Neuro Flashcards
What is the triad of symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy?
Confusion, ataxia and nystagmus
What causes Wernicke’s encephalopathy?
thiamine deficiency (mostly secondary to chronic alcohol consumption)
What is the management of Wernicke’s encephalopathy?
IV pabrinex (B and C vitamins)
What is Korsakoff’s syndrome?
Wernicke’s encephalopathy - if untreated - causes amnesia (antero and retrograde) and confabulation
What medications are used for migraine prophylaxis?
Propranolol or topiramate (in asthmatics but not in women of child-bearing age)
What is the first line treatment for an acute migraine episode?
oral triptan and NSAID/paracetamol
What is the most common presentation of a posterior communicating artery aneurysm?
painful third nerve palsy
What is the management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension?
Acetazolamide (carbonic anhydrase inhibitor)
What are the indications for doing a CT scan within 1 hour of a head injury?
- GCS < 13 initially or <1 after 2 hrs
- skull fracture
- seizure
- focal neurological signs
- more than one episode of vomiting
When would you do a CT scan within 8 hours after a head injury?
- age > 65
- history of bleeding/clotting disorders
- > 30 mins of retrograde amnesia
What imaging do you use to diagnose MS?
MRI brain and orbits with contrast
What are the features of optic neuritis?
- unilateral decrease in visual acuity and colour discrimination
- pain worse on movement
What is the management of optic neuritis?
high dose steroids
What investigations should you do for a TIA?
Carotid artery doppler, CT/MR angiography
What is tardive dyskinesia?
involuntary repetitive movements affecting any part of the body, but mainly face and tongue - s/e of long term anti-psychotic use