Lecture 3 - Neuro Flashcards
What are the main anatomical regions a neurological lesion can be located?
Brain
Spinal Cord
Nerve Roots
Peripheral Nerves
NMJ
How would you classify the potential causes of a neurological lesion?
Vascular
Infection
Inflammation/Autoimmue
Toxic/Metabolic
Tumour/Malignancy
Hereditary/Congenital
Degenerative
Which symptoms indicate an UMN lesion?
Increased spastic tone
Decreased Power
Brisk Reflexes
Upgoing Plantar (Babinski’s Sign)
Which symptoms would indicate a LMN lesion?
Flaccid Tone
Decreased Power
Decreased/Absent Reflexes.
Which cranial nerves could be damaged in a patient presenting with diplopia?
III, IV, VI
Which cranial nerves could be damaged in a patient presenting with dysphagia (due to a neurological deficit)?
IX, X
How would Botulism typically present?
Multiple, separate cranial nerve lesions (ie. Diplopia and Dysphagia)
Abscesses on Limbs (Due to IV drug use)
Symmetric, descending muscle weakness
Slurred Speech
Which signs point to a lesion in the cerebellum?
Ataxia
Nystagmus
Dysdiadokinesia
Intention Tremor
Speech - Slurred & Scanning
How would sensation be changed in a patient with a lesion in the cerebral cortex?
Hemisensory Loss
How would sensation be changed in a patient with a lesion in the spinal cord?
Sensation is lost either below or above the specific level of the lesion.
How would sensation be changed in a patient with a lesion in the nerve roots (radiculopathy)?
Loss of sensation in a particular dermatome.
How would sensation be changed in a patient with a mononuropathy?
A specific area will lose sensation.
How would sensation be changed in a patient with a polyneuropathy?
Glove & Stocking distribution of sensory loss.
How would you manage a patient with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?
Duloxetine
What are the causes of peripheral neuropathy?
Infection - HIV
Inflammation/Autoimmune - Vasculitis, CTD, Inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy (GBS)
Toxic/Metabolic
Tumour/Malignancy - Paraneoplasia, paraproteinaemia
Hereditary - Hereditary sensory motor neuropathy (identified by the presence of long-term stigmata, ie. Pes Cavus)
What are the toxic/metabolic causes of peripheral neuropathy?
Drugs (Hx)
Alcohol (Hx, raised GGT/MCV)
B12 Deficiency (Macrocytic Anaemia)
Diabetes (HbA1C)
Hypothyroidism (TFTs)
Uraemia (U&Es)
Amyloidosis (Hx of Myeloma/chronic infection/inflammation)
What are the two causes of a blurred optic disc on fundoscopy?
Papillitis (Younger, presence of inflammation, painful, blurred vision) [Optic Neuritis]
Papilloedema (Older, raised ICP, not painful)
What does a spastic paraparesis describe?
Increased tone and weakness on both sides - UMN lesion.