Neuro Flashcards
Cluster headache (w/ definition)
intensely painful, unilateral, periorbital (around orbit of eye) headaches with associated autonomic dysfunction.
for acute treatment: Triptans (sumatriptan)
for prevention: CCB (verapamil)
Tension headache (w/ definition)
Bilateral with a pressing/tight sensation of mild-moderate intensity. W/ associated photo/phonophobia nausea or vomiting
for acute: Paracetamol or NSAID
Migraine (w/ definition)
Severe, unilateral, pulsating headache lasting up to 72 hours (bilateral, shorter with GI symptoms in kids)
for acute: Sumatriptan (triptan) oral
for chronic: Propanolol first line (beta blocker)
Guillaine Barre
IV immunoglobulins and plasma exchange
MND
Riluzole - benzothiazole which protects neurones from glutamate damage
Baclofen - Antispasmoidic
MS
glucocorticoid - prednisolone
- Relapsing remitting - Interferon beta
- Secondary - cladribine
Myasthenia gravis
Pyridostigmine - Achesterase inhibitor
Prednisolone
During myasthenic crisis - intubation and plasma exchange
Huntington’s
Uncureable. Patient counselling (genetic too) MDT support
Dopamine depleting agent (tetrabenazine)
Parkinsons
Levodopa + decarboxylase inhibitor e.g. co-careldopa
Dopamine agonist - ropinerole
Epilepsy
Focal - Carbazepine (sodium channel blocker - side effects of agranulocytosis and anaemia)
Generalised - Tonic, clonic, myoclonic - Sodium valproate - increases GABA activity (inhibitory neurotransmitter) Side effects: Teratogenic, liver damage, hair loss, tremor
- Lamotrigine second line (inhibits sodium and release of glutamine)
Absence - ethosuximide
Meningitis
IV benzylpenicillin while waiting for culture
Dexamethasone and cefotaxime
Viral can be treated with antiviral - aciclovir
Ciprofloxacin for close contacts
TIA
Acute - aspirin and carotid endarterectomy
Further - daily clopidogrel
High dose statin - atorvastatin
Ischaemic stroke
Antiplatelet - aspirin (wait 14 days if AF)
Thrombolysis - alteplase (if <4.5 hours)
Prophylaxis:
Clopidogrel daily
Atorvastatin
Cauda equina
Emergency decompressive laminectomy
Alzheimers
Non pharm: exercise, aromatherapy, therapeutic music/dancing, cognitive stimulation program
Pharmacological: Mild-moderate: Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (donepezil)
Moderate-severe: N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor antagonist (Memantine)
Subarachnoid haemorrhage
Endovascular coiling of aneurysm
Surgical clipping second line
IV mannitol to reduce intracranial pressure
Nimodipine CCB to prevent vasospasm
