infection_inflammation of CNS and movement disorders - Sheet1 Flashcards
What is meningitis?
Acute inflammation of meningeal tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
How do organisms usually enter the CNS in meningitis?
Through the upper respiratory tract or bloodstream; may also enter through penetrating skull fractures.
What are the types of meningitis?
Bacterial (worst form), viral, fungal.
Classic signs of meningitis?
Photophobia, phonophobia, severe headache, nuchal rigidity (stiff neck).
Other manifestations of meningitis?
Fever, nausea/vomiting, focal deficits, signs of increased ICP, petechial rash with meningococcus.
Diagnostic methods for meningitis?
H&P, head CT/MRI, lumbar puncture (LP).
What does a lumbar puncture (LP) show in bacterial meningitis?
White/yellow fluid with high pressure due to neutrophils flooding the CSF.
What is encephalitis?
Acute inflammation of brain parenchyma caused by a virus.
Common etiologies of encephalitis?
Mosquito-borne viruses, herpes simplex virus.
Mechanism of viral entry in encephalitis?
Viruses gain access to the CNS through the bloodstream or intraneural routes from peripheral nerves.
Manifestations of encephalitis?
Viral prodromes, fever, confusion (progressing to unconsciousness), paresis, paralysis, involuntary movements, abnormal reflexes.
Diagnostic methods for encephalitis?
H&P, lumbar puncture, viral blood culture.
What is the normal pressure of CSF?
70-150 mm H2O
CSF pressure in bacterial meningitis?
Increased
CSF pressure in viral meningitis?
Increased
CSF pressure in encephalitis?
Normal to slight increase
Normal CSF WBC count?
0-5 cells/μL
CSF WBC count in bacterial meningitis?
> 1,000/μL, mainly neutrophils
CSF WBC count in viral meningitis?
25-500/μL, mainly lymphocytes
CSF WBC count in encephalitis?
500/μL; neutrophils early, lymphocytes late
Normal CSF protein level?
15-45 mg/dL
CSF protein level in bacterial meningitis?
> 500 mg/dL
CSF protein level in viral meningitis?
50-500 mg/dL
CSF protein level in encephalitis?
Slight increase
Normal CSF glucose level?
40-70 mg/dL
CSF glucose level in bacterial meningitis?
Decreased (bacteria feed on sugar)
CSF glucose level in viral meningitis?
Normal or low
CSF glucose level in encephalitis?
Normal
CSF appearance in bacterial meningitis?
Cloudy
CSF appearance in viral meningitis?
Clear or cloudy
CSF appearance in encephalitis?
Clear
What is Parkinson disease?
A degenerative disorder of the CNS that affects motor and non-motor systems.
What are some etiologies of Parkinson disease?
Autosomal dominant or recessive inheritance, or epigenetic mechanisms related to viruses and environmental toxins.
What are early manifestations of Parkinson disease?
Resting tremor, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), postural abnormalities (risk for falls), and the Parkinsonian shuffle.
What are late manifestations of Parkinson disease?
Cognitive deficits, behavioral changes (depression, agitation), and sleep disturbances.
How is Parkinson disease diagnosed?
Based on the presence of 2/4 symptoms: resting tremor, bradykinesia, cogwheel rigidity, and postural instability.
What is Huntington disease?
A hereditary, degenerative disorder of the basal ganglia and frontal cerebral cortex.
What is the genetic mechanism of Huntington disease?
An autosomal dominant trait caused by a genetic defect on the short arm of chromosome 4.
What are the early motor manifestations of Huntington disease?
Abnormal choreiform movements (jerking) starting in the face and arms, eventually involving the whole body.
What cognitive and behavioral changes are seen in Huntington disease?
Progressive dysfunction of intellectual processes (e.g., memory loss, difficulty planning), restlessness, disinhibition, and irritability.
How is Huntington disease diagnosed?
Based on family history and progression of symptoms.
