neuro Flashcards
what is superiorly at the brainstem
thalamus n internal capsule
what is inferiorly at the brainstem
spinal cord
what are descending motor tracts
pyramidal tracts
what are ascending sensory tracts
lemnisci
what are some tumours affecting brainstem?
meningioma
schwannoma
astrocytoma
metastasis
what is an inflammatory disorder affecting brainstem
MS
what is criteria for brainstem death?
pupils corneal reflex cough reflex gag reflex respirations response to pain
what does peripheral neuropathy refer to?
any disorder of the PNS
what is diff btwn acute and chronic neuropathies?
acute - evolve rapidly, severe enough to make pt seek A&E help
chronic - outpatient setting, can be further classified based on pathology and neurophysiological findings
which are the large myelinated fibres?
a alpha (proprioception)
a beta (light touch, pressure and vibration)
which re the small fibres?
a alpha (myelinated) c (unmyelinated)
both transmit signals regarding pain
also a alpha - cold sensation
c - warm sensation
what is mononeuropathy
problem w/ 1 nerve
what is polyneuropathy
problem w/ many nerves
name some common mononeuropathies
carpal tunnel syndrome (median nerve)
ulnar neuropathy (entrapment at cubital tunnel)
peroneal neuropathy (entrapment at fibular head)
what is ataxia?
poor balance
sensory (loss of proprioception) or cerebellar
when sensory, ataxia gets worse w/ eyes closed or when dark
how do peripheral neuropathies present differently?
symmetrical (sensorimotor)
asymmetrical (sensory)
asymmetrical (sensorimotor)
how do symmetrical peripheral neuropathies present?
initially sensory, but eventually sensorimotor
commonest type
how does asymmetrical peripheral neuropathies present?
patchy distribution of symptoms
dorsal root ganglia affected
uncommon - paraneoplastic, sjogre, gluten sensitivity
how do asymmetrical sensorimotor peripheral neuropathies present?
mononeuritis multiplex
very uncommon
painful
how do u clinically examine peripheral neuropathies?
reduced/absent tendon reflexes
sensory deficit
weakness - muscle trophies
what is axonal peripheral neuropathy associated with?
systemic disease
what does chronic mean?
develops over at least 6m
what does idiopathic mean?
no aetiology can be identified despite extensive investigations
how do u treat chronic neuropathies?
symptomatic treatment
aim to stop disease progression
what are the 3 main branches of the aortic arch?
brachiocephalic (R CC & R sub)
L common carotid
L subclavian
where does the R CCA arise from?
brachiocephalic artery
where does the L CCA arise from??
aortic arch
does the CCA have any branches? where do they bifurcate?
no - C3-4
what do the CCA split into?
internal and external carotid arteries (At upper border of thyroid cartilage)
where is a typical area to see carotid artery dissection?
carotid canal - vulnerability of anatomical dissection bc of
what are the 4 “parts” of the internal carotid artery?
cervical
petrous
cavernous
supraclinoid (intradural)
what do the sup hypophyseal arteries supply?
pit gland/stalk
hypothalamus
optic chiasm
what does the anterior choroidal artery supply?
choroid plexus optic tract cerebral peduncle internal capsule medial temporal lobe
look at territories supplied by MCA/ACA/PCA
!
middle - outer bits on both sides
anterior - where 2 hemispheres connect
posterior - back of head, post lobe
what are the 2 types of head injury?
non-missile - BLUNT (most common)
missile - PENETRATING (penetration of skull/brain)
how can lesions be distributed?
focal
diffuse brain lesions
what is primary vs secondary time course of trauma?
primary - immediate biophysical forces of trauma
secondary - presenting some time after traumatic event
what is some focal damage in diff areas after non-missile (blunt) trauma
(scalp, skull, meninges, brain)
scalp - lacerations
skull - fracture
meninges - haemorrhage, infections
brain - confusions, infection etc
what is some diffuse brain lesion damage ???? after non missile/blunt trauma
diffuse axonal/vascular injury
hypoxia-ischaemia
swelling
what does skull fracture imply? (4)
considerable force
incr risk of haematoma/infection/aerocele
angled/pointed objects - localised fractures, open/depressed
flat surfaces - linear fractures, can extend to skull base
what is sig abt fracture lines?
1 fracture line will not cross any other fracture lines … can deduce order from this
what are extradural haematomas like ? (3)
cause? time frame? how can they cause death?
skull fracture
occurs slowly over hrs
can cause death by: brain displacement, herniation, raised ICP
what are extradural haematomas?
what are they usually associated with?
collection of blood that forms between the inner surface of the skull and outer layer of the dura (endosteal layer).
usually associated with a history of head trauma and frequently associated skull fracture.
what are subdural haematomas like ? (4)
why do they happen?
what is the onset?
what are they usually surrounded by?
what can they cause?
(underneath dura mater)
usually due to tears in bridging veins
can occur slowly (‘chronic’) in shrunken (old, alcoholic?) brains as well as acutely
usually surrounded by membrane of granulation tissue
cause of cog decline in elderly ! treatable
what are some causes of a traumatic subarachnoid haematoma?
punch in the neck - rupture of vertebral artery
laceration
base of skull fracture
IV haemorrhage
what is diff btwn superficial and deep cerebral/bellar haemorrhage
superficial: due tos evere contusion (bruise)
deep: related to diffuse axonal injury
what is a contusion?
bruise
what is a risk for any head injuries in A&E?
meningitis
what is a neuro laceration?
when contusion sufficient enough to tear in layer of brain (pia mater)
what is diff btwn coup contusion and contre coup?
coup = at site of impact
contre coup = away from site of impact
what is mild traumatic axonal injury?
hurt ur head, have recovery of consciousness ± LT, variable severity deficit
what is severe traumatic axonal injury?
hurt ur head, become unconscious from impact & remain so or severe disability
what does brain swelling lead to?
increased ICP
name 2 causes of brain herniation
bleeding
brain swelling
hypoxia-ischaemia is likely in which patients who’ve had? (3)
- clinically evident hypoxia
- hypotension w systolic BP <80mmHg for ≥15mins
- raised ICP
what is 1 of the LT consequences of head injuries?
chronic traumatic encephalopathy eg Muhammad Ali
what happens in chronic traumatic encephalopathy?
repetitive mild traumatic brain injury
initially irritability, aggression, depression, memory loss
then dementia, gait/speech issues, parkinsonism
some have MND-like symptoms
what are some infective causes of meningitis?
bacterial
viral
fungal parasitic
what is the first line of treatment usually before diagnosis of meningitis?
antimicrobials
the syndrome of meningitis must be administered from what?
brain abscesses and encephalitis, other major CNS syndromes
what is meningitis?
inflammation of meninges (Pia mater, arachnoid, dura)
what are some non-infective causes of meningitis?
paraneoplastic
drug side effects
auto immune eg vasculitis/SLE
how does brain infection get in?
neurosurgical complications eg post op, trauma
extracranial infection eg nasopharynx, ear, sinuses
via bloodstream ie bacteraemic
what is the pathophysiology of meningitis?
bacteria enters CSF
can be isolated from immune cells due to BBB
replicates
BVs become leaky - WBCs enter CSF/meninges/brain
results in meningeal inflammation ± brain swelling
what are 3 classic symptoms of meningitis?
fever
headache
neck stiffness - “meningism”
(can’t tolerate bright light)
20% of bacterial meningitis patients can have permanent effects. list some
skin scars amputation hearing loss seizures brain damage
what does GCS (Glasgow coma score) help us determine
how sick pt - lower score = sicker
if they can maintain own airway
if there’s any raised ICP
what are 4 immediate management steps for someone who has bacterial meningitis?
- assess GCS
- blood cultures
- broad spectrum ABs (ceftriaxone, cefotaxime - both cross BBB)
- steroids (IV dexamethasone)
what is a definitive investigation to diagnose meningitis?
lumbar puncture
what are some contraindications to lumbar puncture?
abnormal clotting (platelets/coagulation) petechial rash raised ICP
what are some risk factors for bacterial meningitis
students
travel
(immunosuppressed)
what are some risk factors for viral meningitis
small children
immunosuppressed
if meningitis is in bloodstream, what do u get?
meningococcal septicaemia
non-blanching purpuric rash, necrosis, high mortality !
differential diagnosis for meningitis :
!subarachnoid haemorrhage! - trauma - “thunderclap” onset
also migraines, flu, brain abscess, malaria
what is encephalitis?
inflammation of the brain
what are causes of encephalitis?
p much always viral - herpes simplex (coldsore)
varicella zoster virus (chickenpox/shingles)
ask abt TRAVEL! eg rabies etc
what is the clinical present of encephalitis:
hrs to days: preceding ‘flu-like’ illness
then: altered GCS (confusion, drowsiness), fever, seizures, memory loss, ± meningism)
how do u manage encephalitis
MRI head ± EEG
lumbar puncture
DO A HIV TEST
treat: mostly supportive
recovery can be v long process
how does tetanus happen?
inoculation through skin w/ clostridium tetani spores found globally in soil
eg stepping on nail, dirty wounds
what happens in tetanus?
tetanospasmin (toxin that bacteria prod) - travels retrogradely along axons
interferes w neurotransmitter release - incr neutron firing - unopposed muscle contraction/spasm
how can tetanus be managed?
if at risk injury - vaccinate!
if symptomatic - support (muscle relaxants), IG, AB (metronidazole to clear any residual bacteria that may prod toxins)
how does rabies happen?
viral infection
inoculation through skin with saliva of rabid animal eg dogs/cats/foxes eg lick, bite, splash
travels retrogradely along nerves
how is rabies managed?
most ppl die
managed with sedatives
prophylaxis is key
what is dementia?
a set of symptoms - inc memory loss, problem solving language
gradual onset and progressive
Alzheimer’s is the commonest cause of dementia
what is Alzheimer’s disease a problem w?
storing of memories
what makes up the exclusion criteria for Alzheimer’s?
sudden onset
early occurrence of: gait, seizures, major behavioural changes
which med cond are severe enough that u can’t diagnose Alzheimers?
major depression
cerebrovascular disease
what is pseudodementia?
depressie dementia
what is the diff in depression/dementia on onset?
depression - trigger, onset/decline rapid
dementia - vague, insidious onset
what is the diff in depression/dementia on memory loss?
depression - aware, complaints of memory loss
dementia - unaware/attempt to hide problems
what is mood diff in depression vs dementia
depression - patient unhappy. “don’t know” answers
dementia - mood labile. attempts all questions
why Is temp lobe important?
hearing language comprehention semantics memory emotional/affecting behaviour
what happens in dementia with levy bodies (3)
fluctuation cognition
visual hallucinations
spontaneous Parkinsonism
why do u do a structural MRI in dementia patients?
to rule out other causes
see atrophy as a biomarker
what are the 2 main medications for dementia?
acetylcholine esterase inhibitors
memantine (anti-glutamate)
which diagnostic tests can be used for Alzheimer’s pathology
non-invasive (amyloid and tau PET ? imaging)
what are some key features of MS?
inflammatory, demyelinating tissue
specific to CNS
usually begins 20-40 yrs
progressive disability over time
which pops is MS more common in?
caucasian
prevalence can be altered by env change - age of migration is critical
what are the 2 types of lesions in MS?
active and inactive
what are common sites for plaque distribution in MS?
cerebral hemispheres
spinal cord
optic nerves
medulla/pons
what are some typical symptom in MS?
optic neuritis
spasticity
sensory symptoms/signs
bladder/sexual dysfunction
what are some atypical symptoms in MS?
aphasia
hemianopia
severe muscle wasting
what is the majority of MS patient’s course of illness?
in a relapsing/remitting fashion … full recovery from disease, stable until next attack etc etc cycles !
don’t need to recover fully each time
what are the 2 essential diagnostic criteria for MS?
2+ CNS lesions disseminated in time/space
exclusion of cond giving a similar clinical picture
what are some conditions misdiagnosed as MS?
SLE
lyme disease
syphilis
AIDS
what is the gold standard investigation for MS?
imaging !!!!!!!! MRI
blackouts can be bc of what?
problem w/ blood circulation (heart/BP)
disturbance of brain function (epilepsy)
what are the 2 types of seizures?
epileptic seizures and stress-related (non-epileptic) seizures
what are the 3 types of epilepsy - following epileptic seizures
idiopathic generalised epilepsy
unclassifiable epilepsy
focal epilsepsy
what is an epileptic seizure?
paroxysmal event in which changes of behaviour/sensation/cog processes are caused by excessive, hypersynchrous neuronal discharges in the brain
what is the usual duration of epileptic seizures
30-120s
what happens in an epileptic seizure?
“positive” ictal symptoms (seeing/hearing/feeling stuff that aren’t there)
may occur from sleep
may be associated with other brain dysfunction
typical seizure phenomena: lateral tongue bite, deja vu etc
what is syncope?
paroxysmal event in which changes in behaviour/sensation/cog processes are caused by an INSUFFICIENT BLOOD/OXYGEN SUPPLY to the brain
list some syncope characteristics
situational
sitting/standing
rarely from sleep
presyncopal symptoms (seeing stars, distorted noises, dizzy/light headed, blacked out vision)
duration 5-30 seconds
recovery within 30 seconds
what is cariogenic syncope like ?
less warning
history of heart disease
define non-epileptic seizure
paroxysmal event in which changes in behaviour/sensation/cog function caused by MENTAL PROCESSES ASSOCIATED W/ PSYCHOSOCIAL DISTRESS
what are some characteristics of non-epileptic seizures
situational
duration 1-20 mins
eyes closed
ictal crying/speaking
instead of panic attack ?
surprisingly rapid/slow postictal recovery
history of psych illness esp PTSD
what are some factors suggestive of epilepsy
tongue biting
head turning
muscle pain
what are some factors suggestive of syncope
prolonged upright position
sweating prior
nausea
presyncopal symptoms
what is focal epilepsy?
associated w/ focal brain abnormality, starts at any age
partial seizures w or w/o impairment of consciousness
1st line treatment: carbamazepine
what is idiopathic (primary) generalised epilepsy?
no associated brain abnormality, manifestation usually <30 years
absence seizures, myoclonic seizures or primary generalised tonic clonic seizures
1st line treatment:
valproate
how do anti-epileptics work?
taget GABA receptor/transporter or GABA transaminase
what do u do if anti-epileptics don’t work?
alternative mono therapy, combo therapy
consider epilepsy surgery - vagal nerve stimulator
what is essential in epilepsy diagnosis?
patient and witness history !
what’s the diff btwn new and conventional anti-eleptics
not much in terms of effectiveness but fewer side effects
define stroke
a clinical syndrome, caused by cerebral infarction/haemorrhage, typified by rapidly developing signs of focal/global disturbance of cerebral functions lasting more than 24h or leading to death
define TIA (transient ischaemic attack)
acute loss of cerebral/ocular function with symptoms lasting less than 24h caused by an inadequate cerebral or ocular blood supply as a result of low blood flow, ischaemia, or embolism associated with disease of the BV, heart or blood
what are the majority of strokes?
ischaemic (85%)
what happens in ischaemic strokes
BV in brain blocked
usually atherosclerotic plaque/clot in larger artery ruptures, travels downstream, gets trapped in narrower artery in brain
embolic strokes are common complications of atrial fib and atherosclerosis of carotid arteries
what are the minority of strokes caused by (15%)?
haemorrhage
bleeding from BV in the brain
high BP is main cause of intracerebral haemorrhagic stroke
someone presenting w/ an acute onset, ongoing focal near deficit that cannot be explained by hypoglycaemia or other stroke mimics .. suspect what?
stroke
obstruction ot MCA can cause what
facial weakness
unilateral weakness of upper/lower limb
unilateral sensory loss of upper/lower limb
speech problems
obstruction of PCA can cause what
visual defects
disorders of perception
disorders of balance
co-ordination disorders
obstruction of ACA can cause what
unilateral weakness + sensory loss of upper/lower limb
what cond does stroke mimic?
migrainous aura
hypoglycaemia
mass lesions eg subdural haematoma, tumour
how do u manage a suspected stroke
arrange emergency admission to specialist stroke unit
999 or 1 hr admission
what do u do in a TIA?
assess risk of stroke in next 7d using ABCD^2 score
how do u assess risk of stroke in next 7d - and how is this scored
ABCD^2 score
A - age (60+) = 1pt
B - BP at pres (140/90+) = 1 pt
C - clinical features (unilateral weakness = 2pt, speech disturbance w/o weakness = 1pt)
D - duration (60min+ = 2pts, 10-59mins = 1pt)
D - diabetes presence = 1pt
what is high risk ABCD^2 score
4+
atrial fib
more than 1 TIA in a week
TIA whilst on anticoagulant
what do u do for a low risk stroke patient
how does this differ to a high risk?
refer for specialist assessment within 7d of symptom onset
start statin - simvastatin 40mg
antiplatelets - aspirin/clopidogrel 300mg
treat BP if raised
no driving until seen by specialist
HIGH RISK - same as above but within 24H
what is primary health care
1st point of contact for healthcare - for new issues inc urgent/emergency and for ongoing issues
eg GP, walk-in, minor injuries, dentist, ?999
what is MND aka?
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
what does ALS stand for
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis aka MND
why are brain tumours sig?
20% of childhood cases !
where do the majority of brain tumours occur in adults?
supratentorial
where do the majority of brain tumours in children occur?
posterior fossa
list some neuroepithelial tumours
astrocytic oligodendroglial neuronal and neuro-glial choroid plexus embryonal etc
how do brain tumours clinically manifest?
loss function
seizures
raised ICP!
what is the most frequent primary brain tumour and who does it occur in?
astrocytic tumours
how can astrocytic tumours be classified
diffuse astrocytomas
other types eg pilocytic
what are diffuse astrocytomas like ?
infiltrate diffusely
propensity to undergo progressive anaplasia
what is anaplasia?
condition of cells with poor cellular differentiation, losing the morphological characteristics of mature cells and their orientation with respect to each other and to endothelial cells.
how does a pilocytic astrocytoma grade into a glioblastoma? (more severe, worse prognosis)
pilocytic astrocytoma - diffuse astrocytoma - anaplastic astrocytoma - glioblastoma
discuss oligodendroglioma
most common 4/5th decades
may have seizures
WHO grade 2
calcification recognised on scan
what are the aims with gliomas? to identify?
tumour type
tumour grade
additional prognostic markers
predictive markers
discuss pilocytic astrocytomas (WHO grade 1)
children! posterior fossa - cerebellum also at optic nerves, hypothalamus often cystic good prognosis
what is medulloblastoma like ? (who grade 4)
primitive “small blue cell” tumour of cerebellum
childhood
highly malignant
may respond to exicison/radio/chemo
what is a meningioma?
dural based
push into brain
most grade 1, more aggressive variants (2/3) exist
what are the most common sites for metastases to the brain?
lung (45%)
breast (25%)
melanoma (12%)
discuss 4 point about brain tumours !
unique features associated with CNS env
mass effects are important
graded by WHO scheme, but conventional pathological staging not used
moving towards integrated histo/molec diagnosis for better treatment stratification
what are some anatomical effects of a mass lesion? (3)
- local deformity and shift of structures
- decreased CSF volume
- pressure gradients - internal herniation
list some examples of inter-cranial haemorrhages
extradural haemorrhage
subdural “ “
subarachnoid “ “
intracerebral “ “
what are the 3 layers of meninges, n give. adescription of each
Pia - on surface, cannot be separated from brain
Arachnoid - more adherent to brain
Dura - usually firmly adherent to inside of skull
where are meningeal vessels?
in the extradural space
where do bridging veins cross
subdural space
which space does the circle of willis lie in?
subarachnoid pace
are there any vessels deep to the Pia?
no - Pia forms part of BBB
list 6 points about extradural haemorrhages
- traumatic
- fractured skull
- bleeding from middle meningeal artery
- lucid period
- rapid rise in ICP
- coning and death if not treated
bleeding from MMA can result in which haemorrhage?
extradural
list 5 points about subdural haemorrhages
- bleeding from bridging veins
- these bridging veins bleed, low pressure so soon stops
- days/weeks later, haematoma starts to autolyse
- massive increase in oncotic/osmotic pressure - sucks water into haematoma
- gradual rise in ICP over many weeks
which type of haemorrhage is commonest where the patient has a small brain? and list why someone might have a small brain
subdural haemorrhage
alcoholics, dementia
list 5 points about subarachnoid haemorrhages
- rupture of arteries forming circle of willis
- often bc of berry aneurysms
- sudden onset severe headache, photophobia and reduced conciousness
- ‘thunderclap headache’
- rapidly fatal - commonest source of organs for transplant since seat belts made compulsory
bleeding from bridging veins can result in which type of haemorrhage?
subdural
berry aneurysms can result in which haemorrhage?
subarachnoid
trauma can result in which haemorrhage and why?
extradural - bleeding from MMA
is there recovery with embolic strokes?
no
is there recovery from haemorrhage strokes?
possibly
what happens in an embolic stroke?
death of cell bodies in cortex
‘small’ well defined territory of loss of motor/sensory function
what happens in a haemorrhage stroke?
compression of internal capsule - no death of cells
large territory of loss of motor/sensory function
which type of stroke is where cell death occurs?
embolic
what is the function of CN I?
olfactory - smell
what is the function of CN II?
optic - light pathway, neuronal pathway
what is the function of CN III?
oculomotor - bilateral cortical
innervation of nuclei, eye movements
what is the function of CN IV?
trochlear - bilateral cortical
innervation of nuclei, eye movements
what is the function of CN V
trigeminal - motor, bilateral;
sensory, contralateral.
sensation face, muscles of mastication
what is the function of CN VI
abducens - bilateral cortical
innervation of nuclei, eye movements
what is the function of CN VII
motor, bilateral to forehead
motor, contralateral to the rest of the face
sensory, contralateral (taste)
what is the function of CN VIII
vestibular, ipsilateral; cochlear, bilateral
hearing, balance
what is the function of CN IX
glossopharyngeal
motor, bilateral; sensory, contralateral
sensation back of throat
what is the function of CN X
vagus
motor, bilateral; sensory, contralateral
motor pharynx; autonomics complex
what is the function of CN XI
spinal accessory
motor, bilateral
shrugging shoulders, turning head
what is the function of CN XII
hypoglossal
motor, bilateral
sticking tongue out
what proportion of brain tumours are malignant?
over 50%
what is the commonest brain tumour?
secondary/metastatic tumour with another primary source eg lung, breast
do you use the TNM staging system for brain tumours
no
use WHO classification - histology
for brain malignancy what does grade I mean? what does grade IV mean?
grade I - most benign
grade IV - most malignant
what is the most common primary brain tumour
glioma
what is a glioma a tumour of?
glial cells: astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, ependymal cells
85% of all new cases of malignant primary brain tumour are what?
high grade glioma
what are symptoms of brain tumour
variable
headaches
seizures
focal neuro symptoms
what is the classic brain tumour symptom?
raised ICP headache
worse in morning/lying down
associated with N&V
exacerbated by cough/sneezing
drowsiness
what are signs of a brain tumour?
papilloedema (swelling of optic disc)
focal neuro deficit eg visual field defect, dysphasia
what are red flags with headaches?
features of raised ICP
papilloedema
focal neuro
check for field defect
if there’s a long history of isolated headaches, what is unlikely?
a brain tumour
how do low grade brain tumours typically present
w/ seizures
can be incidental
how do high grade brain tumours typically present
rapidly progressive neuro deficit
symptoms of raised ICP
what are investigations for brain tumours
CT w/ contrast
MRI
brain biopsy
what is treatment for brain tumours like
non-curative, except for grade I
only 19% survive 5+ years
what are some treatments for a high grade glioma?
steroids - reduce oedema
surgery - biopsy/resection
radiotherapy
chemotherapy
what are some “hardware” diseases of basal ganglia
parkinson’s
huntington’s
what are some “software” diseases of the basal ganglia
essential tremor
dystonia
tourette
what are the 3 main symptoms in Parkinson’s?
brady/akinesia
tremor
rigidity
what is brady/akinesia like in Parkinson’s?
problems w doing up buttons, keyboards etc
writing smaller
walking deteriorated: small stepped, dragging 1 foot etc
what is tremor like in Parkinson’s?
at rest
may be unilateral
what is rigidity like in Parkinson’s?
pain
problems w turning in bed
what can u see in the midbrain in Parkinson’s disease?
diminished/paler substantial nigra
presence of Lewy bodies?
what is the main drug for Parkinson’s?
L-Dopa
what is L-dopa changed into in the body?
dopamine
how can l-dopa action be supported?
dopamine agonists
or monoamine-oxidases (enzyme inhibitors) - red breakdown of naturally occurring dopamine
what is the issue with anticholinergics?
many side effects:
- cognition
- confusion
- systemic
what are some motor complications of late-stage PD?
med doesn’t work as long as before
freezing - unpredictable loss of motility
on and off dyskinesias
what else is common in Parkinson’s?
depression
other psych problems
dementia
autonomic problems eg constipation, incr urine frequency
which symptoms shouldn’t be present in Parkinson’s?
incontinence
dementia
symmetry
early falls
what are the 3 cardinal features of Huntington’s disease?
chorea (jerky involuntary movements affecting esp shoulders, hips, n face.
dementia
psychiatric problems
what do u find o/e of a Huntington’s patient?
abnormal eye movements
chorea
ataxia
often additional “touch of Parkinsonism”
define weakness/paresis
impaired ability to move a body part in response to will
define paralysis
ability to move a body part in response to will is completely lost
define ataxia/incoordinationz
willed movements are clumsy, ill-directioner or uncontrolled
what are involuntary movements?
spontaneous movement of a body part, independently of will
what is apraxia?
disorder of consciously organised patterns of movement or impaired ability to recall acquired motor skills
what are the 5 steps to movement organisation
- idea - association areas of cortex
- activation of UMN in precentral gyrus
- impulses travel to lMN and their motor units via corticospinal (pyramidal) tracts
- modulating activity of cerebellum n basal ganglia
- further modification of movement depending on sensory feedback
where are LMNs located
anterior horns of SC and in CN nuclei in the brainstem
what is the final common pathway by which the CNS controls voluntary movement
LMN –> axon (nerve root and peripheral nerve) –> NMJ –> muscle fibres
what is a motor unit?
basic functional unit of muscle activity
LMN + axon + several supplied muscle fibres
what are stretch receptors in muscle called
muscle spindles
what are stretch receptors in muscle (muscle spindles) innervated by?
gamma motor neurones
what are some potential sites of damage along the final common pathway
motor nuclei of CN motor neurones in SC spinal ventral roots peripheral nerves NMJ muscle
list 4 clinical features of LMN lesions
muscle tone normal/reduced (flaccid)
muscle wasting
fasciculation - visible
spontaneous contraction of motor units
reflexes depressed/absent
what do LMN lesions usually result in?
everything going DOWN
how do u investigate LMNs
neurophysiology nerve conduction studies
neuro-imaging - MRI scan head/spine
blood tests eg muscle enzymes, auto-antibodies
lumbar puncture
what is the corticospinal tract?
a major descending pathway connecting UMN & LMNs, important in control of voluntary movements
what is the corticospinal tract aka
pyramidal tract
list some clinical features of UMN pathology
muscle tone increased (spasticity)
tendon reflexes/jaw jerk are brisk
plantar responses extensor (+ Babinski sign)
characteristic pattern of limb muscle weakness, pyramidal pattern
emotional lability may be present
what do UMN lesions usually result in?
everything goes UP
what are some common causes of UMN pathology
vascular disease
inflammatory eg MS
compression of brain/spine
neurodegenerative disease of UMN ± LMN eg MND
how do u investigate UMN issues
neuroimaging - MRI brain/spine
blood tests for metabolic disorders
CSF exam
what are the likely levels of UMN
cortex
internal capsule
brainstem
SC
what are the likely levels of LMN
LMN
spinal root
peripheral nerve
NMJ
muscle
what is prophylaxis?
treatment given or action taken to prevent disease
what does the cerebellum do?
contains complete motor/sensory rep of whole body
contains timing/pattern of motor activating during movement
what does cerebellar dysfunction cause?
ataxia
what are the only output element of cerebellum?
purkinje cells
list symptoms of cerebellar dysfunction
slurring of speech (Staccato speech)
swallowing dificulties
clumsiness (arms/legs)
tremor
unsteadiness when walking
stumbles n falls
what do u examine for cerebellar dysfunction
gait limb ataxia eye movements speech sensory ataxia
list some signs of cerebellar dysfunction
nystagmus (other abnormalities of eye movements)
dysarthria
action tremor
truncal ataxia
limb ataxia
what is mild ataxia?
mobilising independently or walking with 1 walking aid
what is severe ataxia?
predominantly wheelchair dependent
what is moderate ataxia?
mobilising with 2 walking aids/walking frame
how can ataxias be classified?
congenital
diseases where ataxia is 1 of many features
familial ataxias (presumed genetic) - AD & AR
sproadic (acquired) ataxias
what are some history clues to classify ataxia
congenital vs early onset s late
rate of progression
episodic
pure ataxia or ataxia + sensory symptoms/leg stiffness/deafness etc
speech affected early
urinary, postural, nocturnal symptoms
what are some investigations for ataxia
MRI will exclude:
- post circ stroke
- tumours
- MS
etc
what is the commonest genetic ataxia?
Friedrichs ataxia (FA)
can cause CV issues
name some vaccine preventable neurological cond
polio
tetanus
measles
tuberculosis
define epidemiology
study of the distribution/determinants of health-related states/events in specified pops; and the application of this study to control health problems
define migraine (3)
unilateral pain distribution
premonitory visual disturbance
presence of nausea or vomiting
what is MS
multiple areas of demyelination in brain/SC
what does myasthenia mean?
muscle weakness
what do myasthenia gravis patients have?
antibodies against nicotinic acetyl choline receptors
what is the history of myasthenia gravis like?
fluctuating ocular weakness
bulbar (speech n swallow)
limb smyptoms
fatigability
SOB
what do u see in a myasthenia gravis exam?
complex ophthalmoplegia: ask look to RHS - left eye should adduct
ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid)
head drop
limb fatiguability
if a patient has complex ophthalmoplegia … what 3 cones do u think?
myasthenia gravis
thyroid eye disease - graves’ disease
mitochondrial disorders
what is opthalmoplegia
paralysis of the muscles within or surrounding the eye
what is the ice pack test?
if pt has drooping of upper eyelid (ptosis)
put ice pack for 2ish mins
if the eyelid improves - + test
probs myasthenia gravis !
what is complete ptosis?
when eyelid covers pupil
what imaging do u do on a newly diagnosed MG patient
CT thorax
what investigations do u do for myasthenia gravis?
antibodies - AchR
EMG - repetitive stimulation
myasthenia gravis patients can also have issues w what?
thyroid !!!!!!!!
treatment of myasthenia gravis
AChE inhibitors
immunosuppressants - prednisolone (SE: Htn, weight gain, glucose intolerance)
steroids
what is a positive safety culture
staff have constant n active awareness of potential for things to go wrong
- open n fair culture - encourages ppl to speak up abt mistakes
- shared values n resp
how can a headache be classified?
primary
secondary
painful cranial neuropathies, other face pains and other headaches
what comes under primary headaches?
migraine
cluster
tension type
what comes under secondary headaches?
meningitis
subarachnoid haemorrhage
idiopathic
intracranial
Htn medication overuse
what are some reasons for further referral/investigation?
thunderclap headache ?SAH
seizure n new headache
suspected meningitis
suspected encephalitis
red eye ?acute glaucma
what do u look at in a headache history?
types/number
time - onset/duration/why not/freq n pattern
pain - severity/quality/site
triggers - aggravating factors/relieving/FHx
what are red flags in a headache exam?
fever
altered consciousness
neck stiffness
focal neuro signs
BP
what is migraine?
episodic migraine with or without an aura
what is the criteria for a migraine disorder?
a) 5 attacks fulfilling B-D
b) attacks last 4-72h
c) 2 of:
- unilateral
- pulsing
- moderate/severe
- aggravation by routine physical activity
d) during headache at least 1 of:
1) nausea and/or vomiting
2) photophobia and phonotobia
3) not attributed to another disorder
what are some principles of migraine treatment?
accurate diagnosis, manage expectations
lifestyle modification, trigger management
pharmacological treatments
psych/behavioural treatments
surgical treatments
what medication can you use for migraine?
oral triptan and and NSAID/paracetamol
headache with
- pyraxial
- photophobia
- neck stiffness + pyrexia
- rash
diagnosis??
treat for meningitis bc suspected
bloods blood cultures HIV test CXR CT head CSF
what is a subarachnoid haemorrhage like ?
thunderclap headache
- max severity within seconds
- “worse” ever
what do u do if SA haemorrhage suspected
CT
angiography
how do u manage a subarachnoid haemorrhage?
resuscitation
nimodipine (Ca channel blocker)
early intervention to prevent re-bleeding (radiologically/surgically)
monitor for complications
what is a raised ICP headache like
worse on waking
worse when coughing, sneezing, straining
postural, worse when lying down
nausea, vomiting
what are some risk factors for idiopathic intracranial Htn
obesity
drugs eg tetracycline
how long does a chronic daily headache last?
≥ 15 days per month
should the WHO analgesic ladder be applied to headache management?
NO
codeine is not a long term treatment option
the cognitive, psych, and behavioural sequelae of CNS disorders depends upon: (4)
- tempo of underlying disorder
- brain region it affects
- neurotransmitter systems it involves
- individual characteristics, such as age/sex/psychosocial background
what are acute pathologies caused by
trauma
metabolic issues
drugs/infections
what is an example of a chronic pathology?
dementia
RH stroke can give rise to what?
mania
orbitofrontal cortex is associated with what?
disinhibited behaviour
what is anterograde amnesia?
unable learn new info
what is retrograde amnesia?
unable to recall events from recent past
what does an ACA stroke result in?
leg weakness
sensory disturbance in legs
gait apraxia
incontinence
drowsiness
what does a MCA stroke result in?
contralateral arm and leg weakness
contralateral sensory loss
hemianopia
aphasia
dysphasia
what happens with a PCA stroke?
contralateral homonymous hemianopia
cortical blindness
visual agnosia
prosopagnosia
how is stroke risk managed?
platelet treatments (aspirin/clopidogrel)
cholesterol treatments (statins)
AF treatments (warfarin)
antihypertensives
list 5 things that happen with an ACA territory stroke
leg weakness
sensory disturbance in legs
gait apraxia
incontinence
drowsiness
list 6 things that happen with a MCA stroke
contralateral arm/leg weakness
contralateral sensory loss
hemianopia
aphasia
dysphasia
facial droop
list 5 things that happen with a PCA stroke
contralateral homonymous hemianopia
cortical blindness - bilateral involvement of occipital lobe branches
visual agnosia
prosopagnosia (can’t recognise familiar faces)
what is agnosia?
inability to interpret sensations and hence to recognize things
what happens in visual agnosia?
can see
but
can’t interpret visual info
what is prosopagnosia
can’t recognise familiar faces
what is thrombolysis
the dissolution of a blood clot
what is a treatment for AF
warfarin