Neuro Flashcards
Which lobe of the brain is responsible for voluntary motor function?
Frontal lobes
Which lobe of the brain is responsible for language and calculation?
Parietal lobes
Where is the primary sensory cortex?
Post-central gyrus, parietal lobe
Where is the primary motor cortex?
Pre-central gyrus, frontal lobes
Where is the primary visual cortex?
Occipital lobes
What are the basal ganglia responsible for?
Motor refinement
Modulation of cognitive and emotional responses
What three sections make up the brainstem?
Midbrain
Pons
Medulla
What is the bloody supply to the circle of willis?
2x vertebral arteries
2x internal carotid arteries
A clot in which artery would cause locked-in syndrome?
Basilar artery
At which level does the spinal cord terminate and become the caudal equina?
L1-2
What functions are carried within the dorsal columns?
Fine sensation, vibration and proprioception
What functions are carried within the spinothalamic tracts?
Pain, temperature and crude touch
Where do the dorsal column and spinothalamic tracts decussate?
Dorsal column tracts- decussate in medulla oblongata
Spinothalamic tracts decussate lower in the spinal cord
What is the neurological pattern of GBS?
Peripheral neuropathy- polyradiculopathy with no involvement of brain or spinal cord
Generally starts in the feet, spreading proximally to the legs, hands etc
Sensory symptoms often precede motor
Initially pain and paraesthesia -> progressive muscle weakness
Flaccid weakness and numbness
What are the clinical features of GBS?
Usually presenting following recent infection
- most commonly campylobacter gastroenteritis but can be a range of infections
Initially pain and paraesthesia affecting the feet -> spreading proximally
Followed by progressive weakness in similar pattern
Eventually central weakness -> dysarthria, extra ocular weakness, respiratory distress
LMN signs: areflexia, flaccid paralysis, ataxia
What are the triad of features which make up Miller Fisher Syndrome?
Ophthalmoplegia
Areflexia
Ataxia
How is GBS diagnosed?
Neuroimagine: NAD
Nerve conduction: slowed LMN conduction velocity
LP: elevated protein with normal cytology
Blood cultures and PCR for search for causative agent
How is GBS managed?
Regular spirometry & ABG to monitor respiratory function and need for intubation
VTE prophylaxis
IVIG for 5 days or plasma exchange if IVIG not available
NO BENEFIT of steroids
Physio, OT, neuro rehab
What are differential diagnoses for GBS?
Diabetic neuropathy- much more chronic course, prev DM, usually only sensation initially
MG- chronic, weakness varies throughout day, no pain, sensation and reflexes in-tact
Botulism- similar except DESCENDING paralysis rather than ascending, normal CSF, reflexes in-tact
Cauda equina- only affects lower body, sphincter involvement
Transverse myelitis- UMN syndrome
What is the cause of Myasthenia Gravis?
Auto-antibodies against acetylcholine receptors
What is the symptom pattern of MG?
Usually oculobulbar symptoms initially - worst in the evening
- Progressive ptosis and diplopia (horizontal mostly)
- Dysarthria, dysphagia aspiration
Progressive muscle weakness, mostly in proximal muscle groups e.g. raising arms, climbing stairs
Symptoms improve with rest
Reflexes and sensation remain in-tact
How is MG diagnosed?
Presence of AChR-autoantibodies
Nerve conduction studies: progressively decremental response on repetitive stimulation
PFTs to rule out MG crisis
How is MG managed?
1st line= pyridostigmine (AChE antagonist)
Corticosteroids
Thymectomy
Plasma exchange in crisis
What are differentials for MG?
LEMS: same but IMPROVES with repeated use rather than worsens
Botulism
Primary myopathy
What is a myasthenic crisis?
Worsened MG symptoms affecting respiratory muscles
Requiring respiratory support
Oropharyngeal involvement can also cause airway obstruction + aspiration
Most commonly triggered by supervening infection
Rx= IVIG or plasma exchange as soon as possible
What are the causes of botulism?
Clostridium botulinum toxin
- > GI via food ingestion
- > Respiratory via inhalation
- > Iatrogenic
- > Skin breaks
What are the symptoms of botulism?
Most common= GI so preceded by D&V
Descending flaccid paralysis with areflexia
- > Starts in cranial nerves and descends
- > Ptosis, diplopia, facial droop, ophthalmoplegia, mydriasis, poor reactivity/accomodation, hypoglossal weakness, dysarthria, dysphagia
Sensation remains in-tact, afebrile
Can cause respiratory failure
How is botulism diagnosed?
Mouse bioassay
Nerve conduction studies: small action potentials in response to supramaximal stimulation
Assessment of airway and respiratory function -> intubation
How is botulism managed?
Botulism anti-toxin administration ASAP
Respiratory support
Wound debridement and supportive care
Where do the corticospinal tracts decussate?
Lateral tract decussates in the medulla, anterior tract lower in the cord
What is acute cervical cord syndrome?
Hyperextension injury of the C-spine- mostly traumatic but can be caused by osteoporosis and collapse
Causes motor deficit in all 4 limbs but most pronounced in the arms
Sensory deficit in a cape-like distribution below level of injury- may have some arm sparing depending on level
Neck pain at site of impingement
Hyperreflexia and increased tone (UMN lesion)
May suffer urinary retention
How should anterior cervical cord syndrome be managed?
Cervical immobilisation and C-spine MRI
Steroids to reduce inflammation
Physio and OT
What are the causes of caudal equina syndrome?
Disc herniation= most common MSCC / bony tumour Epidural abscess Fracture Spinal dural haematoma
What are the symptoms of caudal equina syndrome?
> 97% suffer back pain and bilateral sciatica
Saddle anaesthesia, loss of anal tone +/- incontinence Urinary retention, erectile dysfunction Areflexia and lack of tone in the legs Bilateral leg weakness Ataxia
How is cauda equina diagnosed?
Emergency MRI spine
CT myelogram if MRI not available
Bladder scan
How should cauda equina be managed?
A-E assessment
Catheter
Adequate analgesia
Neurosurgical input
Surgery should be performed <24 hours to reduce the risk of tetraplegia
What is Bell’s palsy?
Acute unilateral palsy of the facial nerve (CN7)
LMN lesion
Commonly thought to be viral cause e.g. HSV1
How does Bell’s palsy present?
Subacute onset (72 hours) of facial nerve palsy affecting all branches of the nerve
Forehead involvement
Unilateral
Loss of blink-> dry eye and ulcerative keratitis if not managed
How is Bell’s palsy investigated?
Usually clinical diagnosis
NCS will show >90% decrease in amplitude compared to other side
How is Bell’s palsy managed?
High dose corticosteroids - oral prod tapering course starting at 60mg
Eye protection: tape shut, artificial tears, glasses
Most people with Bell’s palsy make a full recovery within 3–4 months
What is Ramsay-Hunt syndrome?
Reactivation of VZV in the geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve
Causes facial nerve palsy affecting all 3 branches- no forehead sparing
LMN lesion
Associated with vesicular rash in/on the ear, otalgia and may get tinnitus/vertigo/SN deafness
How is Ramsay Hunt syndrome managed?
Oral aciclovir <72 hours
Oral steroids
Carbamazepine for any neuropathic pain
Eye protection- sunglasses, taping shut, artificial tears/lubricants
What are the symptoms of common peroneal nerve palsy?
Footdrop -> high-stepping gait
Inability to dorsiflex or evert the foot
Sensory disturbance on dorsum of foot and lateral leg
Unable to walk on heels
Ankle reflexes spared
Tinel’s sign positive
How is common peroneal nerve palsy managed?
Footdrop splint
Physiotherapy
Surgical repair in some
What are the clinical features of tarsal tunnel syndrome?
Pain BEHIND medial malleolus + planter aspect of medial heel
Pain with dorsiflexion and eversion
Initially worse with walking -> constant
What nerve is affected in tarsal tunnel syndrome?
Posterior tibial nerve
What are the symptoms of obturator nerve palsy?
Numbness/paraesthesia of the medial thigh
Weakened thigh ADduction
Wide-based, circumducting gait
Wasting of medial thigh muscles
What are symptoms of pudendal nerve palsy?
Pain/paraesthesia/numbness of the perineum, genitalia
Urinary urgency and frequency
Erectile dysfunction
S2-4 control the pelvic floor
What are the symptoms of suprascapular nerve palsy?
Wasting of the supra/infraspinatous muscles
Inability to abduct/externally rotate the arm
Impingement pain
Compression WHERE tends to cause radial nerve palsy?
Compression against the humerus, where there is the radial groove
What are the symptoms of radial nerve palsy?
Wrist-drop
Weakened triceps
Loss of extension of fingers and thumb
Sensory loss to dorsum of lateral 3.5 digits
What is the most common cause of ulnar nerve palsy?
Prolonged pressure on the elbow
What are the symptoms of ulnar nerve palsy?
Inability to extend medial 1.5 fingers (little and ring)
Inability to abduct/adduct fingers
Impaired thumb ADDuction
Decreased grip strength
Sensory loss to medial half of the hand
Muscle atrophy
What does Froment’s sign indicated?
Ulnar nerve palsy
Inability to hold piece of paper with thumb- impaired thumb adduction