CNS Injury Flashcards
Brain Abscess cx fx
fever, headache, and focal neurologic findings
The important clue to help differentiate brain abscess from meningitis is
lack of neck stiffness.
Brain Abscess Best initial test
CT scan of the head without contrast showing a single ring-enhancing lesion
Brain Abscess The most accurate test
MRI of the brain showing a ring-enhancing lesion; however, if the CT scan is positive, MRI is unnecessary.
Brain Abscess Best initial therapy
IV antibiotics
Brain Abscess The most accurate therapy is
surgical drainage of the abscess.
Epidural Abscess cxfx
with back and neck pain, fever, and tenderness over
the spinal canal.
On examination, neurologic deficits such as lower extremity weakness will be present.
Epidural Abscess Risk factors
IV drug use
Epidural Abscess The best next step once cxfx assessed
start steroids to reduce the pressure on the spinal cord;
then send the patient for an MRI of the spine
Epidural Abscess best treatment is
Once the epidural abscess is located,
biopsy and drainage of the abscess, followed by antibiotics.
Anterior Spinal Artery Syndrome (ASAS) patho
results from an interruption of the anterior spinal cord ¿irrigation?, causing ischemia or infarction in the anterior two-thirds of the spinal cord.
amboss: occlusion of the anterior spinal artery (a branch of the aorta).
Anterior Spinal Artery Syndrome (ASAS) cxfx
loss of motor function and sensation below the
level of injury.
Anterior Spinal Artery Syndrome (ASAS) most accurate test
MRI.
Anterior Spinal Artery Syndrome (ASAS) tx
centered around supportive care.
amboss: Treat the underlying condition (if possible):
Consider surgical repair
Aspirin for thrombotic occlusion
Basal Skull Fracture cxfx
ecchymosis around both eyes (raccoon eyes) or behind the ear (Battle’s sign) as well as clear fluid dripping from the ear or nose (cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] leak).
