managment of MND
MDT, Physio OT Dietican and social care avoid chokcing due to dysphagia by belnding food or NG tube monitor may need Ventilation due to diaphram and resp muscle paralysis pain- analgesic ladder drooling- propantheline antiglutamatergic drugs- Riluzole ( drug that improves prognosis for ALS)
34
What is mysthenia gravis
autoimmune condition againts acetylecholen receptors AChR antibodies. neuromuscular junction condition
35
mysthenia gravis signs and symproms
Increasing muscle fatigue, muscle weakness fasiculations . gets worst as disease progresses tender reflexes dissapear over time sensory not affected. ptosis, diplopia Extraoccular palsy mysenthic gnarl
36
myasthenia gravis where do the symptoms start and where does it progress to
start at eyes, then face, neck trunk, limbs
37
assosiations of myasthenia gravis
women under 50 with other autoimmune disease | men over 50 withother autoimmune disease, rhematoid SLE and thymus hyperplasia in both
38
Investigations of Myasthenia gravis
Serology- Anti AChR antibodies neurophysiology, muscle stimulation gets less after repeated stimulation CT of thymus. applying ice pack to closed eyelid for 2 mins= ptosis improves temporarly
39
Treatments of Myasthenia Gravis | 1st and second line pharmacological
Anti acetylcholinesterase - pyridostigmine | 2nd line is immune suppression- predniselone
40
treatment of myasthenia gravis | surgical
Thymectomy,
41
complications of myasthenia gravis,
myasthenic crisis- respiratory problems, dysphagia
42
what are the different kinds of headache
Primary - tension, cluster, migraine secondary - meningitis SAH, GCA, ICP headache, medication overuse headache Other/cranial neuropathy - trigeminal neuralgia
43
what are the different kinds of migraines
with auras- classic | without aura - common
44
classical migraine with auras features
2 attacks in a year. has at least 1 aura: fully reversible visual or speech distubances has 2 of: 1 Homonymus visual symptoms/unilateral sensory symptoms. 2 symptoms develop gradually, over 5 minutes. 3 each symptom lasts 5 to 60 minutes headache usually unilateral throbbing following the auras. can be other character Not attributable to other causes
45
common migraine without auras features
5 attacks in a year onset of pain lasting 4-72 hours has one of (photo and phonophobia) or (nausea and or vomiting) has 2 of: unilateral, throbbing, moderate/severe, aggrivated by physical exertion not attributable to other causes
46
Triggers for migraines are
``` CHOCOLATE hangover orgasm cheese oral contraception lie in/destressing alcohol exercise ```
47
Management of migraines
firstly if sudden onset, exlude thunderclap education on avoiding triggers prevention by B blockers, Proplanolol or Botulinum migrane rescue treatment by triptans (seritonin receptor agonist), NSAIDs and Antiemetic
48
Tension headache features
Commonest type of headache. 30 mins to 7 days. 2 of the 4: Bilateral, Mild/Moderate, Tight banding (not throbbing), not aggravated by physical exertion No nausea/vomiting or aura either photophobia or phonophobia or neither but not both. if occurs 12 in a year considered chronic A sign is scalp tenderness
49
Triggerst of tension headache
``` MCSCOLD Missed meals conflict stress clenched jaw over exersion lack of sleep ```
50
Precipiants of tension headache
worry, noise, concentration visual effort
51
commonest cause of tension headache
medication overuse
52
management for tension headache
education, avoiding triggers NSAIDs and analgesic withdraw. massage, ice pack
53
Cluster Headache Features
rapid onset of very severe headache, usually in one eye causing bloodshot eye or watery. miosis, ptosis, rhinorrhea. always unilateral. occurs at any age, unknown cause get attack everyday for 4-12 weeks then a few months to a year of then back again
54
Diagnostic criteria for cluster headache
at least 5 attacks, occurring at least one a day or at max 8 per day V/Severe unilateral pain, suborbital orbital or temporal lasts 15-180 minutes accompanied by ipsilateral autonomic features or restlessness
55
management for cluster headache
100% oxygen for 15 minutes an sumatriptans
56
Prevention for Cluster Headache
Verapamil (CCB), lithium
57
Trigeminal neuralgia diagnostic criteria
occurs in Trigeminal nerve lesion, doesn't radiate further, usually maxillary or mandibular ha 3 of the following: sudden recurring, lasting seconds to minutes severe intensity electric shock, stabbing, shooting,sharp precipitated by stimuli of moving mouth, talk eat, clean.
58
Trigeminal neuralgia Causes
Primary idiopathic. relating to age secondary: skull abnormality, malignancy, MS
59
Trigeminal neuralgia Management
MRI, to identify if other cause, tumour etc. Carbamazepine or gabapentin, (anticonvulsants) surgery, microvascular decompression via gamma knife
60
whatmakes you think of secondary headache
over 50 years old with a new headache, jaw claudication (GCA). fever stiff neck (meningitis) papillodema, raised ICP headache. previous cancers. weakness that persists after headache (encephalitis or malignancy) cognitive decline. thunderclap pattern
61
What is thunderclap headache.
Headache that comes on rapidly. reaches maximum severity in seconds. nausea and vomiting sudden onset, severe, N&V. due to SAH
62
what is management of suspected secondary headache
CT Scan to identify cause
63
what is chronic idoioathic cranial hypertension and how to treat it
Raised ICH headache for no reason other than obesity and drugs. Usually female. Young 20s treat with diuretics Remember obese girl with leopard print top with her mum in hallamshire
64
types of stroke and commonest
Ischaemic, commonest hemorrhagic SAH
65
Stroke in ACA
gait ataxia. leg and trunk weakness and sensory loss. akinetic mutism. loss of bladder control (incontinence), Dysarthria
66
Stroke in MCA
Unilateral weakness and sensory loss. facial droop aphasia, dysphagia hemianopia commonest site for stroke
67
Stroke in PCA
Homonymous hemianopia with macular sparing visual agnosia prosopagnosia
68
Stroke in Brainstem | which artery supplies this
stroke in PCA and Basilar. total paralysis but cognitive function and sensory from eye intact. locked in syndrome. consciousness and cognition intact
69
Stroke in lenicular region | which artery supplies this
Internal capsule is MCA supplied | Full contralateral hemiplegia, dysarthia, dysphagia
70
risk factors for stroke | which ones are for hemorrhagic- the first 2
``` Hypertension- largest smoking hyperlipidemia DM Family History Obesity previous TIA Heart Defects Carotid stenosis and bruti ```
71
what are the causes of ischeamic stroke and where do they come from
Usually thromboemboli from Common carotid, internal carotid, vertebral and subclavian. 1 in 5 strokes of those under 40 is dissection
72
causes of hemorrhagic stroke
severe hypo or hypertension raised ICP Polycythemia rubra vera
73
Investigations for Stroke
CT/MRI, | can do ECG to see if there is a cause, AF?
74
Ischaemic stroke management for the Clot.
within 4.5 hours: Thrombolytic therapy, Alteplase. ( +aspirin 24 Hrs, +LMWH, +further Investigations and prevention) (potential for stent retrieval - Endovascular Intervention) After 4.5 hours: LMWH + Aspirin
75
ischaemic stroke further investigations
ECG, Carotid doppler CXR- heart enlargement bloods- look for anemia, vasculitis, Polycythemia
76
Ischemic stroke further management for patient (prevention, conservative)
statins, better control of hypertension. diabetes, dual antiplatelet. if due to AF then give warfarin surgery to remove carotid plaque (internal carotid endarterectomy Conservative, Speech therapy, Occupational therapy, Physio stop smoking and exercise Swallowing assessment
77
Intracranial hemorrhage management
control ABC, Surgery, Remove haematoma, surgical clipping stop all risk factors, control hypertension no more than 20% change Stop antiplatelets, anticoagulants. normalise INR look for signs of conning like hydronephrosis
78
SAH presentation
Thunderclap headache sudden onset very severe, usually occipital nausea and vomiting lack of consciousness
79
SAH Investigations
CT Scan diagnostic | Can do CSF analysis
80
SAH complications
bleeding causes hydrocephalus | can lead to cerebral ischemia or rebleed cause death.
81
signs of SAH
Neck stiffness, kernegs sign | focal neurological deficit
82
Cause of SAH
ruptured berry aneurysm
83
risk factors for SAH
``` Smokers alcohol hypertension post menopause family history bleeding disorders ```
84
Management for SAH
control hypertension 20% Dexamethasone- swelling nimodipine - CCB reduce spasm and ischemia
85
what is a TIA
same as a stroke but the clot leaves on its own and symptoms clear within 24 hours
86
specific TIA sign
Amaurosis fugax- dark curtain coming over eye
87
causes of TIA
Thromboembolism from carotid or AF
88
Investigations in TIA
Done IOT find cause of TIA | MRI, Carotid doppler, ECG
89
Management of TIA
Avoiding risk of stroke hypertension control, diabetes, statins, smoking, exercise, diet, dual antiplatelet carotid endarterectomy
90
tool used to see urgency of referring TIA patient
``` ABCD2, predicts when next stroke will be and urgerncy to refer to specalist Age>65 1 Blood pressure>140/90 1 clinical unilateral weakness 2 speech and no weakness 1 Diabetic 1 Duration of symptoms less than 1 hour 1 more than hour 2 if score more than 4 then see within 24 hours. all TIA to be seen in 7 days ```
91
tool used to asses stroke risk in AF Patient
``` CHADSVASC2 congestive heart failure 1 hypertension 1 age>75 1 diabetes 1 stroke or tia 2 vascular disease (prior MI, PVD) -1 age >65 1 sex -female 1 9/9= 15 % change of stroke per year ```
92
Cardinal features of parkinsons
rigidity resting tremor bradykinesia - less blinking small writing little steps, shuffling gait postural instability Asymmetrical
93
causes of parkinson's disease
``` idiopathic parkinson's disease, commonest trauma drug induced encephalopathy wilsons disease ```
94
Pathophysiology of parkinson's disease
Degeneration of substantia nigra dopaminergic receptors- cant activate basal ganglia
95
investigations and diagnosis of parkinson's disease
Clinical and history | DAT Scan- dopamine transporter scan confirmatory
96
management of parkinsonism
counciling, MDT approach, physio, parkinsons nurse, Levodopa (co-careldopa) MOAD/CMT inhibitors (second line) surgery- ablation to subthalamic nucleus manage depression
97
Complications of parkinsons
``` Depression dementia resistant to Ldopa psychosis autonomic features, constipation, ED ```
98
what does a broad based gait indicate | what are other features of this disease
``` Cerebellar disease, intention tremor normal tone DANISH dysdiadochokinesis, dysmetria ataxia nystagmus intention tremor scanning dysarthria/ slurred speech (jerky speech) hypotonia/ hyporeflexia ```
99
what signs would make you exclude a Parkinson's diagnosis
Early dementia, symmetry early falls early autonomic features, incontinence these are suggestive of normal pressure hydrocephalus - Idiopathic CSF Build up which is drained surgically
100
what are the features of an essential tremor | what are the causes, investigations and treatment of this
no little rest tremor no increased tone or dyskinesia postural and action tremor Structural abnormality, CT and Physio and B blockers
101
what is huntington's disease
Neurodegenerative disease caused by malfunction in huntingtin gene. causes neuronal cell atrophy.
102
Pathophysiology and progression of huntington's
Starts of with increased dopamine production and atrophy of the indirect pathway. this causes less inhibition and the huntingtons cardinal signs (chorea and Hyperkinesia). as huntington's progresses, the direct BG pathway is lost leaving only the inhibitory function of the basal ganglia to be active, causing hypokinesia atrophy of the brain also causes psychiatric problems.
103
Presentation of huntington's
Cardinal- Chorea- hyperkinesia dementia psychiatric problems/ personality change other signs: abnormal eye movements, chorea, ataxia, rigidity (late sign), eventually develops to parkinsonism signs
104
Diagnosis of huntington's via genetic screening
36 CAG triplet repeats
105
Huntington's genetic features
Autosomal dominant 100% penetrance, gets more and more repreats with every generation - starting earlier (anticipation)
106
Huntington's treatment
Neuroleptics- Dopamine receptor blockers, (promazine Hydrochloride) depression- SSRIs, Sertraline family screening MDT, Physio, Occupational Health, Huntington's nurse, social care
107
what is Multiple Sclerosis
Chronic Inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS
108
Prevalence of MS | average age of onset
commonest cause of neurological deficiency in adults average onset 20-40 Y O 0.1% of population in UK
109
Risk Factors and of MS
``` Risk increases the further you get from the equator being female vit D deficiency family history sanitation diet race, commoner in caucasian and white ```
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Pathophysiology of MS
demyelination plaques due to T cell mediated inflammation. plaques most commonly in optic and periventricular regions. as inflammation occurs, relapse. as it subsides, remyelination it remittes
111
What are the different patterns of presentation of MS
Relapsing remitting, 80% most common Primary Progression secondary progression- starts relapsing remiting and becomes progressive begine, only has a few episodes
112
Presenation of MS | what are common symptoms and a MS specific Sign
like a stroke, but gets better then worst again, can happen anywhere in CNS, optic, spine, cerebellum, brainstem Epilepsy and trigeminal neurlagia are common can cause depression or dementia +ve Uhthoffs phenomenon
113
Differential diagnosis Of MS
on first presenation could be stroke, Betchets disease | SLE (look for extremly +ve family history)
114
what is uhthoff's phenomenon
MS patients symptoms get worst after putting them in a hot bath, due to heat slowing down conduction
115
Diagnostic criteria for MS | Mcdonald's diagnosis
needs to have 2 or more episodes that are disseminated in time, and disseminated in lesion space exclude all other causes
116
Investigations for MS
MRI- tries to identify demyelinating plaque or exclude other causes CSF analysis - shows inflammatory markers in CSF No inflammation in bloods
117
Management of MS
Conservative: Physio, OH, Neurologist, MS Nurse speech, counciling, psychological counseling. education on lowering stress and uhthoff's. symptoms elevated by coolness Tremor treated by B blockers SSRI sertraline, for depression Disease modifying treatment is IV methylprednisolone steroids. prevention of onset, B Interferons. Immunosuppression and monoclonal antibodies
118
what is meningitis
Inflammation of the meningies
119
What are the causes of meningitis,
Viral, Bacterial, fungal or parasite most common Streptococcus pneumoniae less common but also prevalent: niesseria meningitidis Paraneoplasia, meningioma, Drug Induced, Autoimmune (SLE)
120
Which meningies are affected in meningitis
Pia and Arachnoid
121
Presentation of meningitis
Triad: Pyrexia, Neck Stiffness Headache other: Photophobia, vomiting, malaise, rigiors can develop into sepsis loss of consciousness, focal seizures
122
Signs of meiningitis
petechial rash Kernig's sign- flex hip and knee then extend knee, pain= Kernig's sign +ve Brudzinski signs- knee and hip flex spontaneously when neck is flexed
123
What else causes Kernig's signs and Neck stiffness
SAH
124
management for meningitis pre hospital
IM/IV Benzylpenicillin
125
Management for Meningitis
IV Cefotaxime (+Ampicillin if over 55) Steroids, IV Dexamethasone Investigate further asses sepsis
126
Investigations and Diagnosis for meningitis
``` Bloods ESR CRP Definitive: lumbar Puncture, CSF MS & C if gram +Ve, strep pneumoniae gram -VE, neisseria meningitidis (notifiable) CXR TB LP is CI in raised ICP or Pectinal rash ```
127
Who's at risk of meningitis
Students travelers | immunocompromised
128
what is the causing agent of Encephalitis
Herpes simplex, commonest cause other: Herpes zoster, HIV Measles and Mumps
129
Presentation of encephalitis
History of general unwell, flu like symptoms | day of presentation= altered GCS Fever Seizures Confusion memory loss
130
Investigation of Encephalitis
MRI exclude other EEG- diagnostic blood cultures and lumbar puncture MC&S to identify cause
131
Treatment of Encephalitis
Treat causative agent, | Antiviral, IV acyclovir
132
what are the different kinds of seizures
Partial/ focal- can be simple or complex ( consciousness) partial can develop into generalised, secondary generalised primary generalised - can have absent, myoclonic (isolated jerky movement) that develops into tonic clonic
133
what are preictal features
symptoms that occur before seizure, general feeling or auras, jamis vue, deja vu. commonly occurs before focal seizure (Temporal lobe)
134
what are Post ictal features and what are they indicative off.
Can have weakness, (todd's palsy) resolves after a while, aphasia, dysphasia. these are signs of focal seizure ( Frontal lobe)
135
features of frontal lobe epileptic features
Partial seizure, consciousness retained, enter jacksonian march or seizure, where they are fully aware of what they are doing but have no control. develops todd's palsy afterwards, Hemiparesis that resolves within 2 days
136
Features of a temporal lobe epileptic seizure
partial seizure, can be conscious or unconscious. gets automatism complex, (start doing things automatically) no memory retained. dysphasia, lip smacking, de ja vu jamai vue. usually tend to have isolated muscle seizures. move only one limb. can develop into secondary generalised seizure. has features afterwards, or other post ictal features
137
Features of a generalised seizure
can start of with myoclonic isolated muscle movements, can start of as partial then develop. develops into tonic clonic seizure.
138
Length of seizures,
30 seconds -120 seconds. generally under 3 minutes
139
examination a=of a seizure, things you can ask witness
How long did the seizure last what was the character of the seizure, how did it change, phases of the seizure. the speed of convulsions. if incontinence. Sequence of events of seizure. any post ictal signs they have noticed like dysphasia
140
Examination of a seizure, what would you ask the patient
what were you doing before seizure did you notice any preictal symptoms, deja vu jamais vu, auras, general feeling. did you retain consciousness during the seizure. do you have monory of what happened post ictal features, dysphasia, todd's Palsy. does their tongue hurt, indication of tongue biting. incontinence during seizure
141
Investigations of a seizure
``` any seizure needs to have CT/MRI witness statement EEG also try to exclude other causes, ECG, BP, Hypoxia, Pseudoseizure due to stress. CXR, TB, Sarcoidosis, SLE. Electrolytes ```
142
commonest cause of seizures
2/3. Idiopathic generalised epilepsy, usually familial.
143
other causes of seizures
pseudoseizure - stress related Focal epilepsy, (secondary) due to anything pressing on brain, Tumour. SAH, Meningitis metabolic- low or high Na, low glucose, Low Ca, Uremia. Low BP, syncope. heart problems TB, Sarcoidosis, SLE
144
Management of seizures | conservative
education on potential triggers, alcohol, substance, stress. medications education on maintaining safety, driving. avoid baths, locking doors.
145
Pharmacological management of seizures
antiepileptic drugs- carbamazepine - for tonic clonic, and partial seizures sodium valproate- for all other kinds
146
Surgical management of seizures
Vagus nerve stimulation, surgical- hippocampal section if sclerosis corpus callosum section
147
Prognosis of epilepsy
majority are seizure free 2 years after starting meds
148
what is the blood supply if the spinal cord
Vertebral arteries- anterior spinal artery Intercostal arteries lumbar vessels
149
spinal cord landmarks
from medulla till L1/2 then conus medullaris and it extends as cauda equina
150
what are the principle features of spinal cord compression
spastic hemiparesis, or tetra or quadra. (weakness and stiffness) radicular pain at level of compression (pain radiating along nerve root sensory loss below compression if compression above S234 causes retention and constipation ( detrusor and sphincter contract at the same time
151
what are the causes of spinal cord compression
spinal neoplasm Disc and vertebral lesions (trauma, osteoporotic fracture TB- Pott's disease epidural hemorrhage or hematoma
152
What are the spinal cord neoplasms
Extradural- metastatic Extrameduallary- meningioma Intramedullary- glioma
153
Investigations for spinal cord compression
Gold standard is MRI | Investigate other causes
154
managment for spinal cord compression
surgical decompression, removal of tumour. | if malignant then chemo+radiotherapy
155
what is cauda equina syndrome
cord compression between L2 and S5
156
causes of cauda equina syndrome
same as SP compression. common iatrogenic from LP. (epidural hematoma) this is why LP is CI in raised ICP
157
presentation of cauda equina syndrome
saddle anesthesia, severe back pain, incontinence, sciatica, gait disturbance
158
Management of cauda equina syndrome
laminectomy- remove vertebra to allow for decompression.
159
causes of CN 7 palsy
``` Idiopathic Bell's palsy 70% ramsay hunt syndrome- herpes zoster Lyme disease meningitis stroke tumour MS Diabetes Parotid tumour ```
160
CN7 Palsy presnetaion
Unilateral facial weakness, speech difficulty, no taste in ant 2/3 of tongue sound hypersensitivity due to stapedius not working.
161
risks and associations with Bell's palsy
unknown onset during the night, increased risk in pregnancy diabetes
162
Investigations and diagnosis of bells palsy
Exclude other causes. MRI, cultures serology for lyme and ramsay hunt
163
Management of bells palsy
if present within 3 days. prednisone if afterwards corticosteroids. potential surgery to close eyelid
164
Prognosis of Bell's palsy
if paresis most recover in a few weeks | if plegia, 80% recovery
165
what is the commonest neuropathy
Sensory motor chronic neuropathy due to DM
166
What is a sign of brain tumour
Papilloedema
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What are neuroleptics, what do they cause and when do you use them
antipsychotic class, used in huntington's sice dopamine antagonist (levomePROMAZINE) cause drug induced parkinson's
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Treatment for essential tremor
Physio and B blockers
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Subdural hemorrhage Presentation
``` Altering consciousness and GCS Physical or intellectual slowin Sleepiness headache personality changes ```
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Subdural hemorrhage cause
Most are from trauma a while ago, minor trauma can occur with falls in epileptics r alcoholics elderly are susceptible
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Subdural hemorrhage Investigations
CT / MRI showing clot or midline shift (Crescent shaped)
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Subdural hemorrhage Management
1st line: irrigation/evacuation Blurr twist | 2nd: craniotomy
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Signs of Subdural hemorrhage
Increased ICP Seizures focal neurological features
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Extradural haemorrhage cause and pathophysiology
often occurs after immense trauma causing fracture of temporal or parietal bone causing a Laceration in meningeal artery or trauma leading to a tear in venous sinus
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Extradural haemorrhage Presentation
Deteriorating consciousness after head injury Initially not producing anything but gets worse progressively few hours later ICP rises Vomiting headache Low GCS Seizures Hemiparesis plus brisk reflex (hyperreflexia) Ipsilateral pupil dilates progresses to bilateral weakness Breathing difficulty (due to compression)
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Investigations of extradural Haemorrage
CT Shows haematoma, lens shaped, more rounded | X ray may show fracture
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Management of Extradural haemkrrage
Stabilize and transfer to neurosurgery for clot evacuation Airway care Mannitol to reduce ICP