Neuro Flashcards
What are the signs/symptoms of a tension headache?
Non-pulsating, band-like pain
Tends to worsen over the course of the day
What is the treatment for a tension headache?
NSAIDs
Lifestyle changes
Triptans for refractory/severe symptoms
What are the signs/symptoms of a migraine?
Gradual onset
Periodic, throbbing/pulsatile pain (mod-severe) (typically lateralized)
N/V
Photo/phonophobia
Fatigue
Irritability
What is the treatment for a migraine?
If new, full workup of new acute HA
NSAIDs
Sleep
Vasoconstrictors
Triptans
Avoid triggers
When/how would you give prophylaxis for migraines?
More than 4 HA/month (beta blockers, SSRIs, gabapentin)
Which type of HA is more common in men than women?
Cluster HA
What are the signs/symptoms of a cluster HA?
Sudden, unilateral, transient, very severe/incapacitating pain
Non-throbbing
Not worse w/activity
Pt appears restless
Ipsilateral nasal congestion
Lacrimation/tearing
What is the treatment for a cluster HA?
100% O2
Triptans
Ca+ channel blocker (verapamil)
Prophylaxis (if meets criteria)
What is your suspected diagnosis if a pt presents with complaints of a unilateral HA w/tenderness to palpating temporal artery, and their labs reveal an elevated ESR/CRP?
Temporal arteritis
What is the treatment for temporal arteritis?
Temporal artery biopsy
High dose oral prednisone
Monitor ESR/CRP
What is your suspected diagnosis if a pt presents with pain and paresthesias in thumb, index, middle, and ring finger that gets worse as night and also describes feeling as if their extremity is “weak”?
Carpal tunnel syndrome
What is a test that can be ordered to confirm suspected carpal tunnel syndrome?
Nerve conduction test
What are the treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Splint
Injections
Surgery
What are the signs/symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy?
Stocking glove distributed numbness
Mild (progressive) weakness of lower legs
Decreased DTRs
Gait abnormalities
Distal hair loss
Muscle wasting
What is the definition of syncope?
Abrupt onset LOC lasting a few seconds to a few mins. w/a full recovery
May be mildly disoriented (no post-ictal state)
What is ataxia?
Loss of muscle control in the arms and legs
May lead to a lack of balance, coordination, and trouble walking
May affect the fingers, hands, arms, legs, body, speech, and even eye movements
What are the signs/symptoms of MS?
Sensory disturbances: weakness, visual disturbances, balance issues, tightness in trunk & chest, diplopia
Relapse Presentation: new or worsening symptoms that develop acutely and last 24 hours w/o fever or infection, visual changes (optic neuritis), unilateral numbness, Lhermitte’s Sign (electrical sensation)
What is the treatment for MS?
Refer to neuro
Manage symptoms
Prevent relapse & disability
Exercise
Injections (copaxone - can use in pregnant pts)
Oral meds for mild cases
Infusions (Ocrevus)
Steroids for relapse IV or PO (IV Solumedrol PO Prednisone)
Plasma exchange if refractory
What is your suspected diagnosis if a pt presents with sudden unilateral paralysis of their face and dryness in the ipsilateral eye?
Bell’s Palsy
What is the treatment for Bell’s Palsy?
Corticosteroids (Prednisone)
Lubricating eye drops
Neuro consult