Neurosurgery 2 Flashcards
(19 cards)
What are the 4 types of primary brain tumours?
gliomas (astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, ependymoma)
meningiomas
pituitary adenomas
cranial nerve (vestibular schwannoma)
What is the most common type of glial cell tumour?
glioblastoma
What are teh types of microadenomas in teh pituitary?
prolactinoma
GH-secreting causing acromegaly
ACTH-secreting causing Cushing’s
What visual changes can occur in macroadenomas of the pituitary gland?
bitemporal hemianopia
How do vestibular schwannomas present?
hearing loss
tinnitus
balance problems
What is a vestibular schwannoma?
slow growing benign nerve sheath tumour arising on vestibular nerve
What are the general principles when treating tumours?
tissue diagnosis
resection to alleviate tumour mass effect
post-operative radiotherapy for malignant tumours
post-operative chemotherapy - in malignant gliomas
stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases and small benign tumours
Whaat is stereotactic radiosurgery?
precisely focused large dose radiation onto a lesion
for small volume lesions <=3cm
What is the definition of hydrocephalus?
imbalance in normal CSF production vs resorption
What are the 2 types of hydrocephalus?
obstructive (non-communicating where there is a blockage between the 3rd and 4th ventricle)
communicating
Management of hydrocephalus
ventriculo-peritoneal shunt
Where is the problem in communicating hydrocephalus?
arachnoid granulations therefore problem with absorption of CSF
Where canintracranial bleeds occur?
subarachnoid
intraventricular
intraparenchymal
What are the causes of brain bleeds?
aneurysm
AV malformation
cavernous angioma
hypertensive
How are cerebral aneurysms treated?
coiled
clipping
What is an AV malformation?
abnormal collection of blood vessel where the arterial blood flows directly into draining veins
How are AV malformations treated?
surgery
embolisation
stereotactic radiosurgery
What are the treatments for intracranial infections?
surgical drainage
prolonged course of anti-microbials
regular surveillance
What is cauda equina syndrome?
compression of nerve roots in lumbosacral spine leading to radicular pain, paraesthesia, weakness, perianal numbness, bladder and anal sphincter disturbance
