Corrections Flashcards
Mechanism of neostigmine?
Cholinesterase inhibitor (stops breakdown of ACh)
1st line mx of myasthenia gravis?
Pyridostigmine (cholinesterase inhibitor)
What is the most sensitive test for MG?
Single-fibre electromyography (SFEMG)
What imaging should be performed in MG? Why
CT or MRI - look for thymoma or thymic hyperplasia
Mx of a myasthenic crisis?
IV immunoglobulins & plasmapheresis
Patients may require non-invasive ventilation or mechanical ventilation.
What movements are typically spared in MND?
Eye movements
Describe swallowing in the early stages of bulbar-onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Patients often have more difficulty swallowing liquids than solids in the early stages.
Next step in any patient that is on warfarin/a DOAC/ or has a bleeding disorder and they are suspected of having a TIA?
Immediate referral for imaging to exclude haemorrhage
Mx of a post-LP headache?
Caffeine & fluids
This is a low pressure headache
How can axillary freckles determine between NF1 and NF2?
Axillary freckles = NF1
What test in myasthenia gravis is most specific (and used for diagnosis)?
Antibody test for AChR antibodies
What does pabrinex contain?
B vitamins & vitamin C
How can multiple system atrophy be differentiated from Parkinson’s disease?
In multiple system atrophy, there is more severe & earlier onset of autonomic dysfunction (postural hypotension/erectile dysfunction).
What class of medication is ropinirole?
Dopamine agonist
What lobe does HSV-encephalitis typically affect?
Temporal lobes
What condition can increase risk of encephalitis?
HIV
What are the 2 most common triggers of autonomic dysreflexia?
1) urinary retention
2) faecal impaction
Migraine triggers?
Mneumonic: CHOCOLATE
Chocolate
Hangovers
Orgasms
Cheese
Caffeine
Oral contraceptive pill
Lie-ins
Alcohol
Travel
Exercise
Give 4 different types of aphasia
1) Wernicke’s (repetitive) aphasia
2) Broca’s (expressive) aphasia
3) Conduction aphasia
4) Global aphasia
Wernicke’s (receptive) aphasia is due to a lesion of what?
The superior temporal gyrus
What is the superior temporal gyrus typically supplied by?
Inferior division of the left MCA
What is the purpose of Wernicke’s area?
‘Forms’ the speech before ‘sending’ it to Broca’s area
Result of lesions Wernicke’s aphasia?
Sentences that make no sense, word substitution and neologisms but speech remains fluent - ‘word salad’
Comprehension is impaired
Broca’s (expressive) aphasia is due to a lesion of what?
Inferior frontal gyrus
What is the inferior frontal gyrus supplied by?
Superior divisoin of the left MCA
Features of Broca’s (expressive) aphasia?
Speech is non-fluent, laboured, and halting. Repetition is impaired
Comprehension is NORMAL
What is conduction aphasia?
Due to lesion in connection between Wernicke’s and Broca’s area
Features of conduction aphasia?
Speech is fluent but repetition is poor. Aware of the errors they are making
Comprehension is NORMAL
What is Guillain-Barre syndrome?
Immune mediated demyelination of the peripheral nervous system.
Does Guillain-Barre affect PNS or CNS?
PNS
What is Guillain-Barre often triggered by?
Infection (classically Campylobacter jejuni)
How can hyperventilation be used in patients with ICP?
1) Hyperventilation reduces blood carbon dioxide
2) This causes cerebral vasoconstriction
3) This reduces ICP
What is the key diagnostic test in suspected Guillain-Barre syndrome?
Lumbar puncture
Classic initial symptoms seen in Guillain-Barre?
around 65% of patients experience back/leg pain in the initial stages of the illness
What are the characteristic features of Guillain-Barre?
Progressive, SYMMETRICAL weakness of ALL the limbs:
- the weakness is classically ascending i.e. the legs are affected first
- reflexes are reduced or absent
- sensory symptoms tend to be mild (e.g. distal paraesthesia) with very few sensory signs