Nervous system Flashcards
What are the risk factors for developing idiopathic intracranial hypertension? (4)
- Obesity
- Female sex
- Pregnancy
- Drugs - COCP, steroids, tetracycline, vitamin A, lithium
What is the first line treatment for idiopathic intracranial hypertension?
Acetazolamide - it is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor used to reduce the production cerebrospinal fluid in order to reduce intracranial pressure
What are the presenting features of idiopathic intracranial hypertension? (5)
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Papilloedema
- Enlarged blind spot
- Sixth nerve palsy may be present
In addition to acetazolamide, what is the management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension?
- Weight loss
- Diuretics - acetazolamide
- Topiramate is also used - can help to cause weight loss
- Repeated LP
- Surgery - optic nerve sheath decompression and fenestration
What is the other name for a vestibular schwannoma?
Acoustic neuroma
What is a classic history or presenting features of acoustic neuroma?
- Vertigo
- Unilateral sensorineural deafness
- Tinnitus
- Facial palsy
What is springomyelia?
It is a generic term referring to a disorder in which a cyst or cavity forms within the spinal cord. This cyst, called a syrinx, can expand and elongate over time, destroying the spinal cord. The damage may result in loss of feeling, paralysis, weakness, and stiffness in the back, shoulders, and extremities.
Which condition is springomyelia associated with?
Arnold-Chiari malfomartion
What is Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome?
It is a disorder of neuromuscular transmission caused by impaired presynaptic release of acetylcholine - it is an autoimmune attack and is associated with tumour cells most commonly small cell lung cancer
What are the risk factors for Lambert-Eaton?
- Cancer - small cell lung cancer
2. Smoking
Which anti-epileptic is first line for generalised tonic-clonic seizures?
Sodium valproate
Which anti-epileptic is first line for focal seizures?
Carbamazepine
What drug is second line for generalised tonic-clonic seizures?
Lamotrigine
A seizure which involves lip smacking + post-ictal dysphagia with no awareness of it happening, is described as what type of seizure and localising to which lobe?
Focal awareness impaired, temporal lobe
