M+M Flashcards
Name three things to ask about in a suspected Bell’s palsy history?
- Is the forehead involved? If you can’t raise eyebrows it’s LMN (Bell’s) if you can its UMN (Stoke/TIA)
- Diabetes (increased risk)
- Limbs affected (rule out CVS)
- Other symptoms (migraine, partial seizure)
- History of nerve problems (rule out MS)
How do you manage Bells palsy (2)
1 - Prednisolone for 10 days
2- Supportive (eye drops, tape eyes shut at night)
Should resolve fully in 6-12 months, may get worse initially
Patient presents with an isolated foot drop and frequent stumbling. The is some numbness on the upper side of the foot. What is the expected diagnosis (and what nerve is involved)?
Common perineal nerve (foot drop)
Patient presents with an isolated foot drop and frequent stumbling. The is some numbness on the upper side of the foot. What are the two main differentials and how would you distinguish?
1- Foot drop
2- L5 root compression
Distinguish as (2) will also see a loss of ankle reflex and possible back pain
How would you manage an isolated common perioneal nerve palsy?
How long would it take to resolve?
Conservative (splinting, avoid kneeling, leg crossing and squatting)
Should resolve in 2-3 months
Patient presents after a fracture of the humerus with a wrist drop, which nerve is involved and how should it be managed?
Radial nerve
Splint and see function return in 4 months
Name 5 questions for red flags that must be asked in any back pain history?
1- Saddle anaestheisa, changes in urine/ bowel symptoms/ LL neuro symptoms - CES
2- Point tendereness - #
3- Night pain, weight loss, night sweats - Cancer
4- Fever or recent infection - STI
5- Problems with prostate - metastatic
6- Sudden onset (AAA)
What 5 things should be `counselled on for a case of mechanical back pain?
1- Don’t avoid exercise and activity - stay active
2- Avoid rest
3- Posture
4- Adaptations at home and work
5- Short course low dose NSAIDS
6- Physio
7- 80% of people have an episode of low back pain at some point in their lives, 90% recover within 4 months
What is the management of an acute episode of sciatica?
Most cases resolve in 6 weeks 1- Oral NSAIDS + physio 2- IM NSAIDS 3- Opioids 4- Manual therapy
A patient presents with Mania, you suspect Bipolar disease but suggest (3) other differentials?
Substance induced mood disorder
Psychosis
Personality disorder
ADHD
What is the definition of rapid cycling bipolar?
4 or more cycles of depression and mania within a year, with no asymptomatic episodes
What is your management of bipolar disorder?
1- Educate about triggers, self help groups etc.
Drugs:
- Lithium (GOLD standard)
If acutely manic episode:
Quetiapine or Olanzapine
How do you diagnose delirium?
Delirium must be diagnosed using either the CAM (Confusion assessment method) or 4AT tests
What are the CAM criteria for delirium?
To be delirum must be:
1- Acute onset with fluctuating course
2- Show inattention (count back from 20 to 1)
3- Have EITHER (disorganized thinking) or (changed level of consciousness)
What are the 4 questions and score of the 4AT test?
1- Alertness (Abnormal = 4)
2- AMT4 (Age, DOB, year and where. 2+ mistakes = 2)
3- Attention (Months backward). 7+=0, 7-=1, untestable=2)
4- Acute and fluctuating course (Y=4)
Any score over 4 shows possible delirium, then use CAM
A patient has suspected delirium, but what are 3 other DDx’s?
Dementia Depression Bipolar Psychosis Stroke
What investigations should be done if someone has a diagnosis of delirium? (3)
Hx and Obs
Urine dip
ECG
CXR
Name 5 management steps for a patient with delirium.
Good communication Clock Familiar objects Avoid over/understimulation Side room Control lighting and temperature Maintain mobility TREAT UNDERLYING CAUSE
If a patient has delirium, how does their prognosis change?
Worse if hypoactive compared to hyperactive
2-3x increase in mortality
What are the key components of a dementia history? (5)
Onset duration Past strokes/ other neurological signs - Vascular HTN/ smoking - Vascular Flucuation - Lewy body Hallucinations - Lewy body Personality changes - Frontotemporal
What treatment can be used for Alzheimer’s dementia? (3)
1- Supportive (OT, support groups, charities)
2- Donepezil, rivastigmine or galantamine (ACh inhibitors)
3- Memantine
What is the mean survival from diagnosis for someone with Alzheimer’s dementia?
7 years
What medicines are used to treat vasular dementia?
None
What medicines can be used for Lewy Body Dementia?
Rivastigmine
Name three tools which could be used to measure cognitive function in a suspected dementia? (3)
ACE III (20-25 mins)
MoCA (10-15mins)
MMSE (15mins)
What are the DSM 5 criteria for depression?
Last month more days than not:
1- Down depressed or hopeless
2- Not enjoying normal activities and not getting pleasure
3- Three of SAGCLASS
Name 4 things which must be screened for in a depression history?
Mania Psychosis Suicide risk Risk to others Substance misuse
What investigations should be done for depression? (3)
Rule out hypothyroid
PHQ-9
FBC - Anemia etc.
What management should be offer for mild to moderate depression? (3)
Watchful waiting - see again in two weeks
Low intensity CBT
Relaxation therapy
(only offer meds if depression persists or other comorbid problems)
What is the first line management of depression in adults? (3)
Supportive
SSRI (Sertraline/ citalopram)
CBT
Review in 2 weeks
Name 5 side effects of SSRI’s
GI upset/ nausea (resolves in 1-2 weeks) Increased anxiety (resolves in 1-2 weeks) Dry mouth Drowsiness Low sex drive
Which two common drugs should you try not to use with SSRI’s?
Triptans (migraine)
Aspirin (due to ulcer risk)
What is the second line medication for adults with depression?
Venlafaxine
CI uncontrolled hypertension
Name 3 symptoms of SSRI withdrawal syndrome
Increased mood changes Restlessness Sleeping difficulty GI (pain, cramping) D+V Paraesthesia, sweating, unsteadiness
What is the average length of a depressive episode?
6-8 months
(80% will have another episode in their lifetime)
(20% will become chronic)
What are the 5 ear symptoms you should always ask about in an ear history?
Ache (otalgia) Discharge (Otorrhoea) Hearing loss Tinnitus Dizziness
What are the 5 nose symptoms you should always ask about in an nosehistory?
Obstruction Running nose (rhinorrhoea) Loss of smell Nose bleeds (epistaxis) Facial pain
What are the 5 throat symptoms you should always ask about in a throat history?
Sore throat Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) Pain on swallow (odynophagia) Hoarse voice (dysphonia) Regurgitation
Name 4 differentials for a conductive hearing loss
Wax/ foreign body
Infection
Trauma + perforation of tympanic membrane
Otoscleroisis
Name 4 differentials for a blocked nose
Septal deviation
Acute rhinosinusitis
Chronic rhinosinusitis
Chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps
Where is the most common site in the nose to bleed from?
Kiessllbach’s plexus in little’s area
What is first line management of epistaxis?
Nasal oinment (Naspetin or Bactoban)
Name two broad categories of seizures
Generalised
Partial
Name three possible triggers for seizures?
Most idiopathic but sleep deprivation, alcohol, dehydration and not eating
Name two differentials for a seizure
Syncope
Non-epileptic attack disorder
Migraine
What investigations should be done following a first seizure?
Bloods (FBC, U+E) - looking for infection or metabolic disturbance
ECG
MRI (non urgent) to look for cause, only urgent if neurological signs
What is the first line management for an adult with generalised tonic-clonic seizures?
Valproate or lamotrigine (often better tolerated with less SE)
What is the first line management for partial (focal) seizures?
Carbamazepine or lamotrigine
What side effects should you council for antiepiletics?
Drowsiness and slowed cognition
Dizziness
RASH - Stephen Johnson Syndrome
Management of acute epilepsy is… (4)
ABCDE
Look for reversiable cause (bloods, glucose etc.)
IV Lorazepam or buccal midazolam
IV Phenytoin
In addition to a thorough before, during and after, what else should you ask about in a falls history?
Eyesight
Any problems with heart
Drugs
Any problems with blood pressure
What assessment tool can be used to calculate falls risk?
Tinetti Assessment Tool
(0-28) anything below 19 is a high risk
What tool can be used to calculate 10 year fracture risk?
FRAX
What investigations should be performed following a fall? (5)
FBC (anaemia, infection) Neuro exam (peripheral neuropathy) ECG Lying and standing blood pressure Tinetti assessment tool FRAX assessment tool
Name 5 symptoms of fibromyalgia
Pain Unrefreshing sleep Tired Some morning stiffness Paraesthesia Felling of swollen joints Headaches Anxiety and depression
What 5 tests would you do to investigate a suspected fibromyalgia?
TFT- Rule out thyroid
ANA - Rule out lupus
FBC/ Iron studies - Anaemia can cause some symptoms
Vit D - Low can cause muscle pain and tiredness
Magnesium - low levels can lead to muscle cramps
What scoring tool could be used to assess fibromyalgia?
What is the cut off score for fibromyalgia?
Widespread pain score (0-19)
More than 7 with symptoms for 3 months and no cause = fibromyalgia
Name the first three lines of management for fibromyalgia?
1- Education and exercise (only one with evidence)
2- CBT
3- Paracetamol, weak opioids (not NSAIDS)
Name 5 features of compartment syndrome?
Pain (worse on stretching) Pallor Pulselessness Paralysis Parathesia
How should you manage compartment syndrome?
Measure pressure (if 30-40mmHg greater than systemic > Open fasiciotomy)
Which artery (and it’s root artery) is most likely to be affected causing loss of blood supply to the femoral head in a #NOF?
Medial circumflex artery
From deep femoral
What are the diagnosis criteria for GAD?
Excessive anxiety and worry
More days than not
Over a wide range of activities and events
Lasting over 6 months
Name 7 symptoms of anxiety
Restlessness, irritability Difficulty concentrating Easily fatigued Sleep disturbance Palpitations Fast HR Sweating, trembling Dry mouth SOB Nausea
Name 5 possible differentials for someone presenting with anxiety?
GAD Panic disorder (trigger) PTSD Phobia Social phobia Depression
What investigations should be done when suspecting GAD (4)
PHQ-9 FBC (anaemia) TFT (thyroid) Cortisol B12 Folic acid
Name the first two (non-pharma) management steps for GAD
1- Educate (avoid caffeine, alcohol, illicit drugs, stimulants). Try breathing exercises and exercise
2- Low intensity psychological support, support or self help groups,
Name the post education/ support group management steps for GAD (2)
1) CBT
2) SSRI (Sertraline, escitalopram)
How would you explain GBS to a patient?
Guillian Barre
An autoimmune disorder which attacks your nerves, and that causes this progressive neuropathy
What disease makes up 95% of Guillian Barre Syndrome cases?
AIDP (Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy)
With a history of possible GBS, what key history questions should you ask? (3)
75% have preceding infection
More common if malignancy or post-partum
SOCRATES
A patient presents with possible GBS, what are your differentials? (3)
Encephalitis Transverse myelitis (UMN) Boutulism (descending) Stroke Myasthenia gravis
What is the single best investigation for GBS?
Nerve conduction studies
What three maininvestigations could be done for GBS?
Nerve conduction
Lumbar puncture (raised protein)
Antibodies to peripheral nerves
SPIROMETRY (most important determinant for need to admit to ICU)
What is management of GBS?
IVIG or plasma exchange
- Spirometry and consider ITU support
What is the prognosis of a patient with GBS?
80% walk unaided and fully recover in 6 months
Name 7 differentials for a headache?
Tension-type headache Migraine Cluster headache Meningitis SAH Trigeminal neuralgia Temporal arteritis Raised ICP Sinusitis
Name 4 common features of a tension type headache? (including negatives)
Bilateral Feeling like pressing or tightening No nausea, no aggravation by physical activity, light or noise Often late in the day Aggravated by stress
What investigations would you do for a tension headache (and all headaches)? (2)
Optic fundi
Blood pressure
What management for a tension type headache?
Simple analgesics, avoid triggers
What is the classic presentation of a migraine? (6)
Unilateral
Pulsating/ throbbing headache in trigeminal nerve
Nausea is common
Lasts between 4-72 hours
Photophobia
Aura (normally visual) - last 5 mins to one hour.
What investigations should be done for a patient with migraine? (1)
Neurological exam
What percentage of migraines involve aura?
33%
What is the diagnosis criteria for migraine without aura?
Need 5 attacks with three of classic symptoms
What is the diagnosis criteria for migraine with aura?
Can diagnose with one episode if no other pathology suspected
Name 7 potential triggers for migraine?
Stress, louid noise, bright light, travel, cheese, chocolate, alcohol, missed meals, dehydration, lack of sleep, oral contraceptives
What is first/ second line treatment for an episode of migraine?
1st: Soluble paracetamol
2nd: Triptain (sumatriptan)
Name two drugs/ classes of drugs which can’t be taken with Sumitriptan?
Citalopram
COCP
Name two non-drug CI for sumitriptan
CHD
Uncontrolled HTN
Risk factors for CHD
Name the first and second line preventative measures for migraine and the criteria to use them
AVOID TRIGGERS
2) Propanolol - only if QoL affected or <2 episodes per month
Name the classic presentation features of cluster headache
Short painful attacks
30mins-3hrs
Around one eye
Occur a few times a day fpr months then remission period
Often begins with severe pain which wakes them up
Symptoms like red eye and ptosis
What is the acute management of a cluster headache? (2)
100% oxygen for 15 mins upto 5x per day
Sumitriptan subcut
What is the preventative management of cluster headache?
Verapamil
Name 4 red flags in a headache history to screen for meningitis
Neck stiffness Fever Non-blanching rash Seizures Photophobia and vomitting also for migraine
What is your first investigations (3) to order in suspected meningitis?
LP, blood cultures, throat swab
Name your first two management steps for meningitis
ABCDE
Broad spectrum AB’s (treat as bacterial until proven otherwise)
What is your first investigation for suspected SAH?
CT head
Neurosurgical consult
Name 5 possible features of trigeminal neuraliga
Pain in face
Electric shock sensation
Lasts a few seconds to ew mins
Exacerbated by touch or , cold or eating
What is the first line management of trigeminal neuralgia and how long do you treat for?
Carbamazepine (withdrawn one month after remission)
Surgical options available down the line but not curative
What patients classically experience temporal arteritis?
Over 50
Presenting with headache, scalp pain, transient visual symptoms