Neuro Flashcards
In myasthenia gravis, what happens when you put ice on the patient’s eyelids?
Symptoms transiently resolve
What is consistent with ophthalmoplegia, areflexia and descending paralysis? Also diplopia, dysphagia, and dry mouth
Botulism. Can be from wound infection, contaminated food, self-injection
Recall a table of diagnostic tests and treatments for common causes of NM weakness
How many patients with TBI also have a concurrent C-spine injury?
50%
Which patients with TBI should get AEDs prophylactically?
GCS <10 or abnormal CT (mod-severe TBI)
Phenytoin or keppra are equally effective, give for 7 days
Recall TBI grading
Mild- I- no visible injury (mortality 10%)
Moderate - II - cisterns open, <5mm MLS, mall high density lesions (mortality 14%)
Severe - III - cisterns compressed (mortality 34%)
Severe - IV- midline shift >5mm (mortality 56%)
What are the indications for surgical interventions in SDH?
Craniotomy, not burr holes
>10mm or MLS >5mm. Mortality increases if after 4h. Give 24hr abx prophylaxis
Follow up CT in 36h. Rebleeds in 7%
Which fluids in TBI are recommended?
Isotonic, non-glucose containing.
Not albumin (SAFE study)
Not too much blood (Hgb 7 no different than 10 in outcomes)
Not hypertonic
What is the cerebral perfusion calculation and what is the goal?
CPP= MAP-ICP, goal 50-70
Max normal ICP 15
What is the mechanism behind hyperventilation and reducing ICP?
Causes transient (min-hr) vasoconstriction to reduce blood flow therefore intracranial volume. Meant to be a bridge to definitive therapy
Don’t go under pCO2 30
What are side effects of mannitol?
Dose 0.25-1gm/kg bolus q2-4hr
Onset 10-15m, max effect 20-60min
Target osmolarity 320
AKI if using more than 200g/day, volume depletion, hyperchloremic alkalosis
What are hypertonic saline side effects?
Dose 2mL/kg bolus
Target osmolarity 320 and Na <155
Pulmonary edema, hyperchloremic acidosis, vein sclerosis
What other agents can reduce ICP other than mannitol and 3% NS?
Steroids for tumorgenic edema
Barbituates (but no clinical benefit)
Hypothermia (no clinical benefit)
What is the preferred timing for craniotomy for elevated ICP
Early- lowers ICP dramatically, but had more unfavorable outcomes
Late- similar good recovery and better mortality
What thresholds show a positive apnea test?
Start with initial pCO2 35-45, abort for hypoxemia, observe for 10min, pCO2 >60 or 20+ above baseline
When is ancillary testing for brain death indicated?
Uncertain clinical exam, severe face/head injury, inability to do apnea test (high cord injury/pulmonary disease)
What options are there for ancillary testing for brain death?
Cerebral angiography
NM scan
TCD
CTA
MRA
EEG (flat for 30min)
Which causes of seizure are better prognosis versus worse?
Better- AED noncompliance, ETOH, CVA
Worse- hypoxemia, CNS infection, tumor, head trauma
Poor patient prognostic factors: elderly, prolonged seizures, focal onset, medical comorbidities