NEURO Flashcards
A pt with a tremor that occurs when their hand is outstretched or they go to reach for something, but not at rest, is known as what?
Essential tremor
What might a pt report with an essential tremor?
It is improved with alcohol
How do you treat an essential tremor?
Propranolol
What movement disorder is inherited, occurring at a younger age, with choeiform movements?
Huntington’s disease
A decrease in dopamine is associated with what movement disorder?
Parkinson’s
What are some of the sxs of Parkinson’s?
pill rolling (at rest or with intention), bradykinesia (slow movement), cogwheeling, masked facial expression, micrographia, stooped posture, shuffling gait
How do we treat Parkinson’s?
Anticholinergics, amantadine for older adults
Levodopa for advanced patients
*Start treatments when function is impaired
What is the most common form of dementia?
Alzheimer’s
What form of dementia has a slow/gradual onset, over 8-10 years?
Alzheimer’s
If a patient is having difficulties with memory, they can’t seem to learn new info but their motor and sensory function is spared – what disorder?
Alzheimer’s
What form of dementia has gradual onset, but also involves hallucinations, visuospatial fluctuations along with Parkinsonism?
Lewy Body dementia
Lewy body dementia is associated with what portion of the brain?
basal ganglia
If a patient is having difficulties with language and executive functioning – what disorder?
Frontotemporal dementia
If on MRI a pt has cortical & subcortical changes with sudden almost stepwise changes in function – what disorder?
Vascular dementia
What should be done on PE in a pt with dementia?
neuro exam, mental status, functional status (SLUMS, mini-cog, MMSE)
What’s the first question of a MMSE?
Orientation – what’s the year, season, month, date, day
What occurs in a mini-cog exam?
Remember/repeat 3 words Draw a clock with hands at a specific time Recall the 3 words
What type of labs should we order in a pt we suspect dementia?
CBC, Na, BUN/Cr, Fasting Glucose, RPR, TSH, B12
Possible UA, folic acid, and liver function
In a pt we suspect dementia, when would we consider imaging?
onset <65; focal sxs; concern from hydrocephalus; recent fall or head trauma
What are some non-pharm options for tx dementia?
cognitive rehab, therapy, physical & mental activity; attention to safety
What is being broken down too quickly with dementia?
Acetylcholine
What medications slow the breakdown of acetylcholine and are prescribed for dementia? Give some examples
Cholinesterase inhibitors
Ex: Donepezil or memantine
What should you always keep on your DDx in a patient you’re concerned has dementia, and thus we may treat them for this as well?
Depression
What disorder involves idiopathic demyelinating affecting the white matter of the CNS?
MS
Who is affected by MS, and how do we diagnose it?
Women and peaks in 20-30’s
Diagnosed by 2 or more clinically distinct episodes of CNS dysfunction separated by space and time
Motor dysfunction, diplopia, gait disturbance, bowel/bladder dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction
(Lhermitte sign = electric shock that runs down the spine and limbs with neck flexion)
How do we confirm diagnosis of MS?
clinical + MRI with gad to show cerebral or spinal plaques
LP shows oligoclonal bands
How do we treat MS?
Glucocorticoids (acute)
Interferon beta, glatiramer, natalizumab (chronic)
If there is a LOC with a seizure, what is it?
Generalized seizure (convulsive or not – absence)