Neuro Flashcards
Seizures are twice as common in preterm neonates as term T/F
False - they are 4 times more common in preterm
Infection is the second most common cause of seizure in neoates T/F
False
1st HIE
2nd Cerebral infarction
AEDs used in the neonatal period achieve good seizure control in 80% of patients T/F
False
Relatively low rates of control (about 40-60%)
Prognosis of neonatal seizure is very poor T/F
False
Favourable outcomes in about 70% (although decreased to 50% for seizures secondary to HIE)
Studies suggest that AEDs used to control seizures in the neonatal period may themselves lead to neuronal death with lasting effects on development T/F
True
However a balance needs to be struck between treatment side effects and the risks of ongoing seizures
What is Devic’s disease AKA?
Neuromyelitis optica
What is the treatment of neuromyelitis optica?
Plasmapheresis (as opposed to high dose steroids for MS)
What two features are suspicious for NMO (neuromyelitis optica).
Lab test?
Optic neuritis and transverse myelitis
Lab: aquaporin antibodies
What lab tests can help with the diagnosis of sydenham’s chorea?
Anti-streptolysin O titres and anti-DNAse B antibodies
Nerve conduction studies are the best way to diagnosis SMA (spinal muscular atrophy) type 1 T/F
F - neonatal nerve conduction studies are difficult to interpret and may be delayed until 6 months old
Diagnosis: genetic testing for del on chr 5q (SMN1) - 95% of cases; muscle biopsy may be needed for genetic testing is not definitive
SMA type one is typically caused by a del on chr 10q T/F
F - del on chr 5q (SMN1 gene)
Centrotemporal spikes on an EEG are diagnostic of what seizure disorder?
Benign rolandic epilepsy (BECTS - benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes)
3/s spikes on EEG what sz disorders?
Absence
AKA spike and wave pattern
Note: can be induced by hyperventilation
Vertical nystagmus where is the lesion?
Brainstem at pontomedullary junction (eg Arnold Chiari malformation)
In vestibular nystagmus the slow phase is directed to the side of the lesion T/F
True
In cerebellar nystagmus the fast component is directed toward the side of the lesion T/F
True
Triad of spasmus nutans
Head nodding
Torticollis
Pendular nystagmus
Note: presents in the first 2 yrs of life and can resolve spon
The first sz in a child with significant HA needs urgent eval preferably with a CT brain T/F
F - needs an MRI, CT may miss some small lesions
What type of epilepsy presents with seizure with prominent autonomic features (pallor, emesis or retching)
Panayiotopoulous syndrome (AKA early-onset benign partial epilepsy with occipital paroxysms) Note: Typically in those 1-14yrs, 10% or more off all epilepsy in childhood
Common side effects of sodium valproate
Metabolic: weight gain, increased appetite, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, hair loss. Link with PCOS
Haem: easy bruising due to thrombocytopenia and other coag abnormalities
Also tremor
Common side effects of carbamazepine
Diplopia
Ataxia
Also link with SJS
Note: lamotrigine also commonly causes diplopia and ataxia
What AED causes: Nystagamus Gum hypertrophy Hirsutism Anaemia Liver problems Rash (SJS assoc) Decreased folic acid Decreased bone density
Phenytoin
Weight loss is a side effect of what AED
Topiramate
Note: other side effects - slow thinking, paraesthesia, metabolic acidosis, calcium phos nephrolithiasis (need to keep hydrated)
Also inhibits renal carbonic anhydrase and so can cause proximal and distal acidification defects
Panayiotopoulous syndrome has a poor prognosis T/F
F - prognosis is excellent and most children usually go into spon remission after a few sz and treatment if often unneccessary
Panayiotopoulous syndrome is characterised by very low frequency of episodes, sleep onset, prolonged duration and preserved neurodevelopment. T/F
T
Note: AKA early onset benign partial epilepsy with occipital paroxysms
How does Landau-Kleffner present?
Regression in language skills, subacute onset of acquired aphasia in a child with previously normal development and cognition
Seizures usually accompany progression of syndrome
Note: characterised by EEG abnormalities which are seen in sleep
Differentiate from Lennox Gastaut - regression usually starts after the seizures
1st and 2nd line tx of absence seizures?
1st: ethosuximide or valproate
2nd: lamotrigine
Which is the most likely AED to cause problems in the foetus?
Sodium valproate
Note: increased risk of 6 specific malformations- spina bifida, ADS, cleft lip, hypospadias, polydactyly and craniosynostosis
Which AED - facial dysmorphism, DD, cleft lip and palate, microcephaly, hypo plastic nails and skeletal malformations?
Phenytoin
Note: fetal hydantoin syndrome
Auditory brain stem evoked response is the most appropriate way to check the hearing of a 5 yr old T/F
F - it can be done at any age but it is a long test.
Note: Pure tone audiometry or play audiometry would be more appropriate for this age (uses headphone and plays different tones so some cooperation is required).
Otoacoustic emissions is a useful screening test but cannot distinguish between conductive and sensory deficits.
Typical presentation and age for infantile spams?
Flexion-extension spasm
3 months - 1 yr
EEG hypsarrhythmia
M > F
What is Werdnig Hoffman disease
Spinomuscular atrophy type 1
What is the gold std to differentiate epileptic sz from non-epileptic attack disorder
Video telemetry
Features of central cord syndrome?
Weakness which is more pronounced in the upper limbs than the lower
Sensory loss may also be present
Features of Brown Sequard syndrome
Ipsilateral corticospinal (power) and dorsal column (proprioception) loss Contralateral spinothalamic (pain and temperature) loss
Bitemporal hemianopia where is the lesion?
Optic chiasm
Homonymous hemianopia where is the lesion?
Optic tract
Homonymous hemianopia with macular sparing/sparing of central vision, where is the lesion?
Occipital cortex
Tongue biting can be present on pseudoseizures T/F
T - tongue biting is not a good way to differenciate pseudo from true sz
Features of cataplexy?
Loss of muscle tone without loss of consciousness
Usually occur in assoc with narcolepsy
Night terrors are common in adolescents T/F
F - the typically present around 5 yrs old and rarely persist into adolescence
What is the recurrence rate for ADEM?
About 2-4%
What percentage of patients have long term sequelae post ADEM?
Less than 1/3
Rett syndrome is assoc with what pulmonary abnormality?
Abnormal breathing pattern - during wakefullness patients have periods of hyperventilation followed by hypoventilation/apnea
Note: it is also associated with microcephaly and increased risk of sudden cardiac death
DDx of complete vision loss with preservation of light reflexes and an otherwise normal neuro exam?
Cortical blindness vs conversion disorder
Tramline calcifications on skull xray, what pathology?
Sturge Weber
What is the first line treatment of spasticity assoc with CP?
Referral for physical therapy
If child has discomfort, pain, muscle spasms and of worsening of function can start baclofen but usually start with PT first
Children with albinism can have congenital nystagamus
T
Signs of increased ICP and cerebellar signs, likely aetiology?
Posterior fossa mass
If insidious/long history low grade astrocytoma
If more acute medulloblastoma
Typical exam findings in neurogenic shock
Hypotension with bradycardia or an inappropriately normal HR and warm peripheries
They have lost sympathetic response
What age would you use play audiometry vs pure tone audiometry for hearing tests in children?
Play audiometry : 2-5 yrs
Pure tone: school age children and older
Age for distraction testing for hearing in children?
8 months to 1 yr old
Note: child must be able to sit unsupported
What is the initial presentation of ataxia telangiectasia?
Child is late at starting to walk
Note: 30% of these patients will have epilepsy
What is the cause of macrocephaly in achondroplasia?
Hydrocephalus is commonly due to stenosis of the foramen magnum
What is the 1st line treatment for benign partial epilepsy of childhood/rolandic seizures?
Do not need to treat unless episodes are frequent
If frequent use carbamazepine
Treatment of infantile spasms?
1st Steroids or ACTH - it is not clear which is better
If tuberous sclerosis vigabatrin is 1st line
1st line treatment for generalised seizures?
Valproate
ADEM risk factors?
1-20 days post viral infection Post vaccination (MMR)
How often should medications to abort a headache be used?
No more than 3 times a week
What is the management of medication overuse headache?
Complete and abrupt withdrawal of the medications
Which is better to use for treatment of acute migraine headache ibuprofen or paracetamol?
Ibuprofen is better than paracetamol
Note: triptans are also good