Neurology Flashcards
(69 cards)
What is the onset time for Bell’s Palsy?
Sudden (hours to overnight)
Bell’s Palsy is characterized by a rapid onset of symptoms.
What type of facial weakness is associated with Bell’s Palsy?
Lower Motor Neuron (LMN) - affects upper and lower face
This type of weakness results from damage to the facial nerve.
How does forehead wrinkling present in Bell’s Palsy?
Absent (unable to wrinkle forehead)
Patients with Bell’s Palsy cannot wrinkle their forehead due to muscle paralysis.
What is the status of eyebrow elevation in Bell’s Palsy?
Impaired
Eyebrow elevation is affected due to facial muscle weakness.
What is the status of eye closure in Bell’s Palsy?
Impaired - may need eye protection
Patients may require measures to protect the eye from dryness or injury.
Is mouth drooping present in Bell’s Palsy?
Present
Mouth drooping is a common symptom due to facial muscle weakness.
What type of pain may occur with Bell’s Palsy?
May have retroauricular pain
This pain can occur in the area behind the ear.
What is the common age range for Bell’s Palsy onset?
Common in younger adults (20-50 years)
Bell’s Palsy is most frequently diagnosed in this age group.
What is the cause of Bell’s Palsy?
Idiopathic (often viral, e.g., HSV-1)
The exact cause is unknown, but viral infections are often implicated.
What is the typical recovery time for Bell’s Palsy?
Usually improves over weeks to months (often complete)
Many patients experience significant recovery within this timeframe.
What management is recommended for Bell’s Palsy?
Prednisolone (within 72 hours), eye care
Early administration of steroids can help reduce inflammation and improve recovery.
What is the onset time for a stroke involving facial nerve involvement?
Sudden (seconds to minutes)
Stroke symptoms can appear very quickly and without warning.
What type of facial weakness is associated with a stroke?
Upper Motor Neuron (UMN) - spares the forehead (upper face)
In strokes, the forehead muscles are typically spared due to bilateral innervation.
How does forehead wrinkling present in a stroke?
Present (forehead muscles spared)
Patients can still wrinkle their forehead due to the preservation of upper face function.
What is the status of eyebrow elevation in a stroke?
Preserved
Eyebrow elevation remains intact in stroke cases affecting the facial nerve.
What is the status of eye closure in a stroke?
Normal
Eye closure is typically not affected in strokes involving the facial nerve.
Is mouth drooping present in a stroke?
Present
Similar to Bell’s Palsy, mouth drooping is observed due to lower facial weakness.
What other neurological signs may be present in a stroke?
Often present - e.g. limb weakness, dysphasia
Strokes often present with additional neurological deficits depending on the affected area.
What is the pain status in a stroke?
Usually painless
Strokes often do not cause pain, unlike Bell’s Palsy.
What is the common age range for stroke onset?
More common in older adults or those with vascular risk
Age and pre-existing conditions increase the risk of stroke.
What is the cause of stroke?
Vascular (e.g., ischaemic stroke)
Strokes are often caused by issues related to blood supply to the brain.
What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
Persistent ability to attain/maintain an erection
ED can affect men of all ages but has different underlying causes.
What percentage of younger men with ED have organic causes?
20%
The majority are psychogenic in younger men.
List the categories of causes for Erectile Dysfunction.
- Organic (vascular, neurological, anatomical, hormonal)
- Psychogenic
- Drugs
- Lifestyle (long distance lifestyle, alcohol excess, recreational drugs)
Each category can have various contributing factors.