Cranial Nerve Neuropathies Flashcards
What is Giant Cell Arteritis/Temporal Arteritis?
Inflammation or damage to vessels in the head that may lead to blindness when involving the carotid and opthalamic arteries
What symptoms are associated with Giant Cell Arteritis/Temporal Arteritis?
Headaches, claudication (pain in jaw), temporal tenderness, diplopia, vision changes/loss
How is Giant Cell Arteritis/Temporal Arteritis diagnosed?
Inflammation markers, biopsy of vessel
True/False. A patient is suspected to have temporal arteritis due to claudication and vision changes. Treatment should not be started until lab tests are completed.
False. In cases of suspected temporal arteritis, treatment with corticosteroids should be initiated immediately to prevent permanent vision loss.
What steroid is commonly used to treat uncomplicated temporal arteritis with or without vision loss?
Prednisone
A patient presents with facial weakness, drooling mouth, hearing loss, and an erythematous rash near the ear. What is a potential diagnosis?
Ramsy Hunt Syndrome
What is Ramsy Hunt Syndrome?
Acute peripheral neuropathy associated with hearing loss and a rash in or around the ear
What is HZO?
Reactivation of the varicella zoster virus in CN V1
Huntinson’s sign is strongly associated with what disease?
Herpes zoster opthalmicus
What is Hutchinson’s sign?
Lesion of the nose associated with HZO
What symptoms are associated with HZO?
Hutchinson’s sign, vision changes, corneal lesions, hyperesthesia of the face
How can Bell’s Palsy be differentiated from stroke by symptoms?
With Bell’s Palsy, patients cannot move muscles of the forehead/wrinkle forehead
True/False. Eye care is especially important during treatment for Bell’s Palsy.
True. Patients cannot close their eyes and become prone to dryness, irritation, and corneal lesions
What artery is most often involved in Trigeminal Neuralgia and wraps around the trigeminal nerve?
Superior cerebellar artery
Carbamazepine is the first-line drug for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. What other drugs may be used, if carbamazepine is ineffective or not tolerated?
Lamotrigine, Phenytoin, Baclofen