MTB 3 - Neurology Flashcards
Why can a TIA cause a loss of vision in one eye (amaurosis fugax)?
the 1st branch of the internal carotid artery is the ophthalmic artery
What percent of strokes are ischemic?
80%
Sxs of anterior cerebral artery stroke:
LE > UE weakness Personality changes or psych disturbances Urinary incontinence
Sxs of middle cerebral artery stroke:
UE > LE weakness Aphasia (Left-side) Apraxia/neglect (Right side) Eye deviation *toward* the lesion Contralateral homonymous hemianopsia with macular sparing
Sxs of posterior cerebral artery stroke:
Prosopagnosia
Sxs of vertebrobasilar artery stroke:
Vertigo n/v Vertical nystagmus Dysarthria and dystonia Sensory changes in face and scalp Bilateral findings
Sxs of posterior inferior cerebellar artery stroke (PICA)
Ipsilateral face Contralateral body Vertigo + Horner’s
Sxs of lacunar infarcts:
*Must be absence of cortical deficits* Ataxia Parkinsonian signs Sensory deficits Hemiparesis (mostly the face) Possible bulbar signs
How long does a noncontrast CT take to become 95% sensitive for ischemic stroke?
3-5 days
How long does MRI take to become 99% sensitive for nonhemorrhagic stroke?
Within 24 hours
List 8 absolute contraindications to tPA:
Hx of hemorrhagic stroke Presence of intracranial mass Active bleeding or surgery within 6 weeks Presence of bleeding disorder CPR within 3 weeks that was traumatic (compressions) Suspicion of aortic dissection Stroke within 1 year Head trauma or brain surgery in last 6 months
What med should you add for all ischemic stroke patients?
Statin
What tests are indicated for a stroke patient after you have done your CT and given thrombolytics or aspirin?
Echo - looks for clots or vegetations Carotid duplex - Look for stenosis >70% (endarterectomy) EKG - Warfarin if A-fib Holter monitor if the EKG is normal
What additional tests should you do on pts
ESR VDRL or RPR ANA, double-standed DNA Protein C and S Factor V Leiden mutation Antiphospholipid syndrome
What should you get the BP down to in ischemic stroke prior to CT? How do you achieve it?
185/110 10mg labetalol
Give the tx for status epilepticus:
Lorazepam…wait 10-20 minutes. If still there give –> Fosphenytoin …wait 10-20 minutes. If still there give –> Phenobarbital …wait 10-20 minutes. If still there give –> general anesthesia (Propofol, thiopental, or midazolam)
What tests do you do on a pt having a seizure?
Na, Ca, Mg, glucose, O2, creatinine Head CT urgently Urine toxicology Liver and renal fxn
When to do an EEG (electroencephalogram)?
Only if your initial workup doesn’t reveal the etiology - including CT and MRI of the head
When will you treat after the first seizure?
Strong family hx of seizures Abnormal EEG Status epilepticus Non-correctable precipitating cause (brain tumor)
Tx of mild parkinson’s in a pt
Anticholinergics (Benztropine or hydroxyzine)
Tx of mild parkinson’s in a pt >60
Amantadine (b/c anticholinergics in an elderly pt carry a lot of side-effects)
First line treatment for parkinson’s in a pt with severe sxs (inability to perform ADLs)
Levodopa/carbidopa Dopamine agonists (ropinirole, pramipexole)
When is essential tremor present? What’s the tx?
At rest and with intention Propranolol
Most common sx in MS
Optic neuritis
Other common sxs in MS:
Atonic bladder Fatigue Hyperreflexia Spasticity Depression
Best initial test for MS? Most accurate?
MRI for both
When to get a CT scan for MS?
Never
What to do for MS if MRI is nondiagnostic?
LP showing oligoclonal bands
Best initial therapy for MS?
Steroids for acute exacerbations
Name some disease-modifying therapies in MS:
B-interferon Glatiramer Natalizumab
What is a serious side-effect of Natalizumab?
PML
What to order in all patients with memory loss?
Head CT B12 T4/TSH RPR or VDRL
Tx of alzheimers?
Anticholinesterases (Donepazil, Rivastigmine, galantamine)
Tx of frontotemporal dementia?
Same as alzheimers (less efficacy though)
What causes CJD?
Prions
How does CJD present?
Rapidly progressive dementia Myoclonus Pt is younger than in alzheimers
Best initial test for CJD?
LP which shows 14-3-3 protein (if present it spares the need for a brain biopsy)
Most accurate diagnostic test for CJD?
Brain biopsy
Describe Lewy Body dementia:
Parkinson’s w/ dementia Vivid, detailed hallucinations caused by alpha synuclein defect
Triad of NPH: - a/w Alzheimers
Urinary incontinence Dementia Wide-based gait/ataxia
How to diagnose NPH?
Head CT LP showing normal pressure MOA: no increase in SA space volume, expansion of ventricles compresses fibers of corona radiate and causes the triad of symptoms
Tx of NPH?
Shunt
Sxs of Huntington’s?
Look for family hx since it’s inherited Dementia Psychiatric disturbance w/personality change Chorea/movement disorder
How to diagnose Huntington’s?
Genetic testing Autosomal dominant
Tx of Huntington’s?
Tetrabenazine for movement disorder Antipsychotics for symptom control
When should you get a CT or MRI for headaches?
Sudden and/or severe Onset after age 40 Focal neurological findings
When do you give migraine prophylaxis? What do you give for it?
Propranolol if >4 headaches per month CCB, TCA, SSRI also work All these will take several weeks to take effect
How do triptans work to abort migraines?
Constrict vessels -This is why they’re dangerous in HTN, pregnancy, and CAD (causing cardiac ischemia)
How do cluster HAs present?
Unilateral Redness and tearing of eye Rhinorrea Men > women by 10 to 1 *No aura*
Tx of Cluster headaches:
Abortive: 100% O2 or triptans Prophylaxis: CCB (Verapamil)