1 Kurtz intro-neuro strategy

Question 1

List the 3 main steps in achieving a neurological dx.

Answer 1

Consider a list of POSSIBILITIES.

Perform a process of ELIMINATION. Match the data with the DIAGNOSIS.

Question 2

Which energy failure, compression, and apoptosis related neurological disease have a slow (months to years) onset?

Answer 2

• genetic diseases, B12 deficiency
• tumor
• genetic diseases

Question 3

Which energy failure and compression related conditions cause a “not-so-slow” (days to months) onset?

Answer 3

• infection, drugs & toxins

- epi- & subdural- hematomas; abscess

Question 4

Which energy failure and compression related conditions cause a “sudden to fast” (seconds to days) onset?

Answer 4

• inflammation, arthritis, stroke

- aneurysm, subarachnoid hemorrhage, apoplexy

Question 5

Why is an understanding of neuroanatomy so important in your process of elimination?

Answer 5

You consider associated findings and the systems they implicate. It’s good to identify WHERE the systems intersect.

Question 6

For each location within the CNS there is a (relatively) short/long list of likely etiologies.

Answer 6

SHORT list