ABIM 2015 - Neuro Flashcards
What 2 medication types are associated with increased risk of migraine progression causing Medication Overuse Headache?
- Opiates (>8 days/month)
- Barbiturates (>5 days/month)
Episodes of brief, electrical shooting pain to the forehead, cheeks, jaw/chin triggered by talking, chewing, touching, brushing teeth in Pts >40 yo 1. Dx? 2. How do you Dx? 3. Rx?
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Must r/o other causes by MRI
- Carbamazepine (1st line) or combo (at least 3 drugs or combos before considering surgery
Unilateral throbbing headache uncommon in those >80 yo with +/- photophobia, phonophobia, nausea with visual changes (30%), unilateral numbness, tingling (face, UEs), dizziness, changes in thinking & speech?
Migraine headache +/- aura
CSF >250 mm H2O, papilledema, woman of child-bearing age, obese, no obstruction/lesion on brain imaging but c/o headache, visual Sx (diplopia, enlarging blind spot), tinnitus, normal CSF or mildly decreased protein, CN VI palsy (abducens nerve-lateral rectus)1. Dx? 2. Tx?
- Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) or “Pseudotumor Cerebri)
- Preg: serial LPs; Acetazolamide (diuretic - stones, paraesthesias, drowsiness); wt-reduction; surgical shunting or “optic nerve fenestration”
What agents are used to Rx patients with headaches caused by vasoconstriction?
Ca - channel blockers (verapamil); steroids (short-term, high-dose); IV-magnesium (eclampsia/pre-eclampsia)
Global, vague headache in older patient associated with malaise and fatigue?
Temporal (giant cell) arteritis.
-Check ESR (>80, normal or low); CRP (>2.45)
What study should be done when suspecting either SAH (sub-arachnoid hemorrhage), meningoencephalitis, meningeal carcinomatosis, inteacranial HTN or decreased pressure & CT was normal?
LP for CSF evaluation (xanthochromia, cytology, etc.)
Headache seen in elderly (>63 yo), moderate, throbbing, unilateral/bilateral, awake from sleep, can last 15min - 3 hours, associated with REM sleep cycle. 1. Dx? 2. Rx?
- Hypnic headache.
2. Indomethacin (NSAID); lithium; verapamil; can also try coffee and methylsergides
A persistent, UNILATERAL headache that lasts >3 months, occurs daily with possible lacrimation, ptosis/miosis, rhinorrhea/sinusitis. 1. Dx? 2. Rx?
- Hemicrania continua
2. Indomethacin (NSAID)
- What must you do to diagnose a headache with RED FLAG symptoms with suspected aneurysm? 2. What if there is no SAH (Sub Arachnoid Hemorrhage) but an aneurysm is suspected?
- CT brain and an LP - if positive for SAH - emergent neurosurgery consult.
- If no SAH but positive evidence for aneurysm - CTA or MRA
In what type of headache do neurological Sx last >1 hour?
Secondary headache (defined by an underlying disorder rather than by symptoms)
What is the most common headache type seen at a PMD’s office or ER?
A migraine headache (primary HA) - 90%
Tension HA (5%) Cluster HA (5%)
What is required to establish brain death?
A POSITIVE apnea test:
- Nasal cannula with 100% O2 while vent is disconnected.
- Measure PO2, PCO2, pH after 10 minutes of observation (ABG).
- If PCO2 >60 mmHg OR >20 mmHg over baseline normal PCO2 (35-45 mmHg), the test is positive.
Would you use Aspirin AND Clopidrogrel vs. Aspirin OR Clopidrogrel for secondary prevention of stroke?
Use EITHER Aspirin OR Clopidrogrel as the use of both together shows no added benefit and does show an increased risk of bleeding.
What is the best neuroimaging modality for a secondary HA caused by suspected skull fracture, subarachnoid/intracerebral hemorrhage or paranasal sinus disease?
CT Head
Neuroimaging modality sensitive for intracranial pathology
MRI brain
What’s the next step for a pt suspected of having SAH with normal CT; suspecting meningoencephalitis; meningeal carcinomatosis; disorders of cranial hypertension or hypotension?
LP for CSF
What is a KEY physical examination component in pts with headache?
CN assessment
In a case of cervical trauma, a pt presents with Horner syndrome, what should you suspect if you’re not suspecting a hilar lung mass?
Dissection of internal carotid or vertebral artery.
Fertile, overweight female with symptoms of headache, visual changes (diplopia, blurring, CN IV palsy), tinnitus.
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) also known as Pseudotumor Cerebri or Benign Inteacranial Hypertension.
What is considered NORMAL CSF opening pressure?
60 mmHg to 250 mmHg
How is IIH (Idiopathic Intracranial HTN) treated?
•If pregnant: serial LPs, Acetazolamide •If resistant to medical treatment: -Surgical shunting -Optic Nerve fenestration
- Pt >40 with unilateral brief episodes of shooting pain in 2nd (maxillary) and 3rd (mandibular) divisions of trigeminal nerve?
- Required test?
- Therapy?
- Trigeminal neuralgia.
- MRI of brain WITH contrast.
- Carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine.
When should a pt with trigeminal neuralgia be considered for surgical decompression (rhizotomy or microvascular decompression)?
Only after having tried 3 (THREE) drugs or drug combinations. (Carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine with baclofen, gabapentin, clonazepam or lamotrigine).
What is considered first-line therapy for acute migraine?
Triptans (subcutaneous sumatriptan is the fastest and most efficacious however contraindicated in pts with vascular disorders, uncontrolled HTN and hemiplegic or basilar migraines.
What is a migraine headache called when it extends beyond 72 hours?
Status migranosus
What are the only effective meds for chronic migraine prophylaxis? (5)
- Propranolol/Timolol (b-blockers)
- Amitriptyline
- Divalproex Sodium
- Topiramate (can cause kidney stones, contraindicated in stones)
- Botulinum toxin A
Which are the only oral contraceptives that women with migraines (esp. w/aura) should use?
PROGESTIN-ONLY otherwise HIGH risk of stroke!
What are the PREGNANCY-SAFE (Category-B) migraine meds?
Acetaminophen, metoclopramide, certain opiates and NSAIDS (but only UNTIL 32 weeks - risk of patent ductus arteriosus “PDA” after that)
In which HA type is caffeine ok to use and in which is it not?
Tension HA - caffeine ok.
Migraine HA - caffeine not ok
This HA is B/L, steady and is only mild to moderately painful. It can last from 30 min to 7 days, has no features of photophobia, phonophobia, nausea or vomiting?
Tension HA
What is used to Rx tension HA’s!
Aspirin + Acetaminophen + Caffeine
How important are MRI and CT in evaluating a chronic headache in a patient?
Not important, less than (<1%) diagnostic yield.
What is the best and cheapest treatment of neuropathic pain?
TCA’s (amitriptyline, nortriptyline) rather than pregabalin (lyrica).
What is the preferred NSAID for PRIMARY (symptom-defined) headache treatment?
INDOMETHACIN
Cerebral aneurysm is suspected, what do you do first?
CT/LP
CT/LP positive for SAH, what’s the next step?
Consult neurosurgery for intervention (craniotomy, etc.)
CT/LP not diagnostic for SAH but high suspicion remains, what’s the next step?
MRA or CTA
Red flags for SECONDARY HA but no SAH suspected, what’s the study of choice?
MRI (if neg., try MRA/MRV, LP, check ESR/CRP
Red Flags of SECONDARY HA present but NOT typical for episodic migraine AND occur >15 days/month AND last >4 hours?
CHRONIC migraine, CHRONIC tension, hemicrania continua.
Red Flags of SECONDARY HA present but NOT typical for episodic migraine AND occur <15 days/month AND last >4 hours?
CHRONIC cluster, CHRONIC paroxysmal hemicrania, SUNCT syndrome, hypnic HA.
Red Flags of SECONDARY HA present but NOT typical for episodic migraine AND occur <15 days/month.
EPISODIC cluster, EPISODIC tension.
When is contrast needed on an imaging study such as CT or MRI?
When evaluating for malignant or inflammatory disease.
New global and vague headache in older person associated with malaise and fatigue with elevated ESR/CRP.
GCA (Giant Cell Arteritis) “temporal arteritis”
HA with ipsilateral Horner syndrome.
Internal Carotid Artery or Vertebral Artery dissection.
What is the danger with Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS) “recurrent thunderclap headaches.”
Acute Infarction (54%) during episode.
Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS) resolves in how long?
12 WEEKS
How is Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS) treated in order to prevent the associated moderate risk of acute infarction?
Calcium channel blockers (verapamil or nimodipine), short-term high-dose steroids and IV magnesium (eclampsia and preeclampsia).
PRIMARY HA generally respond to what treatments?
Indomethacin (NSAID) and ß-blockers.
Fertile overweight woman with headache, papilledema, visual disturbances (blurring, diplopia) and tinnitus, no mass found on imaging and no obstruction to CSF flow?
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH)
What cranial nerve palsy is associated with IIH that causes diplopia, convergence disorder due to the inability to abduct the eye?
CN VI (abducens nerve)
Polycystic ovarian syndrome, pregnancy, steroid withdrawal, and hypervitaminosis A can all result in this type of headache.
Intracranial hypertension
What is the treatment of choice of IIH on pregnancy?
Serial Lumbar Punctures
What medication is routinely used for treating IIH in non-pregnant patients? Why is the pain complication with this drug?
- Acetazolamide
2. Kidney stones
When trigeminal neuralgia is diagnosed in those >40 (90%) it is caused by? When diagnosed in younger patients?
- Focal demyelination by vascular compression of the trigeminal root entry zone into the skull at the pons.
- Multiple sclerosis.
What test must be done in a patient who presents with signs of trigeminal neuralgia?
MRI of the brain with contrast
A headache that is typically UNILATERAL and lasts from 4-72 hours, pulsating and aggravated by walking is what type of headache?
Migraine headache
What is present in up to 80% of chronic migraine headache sufferers?
Medication overuse headache (opiates and barbiturates)
That are the three (3) types of medications used to treat migraines?
- NSAIDS
- Ergotamines
- Triptans
What medication class is contraindicated for migraine treatment in patients with vascular disorders, uncontrolled HTN and hemiplegic migraine subtype?
Triptans
What is a migraine attack called that lasts over 72 hours?
Status migranosus
How do you treat status migranosus?
IV NSAIDS (ketorolac) & valproic acid + dexamethasone or IV ergotamine
Criteria needed for migraine HA prophylaxis
- HA more than 2 days/week
- Impaired lifestyle
- Prolonged aura/migraine-induced stroke
What are the general migraine HA prophylaxis agents?
ß-blockers, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, ca-channel blockers, NSAIDS
PROPRANOLOL, TIMOLOL, AMITRIPTYLINE, DIVALPROEX SODIUM, TOPIRAMATE (kidney stones)
Why must FIRST be done in pt with migraine HAs prior to starting prophylaxis?
Ensure that they have avoided use of ACUTE HA MEDICATIONS FOR MORE THAN 10 DAYS PER MONTH (analgesics, decongestants, stimulants). THIS IS CRITICAL
Should women with migraines use COMBINED (ESTROGEN/progesterone) oral contraceptives?
NO!!! 2-4 X risk of STROKE, especially in women with AURA
When can Triptans be used for migraines in PREGNANCY?
ONLY when benefit OUTWEIGHS risk (stroke)
Up to what week can NSAIDS be used in PREGNANCY and why?
Up to 32 WEEKS ONLY due to risk of PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS after that.
What are the safe meds to use in migraine HAs during pregnancy?
Magnesium, acetaminophen, metoclopramide, opiates, prednisone, [NSAIDS (ONLY UP TO 32 WEEKS!!!)]
In what single way is the treatment of perimenopausal migraine HAs different?
Ok to use hormone replacement therapy
What is different about migraine HAs with AURA than those without?
- They develop within 1 HOUR of AURA onset
- Develop over a MINIMUM of 5 MINUTES
- They last a MAXIMUM of 60 MINUTES
BILATERAL mild to moderate pain HA like a band, squeezing on the head, with possible scalp tenderness and cervical soreness, can last from 30 MINUTES to 7 DAYS.
Tension HA
UNILATERAL HA, with N/V, visual changes, moderate to severe pain.
Migraine HA
What are the common triggers of a tension HA (HAs don’t develop nocturnally)?
Stress and sleep disruption
When should you do a brain MRI if suspecting a tension HA?
If the CHRONIC (>15 days/month) NOT the episodic subtype.
How are TENSION HAs best treated?
Tylenol, NSAIDS (caffeine helps both of these)
Which HA types are antidepressants useful for?
MIGRAINE HAs
Exquisitely painful temporal or peri-orbital HA with ptosis, lacrimation, conjunctival injection, nasal congestion and rhinorrhea, can occur up to 8 times daily and last from15-180 min, can last weeks to months, is most common in men who are smokers and can be triggered by alcohol.
Cluster HA
This headache occurs usually within a few hours of falling asleep.
Cluster HA
How are cluster HAs treated acutely? (3 agents)
Inhaled oxygen, subcutaneous sumatriptan and intranasal zolmitriptan.
What is the only prophylactic treatment for cluster HAs?
Verapamil
Corticosteroids and an occipital nerve block are “transitional prophylactic” (short term use of fast-acting agents) for what HAs?
Cluster HAs
Cluster-like HA (episodes of piercing pain associated with conjunctival injection & tearing) however last only 15 minutes and can reoccur 8-40 times per day and responds to NSAIDS (INDOMETHACIN)
Chronic Paroxysmal Hemicrania
Cluster-like HA (episodes of piercing pain associated with conjunctival injection & tearing) that last only about 60 seconds and recur 1-30 times per HOUR and may respond to lamotrigine?
SUNCT (Short-lasting, Unilateral Neuralgiform headache with Conjunctival injection and Tearing)
What is the study of choice for ACUTE moderate to severe traumatic brain injury?
CT with bone windows (looking for skull fracture)
Imaging study of choice for mild traumatic brain injury but with CHRONIC symptoms (no imaging study recommended for mild - 90% of such injuries)?
MRI brain
What test MUST be administered to all suspected MODERATE - to - SEVERE traumatic brain injury patients?
Glasgow Coma Scale
What are the THREE (3) main categories in the Glasgow Coma Scale?
- Eye-Opening Response (1-4)
- Verbal Response (1-5)
- Motor Response (1-6)
≤8 (severe)
9-12 (moderate)
13-15 (mild)
What is DECORTICATE posturing?
FLEXION in response to pain (better than decerebrate)
What is DECEREBRATE posturing?
EXTENSION in response to pain (worse than decorticate)
Head injury causing transient confusion without amnesia or loss of consciousness and resolves completely within 15 min.
Grade 1 CONCUSSION
Head injury causing a transient confusion without loss of consciousness but with a period of AMNESIA and AMS lasting >15 min.
Grade 2 CONCUSSION
Head injury associated with a BRIEF (seconds) or PROLONGED (minutes) loss of consciousness.
Grade 3 CONCUSSION
When do concussions require CT or MRI imaging!
When they are grade 2 or 3 concussions with persistent abnormalities in examination (cognition, vision, coordination) or symptoms lasting >1 week.
When can athletes with a GRADE 1 CONCUSSION return to play?
- If ALL symptoms clear within 15 min, can return ON THE SAME DAY.
- If they suffer a 2nd GRADE 1 CONCUSSION on the same day, then only after asymptomatic for 1 week.
When can athletes with a GRADE 2 CONCUSSION return to play?
- If asymptomatic for 1 week and normal neuro exam.
2. If they suffer a 2nd GRADE 2 concussion and then only If asymptomatic for 2 weeks and normal neuro exam.
When can athletes with a GRADE 3 CONCUSSION return to play?
- If BRIEF GRADE 3 CONCUSSION, after asymptomatic for 1 week.
- If PROLONGED GRADE 3 CONCUSSION, after asymptomatic and normal neuroimaging after 2 weeks.
- If SECOND occurrence, if asymptomatic and normal neuroimaging after 4 weeks.
When does a GRADE 3 CONCUSSION not require neuroimaging?
When BRIEF and examination findings are normal WITHOUT persistent symptoms after 1 week or abnormalities on neuro exam.
Pain in the head and neck with possible vertigo or imbalance, cognitive, psychological and sleep disturbances that occurs WITHIN 2 WEEKS of a head injury (closed injury or whiplash)
Postconcussion Syndrome (PCS)
How is Posconcussion Syndrome (PCS) treated?
SUPPORTIVE measures
Direct head injury causing fracture of the TEMPORAL bone and laceration of the MIDDLE MENINGEAL ARTERY with symptoms of HA, AMS, ipsilateral pupillary dilation and rapid neurological decline is caused by? Tx?
- Epidural hematoma
2. Immediate surgical evacuation.
Because military personnel have a higher incidence of this condition than civilians, congress has mandated that all military personnel returning from combat be screened for this?
Effects of TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) such as concussion (10% - 20% incidence) and PCS (Postconcussion Syndrome), a syndrome with HA, Neurological and Psychological symptoms.
What is REQUIRED to diagnose Epilepsy?
TWO (2) or more UNPROVOKED seizures
Generally, in children and adults over 65, fever, infection, intoxication, drug use or withdrawal, metabolic derangements, sleep deprivation or an acute neurological insult can provoke what?
Seizures
What MUST be done for treatment immediately following a seizure?
Stabilizing the patient (airway, vitals, offending cause)
In a pt with a seizure, without known seizure history and no available blood glucose level, what must be given?
THIAMINE & GLUCOSE
What condition can mimic a seizure?
Syncope with convulsions (Convulsive syncope) which can occur in 5% - 10% of pts with cardiogenic or vasovagal syncope.
Family H/O, childhood febrile convulsions, trauma with LOC, CNS infection, brain lesions, prenatal/birth injuries are all RISK factors for?
EPILEPSY
What is REQUIRED in ALL pts with a FIRST seizure, abnormal neurologic examination or a partial seizure (affects only one hemisphere with or without LOC)?
NEUROIMAGING
What MUST be done in a patient with a seizure in the setting of FEVER, HA, STIFF NECK or AMS (altered mental status)?
Lumbar Puncture
What MUST be done in ALL immunocompromised pts with a FIRST seizure?
Brain MRI and a LUMBAR PUNCTURE.
How long do epileptic seizures generally last?
1-2 min
An aura of lightheadedness and swearing usually indicates what event to come?
Syncope
Can you experience incontinence with a TIA, MIGRAINE or VERTIGO?
NO
Confusion and Fatigue are usually experienced after which two neurological events?
SEIZURES and MIGRAINES (not so after syncope, TIA or vertigo)
Can a person who has had a seizure (single ever, multiple, epilepsy) drive?
NO (variable state to state)
What are the three types of partial seizures?
- Simple
- Complex
- Secondarily generalized
A focal seizure that DOES NOT IMPAIR AWARENESS?
SIMPLE PARTIAL seizure
A seizure that ALTERS CONSCIOUSNESS when spreads to involve one or both temporal lobes?
COMPLEX PARTIAL seizure.
What is a seizure called when it spreads to involve BOTH HEMISPHERES diffusely with a generalized convulsion?
SECONDARILY GENERALIZED seizure
What is a seizure called when it affects the SENSORY not motor CORTEX with no outward manifestations (no motor involvement)?
Epileptic Aura
What part of the brain do most common epileptic auras originate from?
Temporal Lobe (epigastric sensations, déjà vu, intense fear)
How long do complex partial seizures last!
1-2 minutes with confusion lasting 5-10 min
Blank stare, automatisms (lip smacking, repetitive swallowing, fumbling of the hands) occur in what type of seizures?
Complex partial seizures (alteration of consciousness but no tonic-clonic event)
Convulsions that begin as partial seizures, cause impaired awareness, diffuse muscle contraction (tonic) and rhythmic jerking of all limbs (clonic) followed by urinary incontinence and tongue biting and resolve within 1-2 minutes with postictal confusion lasting 10-15 min?
Secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizure
These seizures involve BOTH hemispheres at onset, occur without warning. Example?
- Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizure.
2. Absence seizure (<5 sec)
What population is generally affected by Absence seizures (a primary generalized seizure)?
Children and it typically resolves by puberty
What are the two types of Epilepsy and how do they present? What is seen on MRI?
- Temporal lobe epilepsy (focal) - complex, partial seizures with epigastric and psychic auras
- Idiopathic generalized epilepsy - EEG shows generalized spike-wave activity
- Hippocampal atrophy
A type of epilepsy found in adults that is part of idiopathic generalized epilepsy and presents with “jitteriness” where pts drop things and have muscle jerks.
Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy
How long is medical therapy usually recommended for pts with juvenile Myoclonic epilepsy to prevent future convulsions?
LIFE-LONG
What two mood disorders are seen more commonly in pts with epilepsy?
MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER
BIPOLAR DISORDER
Anti-Epilepsy Drugs can put epileptic pts at risk for what two conditions?
SUICIDALITY
OSTEOPOROSIS
INITIAL study of choice for pt with new-onset seizure?
Head CT
What is most important in diagnosis of epilepsy besides a positive MRI and EEG?
Patient’s CLINICAL HISTORY
What must be done in patients with epilepsy who don’t respond to Anti-Epilepsy Drugs (AED) and prior to considering neurosurgery?
Inpatient Epilepsy monitoring unit admission (continuous EEG 2-7 days, off meds)
What are pseudoseizures? Who are they most common in?
Non-epileptic seizures, common in women with h/o child abuse.
In what patients SHOULD you start Anti-Seizure Drugs after ONY ONE seizure occurrence?
Pts >65 yrs old
Pts with SIGNIFICANT h/o heat TRAUMA
Pts with FOCAL SEIZURE
When MUST anti-seizure drugs be started regardless of EEG, MRI, age or other findings?
After SECOND UNPROVOKED seizure
BEFORE starting PHENYTOIN, PHENOBARBITAL, CARBAMAZEPINE, OXCARBAZEPINE or LAMOTRIGINE in these pts, what must be considered and why?
ASIANS with HLA-B*1502 allele (genetic testing)
Because at higher risk for Stevens-Johnson syndrome
What is the danger with TOPIRAMATE?
Renal stones, Glaucoma, Metabolic Acidosis, Heat Stroke, Birth Defects
GENERALIZED Epilepsy is treated with what four agents?
Lamotrigine, Leviracetam, Valproic Acid, Topiramate
This anticonvulsant exacerbates Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, causes Birth Defects, Weight Gain and Hirsutism?
Valproic Acid
Which are the two (2) safest seizure drugs during pregnancy?
Lamotrigine, Carbamazepine
These five (5) seizure drugs inactivate OCPs?
Carbamazepine, Oxcarbazepine, Lamotrigine, Phenytoin, Topiramate
Cleft Palate is most often seen with this anti-seizure drug?
Topiramate
What supplement should ALL women with epilepsy take if planning pregnancy?
Folic Acid
When is it appropriate to attempt weaning a pt off anti-seizure drugs?
When seizure-free 2-4 years (30%-40% risk of recurrence)
When is epilepsy considered refractory and what can be done?
After failing to control seizures with two drugs. Referral to epilepsy center to assess candidacy for surgery
Can hemorrhagic stroke be differentiated from ischemic stroke on clinical exam?
NO
Best INITIAl test to assess for hemorrhagic stroke?
Head CT WITHOUT contrast
Gold standard for diagnosis of cerebral vasculature?
CT angiography (can’t do in pts with renal disease)
A neurologic emergency with high SHORT-TERM risk of subsequent stroke?
TIA
When after a TIA is a pt at the HIGHEST risk for stroke?
48 hours after TIA
Who should be admitted after a TIA?
Pts who score a 3 or higher on ABCD2 (Age Blood pressure, Clinical presentation, Duration of symptoms and presence of Diabetes) or a score less than 3 with visual loss
A TIA causing transient visual loss usually indicates what?
Extracranial Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) stenosis
Does absence of a lesion on CT exclude the diagnosis of ischemic stroke?
NO!
- The greatest risk for stroke in a pt with large artery atherosclerosis is when the stenosis (ICA) is? 2. The risk of recurrent stroke in such a patient is greatest when? 3. Above what BP?
- > 70%
- Within the first 2 weeks.
- > 140/80 mmHg
Hypertension causes what type of infarcts most often?
Lacunar (pure motor hemiparesis, pure sensory stroke).
What is intra-cranial hemorrhage (ICH) most commonly caused by?
HTN
Why must REPEAT imaging be done and when, for patients with hemorrhagic stroke?
Because hemorrhage may obscure an underlying tumor, it must be repeated 4-6 weeks after event.
What single lab is CRITICAL to determine in an acute stroke evaluation.
Blood Glucose (excludes mimics and hyperglycemia is associated with poor outcome after stroke)
What is the ONLY thing that rtPA does?
Improved FUNCTIONAL outcomes at 3 months, NOT with earlier neurological improvement or lower mortality
What should be done with ALL patients after receiving rtPA therapy?
Admitted for observation for 24 hours in ICU setting.
When are surgical procedures and anticoagulation therapies ok after pt receives rtPA?
AFTER 24 hours of being monitored.
What therapy besides rtPA is specifically recommended for ISCHEMIC stroke involving the Middle Cerebral Artery up to 6 HOURS after event?
Intra-Arterial Thrombolysis
In a patient with ischemic stroke, when using rtPA, what should the BP be kept under? What if no rtPA was used?
- rtPA used: <220/120 mm Hg
In order to achieve a high BP in pts with ischemic stroke and myocardial ischemia or heart failure is it ok to withhold antihypertensive agents?
NO
What antithrombotic agent has shown to improve short-term mortality and recurrence of stroke when used within 48 hours of ishchemic stroke onset?
ASPIRIN Alone
What agent can ischemic stroke patients benefit from if their stroke was caused by a-fib after cardiac surgery, mechanical heart valve or an arterial dissection?
Heparin
Seizure at stroke onset, ANY previous history of hemorrhagic stroke, major surgery within the last 2 weeks, arterial puncture at non-compressible site within past 7 days, recent systemic hemorrhage and coagulopathy are what?
ABSOLUTE contraindications to use of rtPA for treatment of ischemic stroke.
What two agent can be used to achieve the desired blood pressure for patients about to undergo rtPA therapy? (<185/110 mmHg)
IV labetalol or nicardipine ONLY (DO NOT USE nitroglycerine or nitroprusside)
In what type of stroke do you WANT to lower blood pressure?
Hemorrhagic stroke ONLY
What is the ideal blood pressure target for a patient with hemorrhagic stroke?
<160/90 mmHg