Neuro Flashcards
Dominant hemisphere malfunction symptoms
Aphasia
Alexia
Agraphia
Acalculia
Left-right disorientation
Non-dominant hemisphere malfunction
Hemineglect
Dysprosody (pseudo-foreign accent syndrome)
Amusia (inability to recognize or reproduce musical tones)
Constructional apraxia
Cortical vs subcortical (internal capsule) paresis
Cortical: different effect on face and arm vs legs
Subcortical: equal face, arm, leg involvement. Contralateral dysmetria, clumsiness. W/O sensory/cortical deficit
Thalamus defect
Contralateral dense sensory loss, severe pain
Subcortical structures
Internal capsule
Thalamus
Basal ganglia
Brainstem malfunction
Crossed hemiplagia or sensory loss:
Ipsilateral face, contralateral body
Ipsilateral cerebellar
Nystagmus toward lesion
INO
Dysphagia
Dysarthria
Hearing loss
Vertigo
Scanning speech
Cerebellum dysfunction
Ocular problems in cerebellum dysfunction
Nystagmus
Oscillopsia
Distorted smooth persuit
UMN vs LMN in spinal cord lesions
LMN at the level of lesion
UMN below the level of lesion
Frontal lobe testing
Go/no-go test
Ammonia smelling tests which CN?
V
Pronator drift
Shows contralateral UMN lesion
Efferent limb of pupillary light response via CN ?
III
CN palsy causing defect in sacadic eye movement
III
In CN IV palsy, head tilts toward
Unaffected side
CN V motor function
Temporalis, masseter, pterygoid, jaw reflex
UMN vs LMN facial motor lesion
UMN: contralateral facial weakness, sparing the brow bilaterally
LMN: ipsilateral facial weakness
CN IX function
Vocal cord function
Gag
Taste of posterior 1/3 if tongue
CN X
Vocal cord
Gag
Uvula deviation and palatal deviation
Swallowing
Pyramidal pattern of weakness
Hemiparetic gait
In upper extremity, flexors stronger than extensors. In lower extremity, extensors stronger than flexors
Caloric test response
COWS
Cold Opposite
Warm Same
Pattern of weakness in ALS
Segmental
Asymmetrical
Distal to proximal
DTR in motor neuron disease (ALS)
Increased
DTR in neuromuscular junction disorders
Normal
Neuromuscular disorders with fasciculation
Motor neuron disease (ALS…)
Peripheral neuropathy
DTR in myopathies
Normal until late
Neuromuscular disorder with abnormal NCS
Peripheral neuropathy
Neuromuscular disorder with autonomic symptoms
Peripheral neuropathy
Neuromuscular disorder with sensory symptoms
Peripheral neuropathy
Autonomic symptoms
Orthostatic hypotension
Anhidrosis
Visual blurring
Urinary hesitancy/incontinence
Constipation
Erectile dysfunction
Upper motor neuron tests
Babinski
Hoffmann
Pronator drift
Primitive reflexes
Grasp
Rooting
Palmomental
Glabellar tap
Snout
Thenar muscles, nerve
Flexor pollicis brevis
Abductor pollicis brevis
Opponens pollicis
Nerve: median (C8-T1)
Wasting in first dorsal webbed space
First dorsal interosseus muscle
Nerve: ulna
Interpretation of rapid alternating movement problems
If slow: weakness
If uncoordinated: cerebellar disorder
If slow with fatiguing and decreased amplitude: Parkinsonism
Cortical sensation functions exams
Graphesthesia
Streognosis
Extinction
2point discreminatiin
Coordination axams
Finger to nose
Heel to shin
Rapid alternating movements
Knee taps
Tests for stance and gait
Romberg
Pull test
Push and release
Gait
Tandem
Contraindications for LP
If suspect mass lesion
Infection over site
Suspect epidural abscess
Plt < 50,000
Tx with anticoagulation (high INR/PTT)
Uncooperative pt
Px and Tx of post-LP headache
Onset within 24 h
Worse when upright
Px
Smaller gauge needle
Reinsert stylet prior to needle removal
Blunt-ended needle
Tx:
Symptomatic: caffeine, sodium benzoate injection
Corrective: blood patch (autologus)
LP tubes
1: cell count
#3: smear, culture, gram stain \+/- PCR, acid fast, bacteria Ag, fungal Ag/culture
Xanthochromia of CSF
Recent blood: SAH
CSF protein
Nl < 0.45 g/L
Viral: 0.45-1 g/L
Bacterial: > 1 g/L
Granulomatous infection: increased, but < 5 g/L (TB, fungal)
SCF glucose
Normal:
60% of serum glucose
Or
> 3.0 mmol/L
Viral: normal
Bacterial:
<25% serum
Or
<2
TB/Fungal:
Decreased. < 2-4
CSF cells
Normal:
0-5,(000,000)/ L
Viral:
<1000,(000,000)/L, lymphocytes
Bacterial > 1000, PMN
TB, fungal <1000, Lymphocytes
Investigations for numbness/altered sensation
NCS glucose B12 Imaging HIV Lyme
Visual loss gait
Broad based
Tentative steps
Proprioceptive loss gait
Wide-based
High stepping posture
Positive Romberg
Periphral vestibular lesion gait
Vestibular ataxia
Disequilibrium
Peripheral nerve disorder gait
Steppage gait
Myopathic gait
Waddling: broad based, short stepped, pronounced lumbar lordosis, rotation of pelvis
Pyramidal/corticospinal gait
Spastic gait:
Circumduction
Scissoring
Basal ganglia gait
Parkinsonian gait:
Small paces
Stooped posture
Reduced armswing
Choreic/hemicallistic/dystonic gait
Cerebellar gait
Wide based without high stepping. Veering to side of lesion
Alcohol Hypothyroidism Vit E deficiency Hypoglycemia Hypoxia Paraneo
Factors damaging olfactory neuroepithelium
Influenza
HSV
IFN
Leprosy
Eye in CN III paresy
Resting down and out
Ptosis
Mydriasis
CN III palsy symptoms due to midbrain lesion
Complete unilateral CN III palsy
Bilateral weakness of superior rectus and ptosis
Contralateral pyramidal signs
+/- mydriasis
CN III palsy with reactive pupil (pupil sparing)
Vascular event
CN III palsy with mydriasis
Compressive lesions
CN nerves damaged in cavernous sinus involvement
CN III
CN IV
CN V1, V2
CN VI
+ orbital pain and proptosis
Nerve at risk of trauma during surgery involving midbrain
CN IV
The only CN decussating at midline
CN IV
Jaw deviation in CN V palsy
Toward lesion
Head tilt in CN III palsy
Up and rotated away
Head tilt in CN IV palsy
Down and flexed away
Head tilt in CN VI palsy
Rotated towards
Viruses implicated in Bell’s palsy
HSV»_space;> CMV, EBV, VZV
CN with longest intracranial course
CN VI
Screening for dysphagia
Pt drinks water,
Observe: cough, choking, wetness of voice
CN XI palsy. UMN vs LMN
UMN: ipsilateral SCM, contralateral trapezius
LMN: ipsilateral SCM and trapezius
CN XII palsy. UMN vs LMN
UMN: tongue deviation away from lesion. No atrophy. No fasciculation
LMN: tongue deviates towards lesion. Atrophy. Fasciculation
Uvula deviation in LMN CN X palsy
Away from lesion
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia Tx
Carbamazepine
Surgical ablation
Vision loss in optic neuritis
Rapidly progressive
Monocular
Central vision (acuity/color) loss with recovery
Etiologies of optic neyritis
Viral
MS
Inv for optic neuritis
MRI with gado
Fundus in optic neuritis
Disc swelling if anterior
Normal if retrobulbar
Vision in papilledema
Late visual loss
Fundus in papilledema
Bilateral swelling
Retinal hemorrhage
No venous pulsation
Inv for papilledema
Emergent CT
If normal CT: LP for opening pressure
Pain in optic neuritis
Painful esp with eye movement
Pain in AION
Not painful
Fundus in AION
Pale segmental disc edema
Retinal dot
Flame hemorrhages
Etiologies of AION
GCA
atherosclerosis
Inv for AION
CBC
ESR, CRP
Temporal artery Bx
Pain in CRVO
No pain
Vision loss in AION
Painless
Unilateral
Acute
Field defect
Hours to days
Vision loss in CRVO
Painless
Unilateral
Variable
Fundus in CRVO
Swollen disc
Venous engorgement
Retinal hemorrhage
Inv in CRVO
Fluorscein angiogram
Coherence tomography
Drug causing non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
Sildenafil
DDx of optic disc edema and RAPD
Optic neuritis
AION
CRVO (+/-)
Tx of optic disc atrophy
Non
Location of lesion in:
Rt anopsia and left upper quadrantanopsia
Rt junctional scotoma
Location of lesion in:
Bilateral hemianopsia
Chiasma
Children: craniopharyngioma
Middle ages: pituitary adenoma
Elderly: meningioma
Location of lesion in:
Left homonymous hemianopsia
Rt optic tract
More congruent deficit = more posterior lesions
If occipital lesion, macular sparing
Location of lesion in:
Left upper quadrantanopsia
Rt temporal lesion
Location of lesion in:
Left lower quadrantanopsia
Rt parietal
Location of lesion in:
Homonymous hemianopsia with macular sparing
Occipital lesions
If hemiplegia with eyes looking away from hemiplegia, location of lesion?
Cerebral hemisphere
Lesion in FEF: can be overcome with doll’s eye maneuver
Seizure involving FEF: eyes deviate away from the focus
Hemiplegia with eyes lookin toward the side of the hemiplagia, location of lesion?
Brainstem
Lesion in PPRF
cannot be overcome with doll’s eye maneuver
INO
MLF lesion
Gaze away from the side of lesion: ipsilateral adduction defect, contralateral abduction nystagmus
Cannot be overcome by caloric reflect
Accommodation intact
Inv for INO
MRI
Inv for diplopia
If isolated CN IV or CN VI palsy: observe for a few weeks
If persistent or other symptoms present: W/U
Neuroimaging if:
Bilateral
Multiple nerve involvement
Severe sudden onset headache
Diplopia worstat the end of the day suggests
MG
Gaze fixation in peripheral vs central nystagmus
Peripheral: relieved with gaze fixation
Central no relief
Direction of nystagmus in peripheral causes
Fast phase away from the lesion
If diplopia only on extremes of gase, which eye is pathological?
Cover each eye in isolation during extremes of gaze.
The covered eye which makes the lateral image disappear is the pathological one
Clinical manifestations of B12 deficiency
The most common initial symptoms:
Paresthesia
Sensory ataxia
Others:
Myelopathy Weakness with UMN findings Peripheral neuropathy: distal numbness/paresthesia Memory impairment Change in personality Delirium, confusion Psychosis Optic neuropathy
Diarrhea, anorexia
Inv for B12 deficiency
Serum cobalamin
Serum methylmalonoc acid
Serum homocysteine
Tx of Vit B12 deficiency
Vit B12 IM 1000 microgram/d x 5 d then 1000/mo
Or 1000 oral/d
Folate deficiency symptoms
Myelopathy
Peripheral neuropathy
Inv for folate deficiency
Serum folate
Serum homocysteine
Copper deficiency symptoms
Myelopathy
Pyramidal signs (brisk muscle stretch reflexes)
Severe sensory loss
Copper deficiency inv
Serum copper
Ceruloplasmin
Urine copper
Tx of copper deficiency
D/C zinc
Oral copper
Vit E deficiency symptoms
Ophthalmoplegia
Retinopathy
Spinocerebellar syndrome, cerebellar ataxia
Pripheral neuropathy
Inv for vit E deficiency
Serum Vit E
Serum vit E/ Chol+TG
Thiamine deficiency symptoms
Beriberi (wet, dry)
Infantile beriberi
Wernicke Korsakoff
Dx of B1 def
Clinical
Brain MRI
B6 deficiency symptoms
Painful sensoryneural peripheral neuropathy
Dx of B6 deficiency
Serum peridoxal phosphate
B3 deficiency
Dementia
Encephalopathy
Coma
Peripheral neuropathy
Dx of B3 deficiency
Urinary metabolites of niacin
Effect of organic solvents on nervous system
Cognitive impairment
Encephalopathy
Effect of pesticides on nervous system
Increased risk of Parkinson’s disease
Effect of lead on nervous system
Delayed/reversed development
Permanent learning disability
Peripheral neuropathy
Seizures
Coma/death from encephalopathy
Effect of mercury on nervous system
Ataxia
Visual loss
Hearing loss
Memory/psychiatric problems
Tiredness
Effect of manganese on nervous system
Hallucination
Dystonia
Parkinsonism
Effect of aluminum on nervous system
Alzeimer
Effect of arsenic on nervous system
Sleeplessness
Sleepiness
irritability
Muscle spasm/fatigue
Neurologic complications of bariatric surgery
Deficiencies of fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins
Should be monitored
The most common cause of late-onset seizures
Stroke
Psychiatric symptoms with simple partial vs complex partial seizures
Rarely occur with simple partial
More common with complex partial
Awareness in seizure
Generalized: loss of awareness
Simple partial: intact
Complex partial: appears awake, but impaired awareness
Petit mal seizure
Generalized
Children
Unresponsive 5-10 sec
Arrest of activity, blinking, eye-rolling, staring
3Hz spike and Slow wave activity on EEG
No post-ictal
Grand mal seizure
May have prodrome (unease, irritability, hours to days before the episode)
Tonic, clonic, post ictal
Post-ictal: flaccid limbs, extensor plantar reflexes, headache, confusion, aching muscles, sore tongue, amnesia, elevated serum CK, focal paralysis (Todd’s paralysis)
Temporal lobe epilepsy
Aura: fear, olfactory/gustatory hallucinations, visceral sensations, déja vu
Frontoparietal cortex seizures
Contralateral sensory/motor phenomenon
Alcohol withdrawal seizures
Up to 48 h from the last intake
Seizure common
status epilepticus rare
Inv for seizures
CBC Lytes, Ca, Mg FBS ESR Cr Liver enzymes CK PRL Toxicology screen EtOH level AED level
+/-:
CT/MRI
LP
EEG
Indication for LP in seizure
If fever, meningismus
Indication fo imaging in seizure
New seizure without identifiable cause
Known seizure history with new neurologic signs/symptoms
Seizures and driving
License suspended util 6 mo seizure-free
Longer for commercial drivers
Tx of seizures. Issues to consider
Stigma
Educate pt and family
Status of driver’s license
Safety issues
Pregnancy
Avoid precipitating factors
AED
Indications for AED drugs
EEG with epileptiform activity
Remote symptomatic cause (organic brain disease, prior head injury, CNS infection)
Abnormal neurologic examination
Abnormal findings on neuroimaging
Nocturnal seizure
Seizure most similar to pseudoseizure
Frontal (odd motor activity)
Tongue biting in pseudoseizure
At the tip (lateral in seizure)
Motor activity in pseudoseizure
Opisthotonos
Rigidity
Eye closure, geotropic eye movement
Irregular extremity movements
Pelvic thrust
Crying
Status epilepticus
No return to baseline state for > 5 min
R/O status epilepticus in any pt who is still unconcious > 20 min post-ictal
Complications of status epilepticus
Anoxia Cerebral ischemia Cerebral edema MI Arrhythmia Cardiac arrest Rhabdomyolysis Renal failure Aspiration pneumonia/pneumonitis Death
Initial measures for status epilepticus
ABC V/S Monitors Capillary glucose (STAT) ECG nasal O2 IV NS glucose IV thiamine ABG (if respiratory distress/cyanotic)
Blood work for status epilepticus
CBC Lytes, Ca, PO4, Mg Glucose Toxicology EtOH AED levels
Post-treatment stabilization for status epilepticus
CT head EEG Foley Urine toxicology Monitor for rhabdomyolysis IV fluid
The most common causes of status epilepticus
Failure to take AED
First presentation of epilepsy
Tx fir absence seizures
Ethosuximide
Highest risk of teratogenicity with AEDs
Valproic acid
Or
2+ concurrent AEDs
Pregnancy with AED
Folic acid 5/d preconception
Pre-conception AED levels
Monthly AED levels during pregnancy (maintain preconception levels)
Referal to OB for intrapartum fetal screening
Medication steps in Mx of status epilepticus
- Lorazepam
- Fosphenytoin or phenytoin
- Phenobarbital
- ICU. Midazolam/propofol/phenobarbital
If suspicious of SAH but normal CT, next step?
LP
If normal:
Angiography
Definition of mild NCD
Not meeting criteria for major NCD
Measurable deficit in at least one cognitive domain
Reported by pt or others
No impairment of ADLs
non-Amnestic vs Amnestic form, precursor to AD
Pts with mild NCD often troubled by memory symptoms in comparison to pts with dementia
RFs for mild NCD
HTN
DM
Obesity
Cardiac disease
Apolipoprotein E epsilon4 genotype
Clinical features of mild NCD
Cognitive impairment
Neuropsychiatric symptoms:
Depression, irritability, anxiety, aggression, apathy
Investigations for mild NCD
Establish a baseline for F/U
Clinical interview with pt and caregiver (cornerstone)
Neuropsychological testing: MMSE, MoCA (should not be used in isolation)
neuroimaging: non-contrast brain CT
Exclude treatable conditions
If abnormal neuropsychiatric testing, next step?
F/U in 1 y
Tx of mild NCD
Watch and wait
No evidence for anything!!
Cognitive domains
Complex attention
Language
Memory and learning
Executive function
Perceptual-motor
Social cognition
Head turning sign
Pt looks at caregiver for answers after being asked a question in clinical interview
Seen in cognitive impairmant
Inv fir NCD
CBC Glucose TSH B12 RBC folate Lytes LFT Renal function Lipid Ca CT head MRI SPECT \+/- VRRL HIV ANA Anti-dsDNA ANCA Ceruloplasmin Copper Cirtisol Tixicology Heavy metals
Alzheimer disease sumptoms
Memory impairment
Aphasia
Apraxia
Agnosia
Symptoms of dementia with lewy bidy
Visual hallucination
Parkinsonism
Fluctuating cognition
Frontotemporal dementia (pick)
Behavioral: disinhibition, perseveration,
Decreased social awareness, mental rigidity
Memory relatively spared
Language: progressive non-fluent aphasia, santic dementia
Vascular dementia features
Bradyphrenia ( without parkinsonism): slow thinking, slow learning, slow gait
dysexecutive syndrome
Abrupt onset
Stepwise deterioration
Progressive deterioration more common
Clinical features of syphilis dementia
Ataxia
Tabes dorsalis
Myoclonus
Dementia with myoclonus
CFJ
Syphilus
Ab positive in neoplastic dementia
Anti Hu
Typical presentation if AD
Mild phase:
Impaired memory and learning
+/- deficit in executive function
Mod-sev phase:
Visuoconstructional
Peceptual-motor
Language
Anterograde amnesia, Aphasia, Apraxia, Agnosia, Disturbance in executive function
RFs for AD
Age (the largest RF)
Down syndrome
E4 polymorphism for APOE
FHx
Traumatc brain injury
Low education
Vascular RFs
AD pathology
Senile plaques (extracellular, grey matter)
Loss of synapses
Neurofibrillary tangles
Loss of cholinergic neurons in Meynert
AD clinical features
Cognitive impairment: Memory for newly acquired information Language Abstract reasoning Executive function
Behavior and psychiatric manifestations:
MDD/Apathy
Psychosis, irritability, agitation, combativeness, wandering
Motor manifestations:
Gait, dysphagia, incontinence, myoclonus, seizures
Inv for AD
EEG: may show generalized slowing
MRI: preferential atrophy of hippocampi and precuneus of parietal lobe, dilation of lateral ventricles, widening of cortical sulci
SPECT: hypoperfusion in temporal and parietal lobes
PET: using PIB as a tracer to image beta-amyloid plaque
Tx of AD
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors:
Donepezil
Rivastigmine
Galantamine
NMDA-receptor antagonist:
Memantine (for later stages)
Neuroleptics (agitation)
Trazodone (sleep disturbance)
SSRI
Redirection, behavior modification, family support, day car facilities
Effect of Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in AD
Slow cognitive decline
Improve morbidity
Do not prolong life expectancy
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors contraindications
Relative: Bradycardia Heart block Arrhythmia CHF CAD Asthma COPD Ulcers RFs for ulcers/ GIB
Cognitive effect of atypical antipsychotic meds
Long-term use for behavioural symptoms, associated with greater rate of cognitive decline
NCD with Lewy body features
Early:
Impaired complex attention,
Impaired executive function
Complex visual hallucinations
Fluctuating cognition
Parkinsonism (resting tremor may be absent)
REM sleep behavior disorder
Severe sensitivity to neuroleptic meds (NMS, rigidity, extrapyramidal symptoms)
Repeated fall/syncope/loss of consciousness
Hallucination (auditory)/ delusion/ depression
Lewy body dementia pathology
Eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusions
Both cortical and subcortical structures
Inv in Lewy body dementia
CT/MRI:
Relative preservation of medial temporal structures
SPECT/PET: low striatal dopamine transporter uptake
Tx of Lewy body dementia
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
frontotemporal dementia movement disorder
Corticobasal degeneration
Progressive supranuclear palsy
Pathology of FTD
Severe atrophy
Gliosis, swollen neurons, microvacuolation , Specific neuronal inclusion bodies
Atrophy in frontal and anterior temporal lobes
Vascular NCD clinical features
Onset of cognitive disease temporally related to one or more cerebrovascular events.
Decline in complex attention
Decline in frontal executive function
Personality and mood changes
Abulia (absence of will power)
Depression
Emotional lability
Psychomotor slowing
RFs for vascular NCD
HTN DM Smoking Obesity High cholesterol High homocysteine RFs for AF
Second most common cause of NCD
Vascular
Higher prevalence in African-Americans
M>F
CJD
Prion
Spongiform changes, astrocytosis, neuronal loss
Sporadic > hereditary
Inv for CJD
CSF analysis
MRI brain : cortical/ subcortical FLAIR
EEG: periodic complexes
Brain Bx: definitive Dx
Tx of CJD
No Tx
Broca’s area
Posterior inferior frontal lobe
Language production
Wernicke’s area
Posterior superior temporal lobe
Language comprehention
Angular gyrus
Relays written visual stimuli to Wernicke’s area
Reading comprehension
Arcuate fasciculus assiciation bundle
Connects Wernicke and Broca
Aphasia localizes the lesion to which hemisphere?
Dominant hemisphere
Broca’s aphasia:
Non-fluent
Good comprehension
Poor repetition
Poor naming
Wernicke’s aphasia
Fluent
Poor comprehension
Poor repetition
Relatively spared naming
Apperceptive visual agnosia
Distorted visual perception.
Bilateral temporo-occipital cortex
Impaired streognosis
Inability to identify by touch
Anterior parietal lobe (in the hemisphere opposite the affected hand)
Prosopagnosia
Inability to recognize familiar faces
Bilateral temporo-occipital
Hallmarks of brain concussion
Confusion and amnesia
Loss of consciousness in concussion
Must be less than 30 min
Initial GCS must be 13-15
Post-traumatic amnesia must be <24h
Does extent of retrograde amnesia correlate with severity of concussion?
Yes
Dominant parietal lobe lesion symptoms
Acalculia
Agraphia
Finger agnosia
Left-right disorientation
Non-dominant parietal lobe lesion
Neglect
Anosognosia (loss of self-awareness)
Asomatognosia (loss of recognition or awareness of part of the body)
Indications for hospitalization of concussion
GCS < 15
Seizures
Bleeding diathesis
Abnormal CT
Inv for concussion
Neurological exam
Neurocognitive assessment
+/-
Skull Xray
CT
MRI
Tx of concussion
Observe for 24 h in all pts
If any loss of consciousness/oersistent symptoms, -> ED
Early rehabilitation (PT, OT, SLP, vestibular therapy, driving, therapeutic recreation)
Meds for headache, pain, depression
CBT
Relaxation therapy
Post-concussion syndrome
Dizziness
Headache
Neuropsychiatric symptoms
Cognitive impairment
Resolves within weeks to months
Post-traumatic headache starts within
7 d
Post-traumatic epilepsy
2% prevalence
Not prevented by prophylactic anticonvulsants
Frontotemporal NCD features
Behavioral variant(more common):
Behavioral disinhibition
Apathy or inertia
Loss of sympathy/empathy
Preservative, stereotyped or compulsive/ritualistic behavior
Hyperorality and dietary changes (binge eating, increased consumption of alcohol/cigarette, inedible objects)
Language variant:
Decline in language ability (speech production, word finding, object naming, grammar, word comprehension)
Location of lesion in hemiballismus
Vascular lesion of the contralateral subthalamic nucleus
DDx of resting tremor
PD
parkinsonism
Wilson
Mercury poisoning
DDx of Action-postural tremor
Physiologic Essential Hyperthyroidism Hypoglycemia Heavy metal poisoning CO poisoning Drug toxicity Sedative/alcohol withdrawal
DDx for Action-Intention tremor
Cerebellar disorders Wilson MS AED Alcohol Sedatives
Tx of resting tremor
Carbidopa-levodopa
Surgery
DBS
Tx of postural tremor
Propranolol
Primidone
Topiramate
AED
Tx of intention tremor
Treat underlying cause
Hiccup movement disorder
Physiologic myoclonus
Infectious disease with myoclonus
CJD
AIDS-Dementia
Inv in young pt with tremor
TSH
Ceruloplasmin
CT/MRI
…
Most common cause of chorea
Drug therapy for PD (L-dopa)
RFs for PD
FHx
Male
Head injury
Rural living
Exposure to certain neurotoxins
Protective factors against PD
Coffee
Smoking
NSAIDs
Estrogen replacement in post-menopausal women
Location of pathology in PD
Decreased dopaminergic neurons in pars compacta of substantia nigra
Speech in PD
Aprosody (monotonus)
Hypophonia
Dysarthria
Writing in PD
Micrographia
Gait in PD
Shuffling
Decreased arm swing
Freezing of gait
Postural instability (late)
Bradyphrenia
Slow to think or respond
Seen in PD
Tx of Parkinson’s disease
Mainstay:
levodopa/carbidooa
Or
Levodopa/benserazide
Early:
dopamine agonist
Amantadine
MAOI
Adjunct: Dopamine agonists MAOI Anticholinergics (esp if tremor) COMT inhibitors
Surgical Tx for PD
Thalamotomy
Pallidotomy
DBS
Psychiatric treatment for PD
SSRIs
(First line)
TCA (fall risk, cognitive impairment, worsening symptoms of PD)
Progressive supranuclear palsy
Parkinsonian disorder with limited vertical gaze (downgaze more specific)
Early falls
Corticobasal syndrome
Unilateral parkinsonism
Alien limb
Multiple system atrophy (Shy-Drager)
Cerebellar or parkinsonian symptoms
+ early autonomic dysfunction
Vascular parkinsonism
Multi-infarct presentation
Gait instability
Lower body Parkinsonism
Tremor less likely
Dopamine agonist vs Levodopa for PD
Dopamine agonists have:
Fewer motor side effects
Worse symptom control
Increased other side effects
Atypical parkinsonism features (consider other diagnoses)
Poor response to levodopa
Abrupt onset of symptoms
Rapid progression
Early falls
Early autonomic dysfunction
Symmetric symptoms at onset
Early age of onset (<50y)
Early cognitive impairment
FHx of psychiatric/dementing disorders
Recent diagnosis of psychiatric disease
Hx of encephalitis
Unusual toxin exposure
Extensive travel Hx
Huntington disease
Heredity: AD
Pathology: accumulation of abnormal protein in neurons. Global cerebral atrophy
Onset: 35-44 yr
Symptoms of huntington
Insidious Clumsiness Fidgetiness Irritability Progression Psychosis, NCD, chorea Depression, impulsivity, bouts of violence
Chorea in huntington disease
Movement of eyebrows and shoulders
Progression to dance-like ballism
Dystonia, rigidity in late stages
Inv for Huntington
MRI:
Atrophy of cerebral cortex and caudate nucleus.
Enlarged ventricles
Genetic testing (CAG repeat in HTT gene on chromosome 4)
Tx of Huntington
No disease altering Tx
Psychiatric Sx: anti drpressant, anti paychotic
Chorea: neuroleptic, BDZ
Dystonia: botulinum toxin
Most common movement disorders
PD > essential tremor > dystonia
Dystonia
Co-contraction of agonist-antagonist muscles
Factors exacerbating/ relieving dystonia
Exacerbation:
Fatigue
Stress
Emotion
Relief:
Sleep
Specific tactile/proprioceptive stimuli
Poor prognostic factors for dystonia
Young age
Leg dystonia
Tx of dystonia
Local meds: botulinum toxins
Systemic meds: Benztropine (anticholi) Baclofen ( muscle relaxant) BDZ Dopamine depletors (tetrabenazine) Dopamine (for dopa-responsive dystonia)
Surgical: Denervation of affected muscle Stereotactic thalatomy Posteroventrsl pallidotomy DBS
Criteria for tic
Present for an extended period of time
Onset before 18
Not attributable to substance effect/ medical condition
Tic types
Tourette syndrome:
Both motor and vocal tics for more than 1 yr
Persistent motor/vocal tic disorder (not both) more than 1 yr
Provisional tic disorder: less than 1 yr
Secondary tic disorder: trauma, CJD, encephalitis, drugs, Sydenham, mental retardation syndromes.
Tic Tx
Dopamine blocker
Dopamine depletor
Clonidine
Clonazepam
DBS
Tourette Syndrome
Both multiple motor and one or more vocal tics (not necessarily concurrently)
May wax and wane
Can be suppressed voluntarily.
Preceded by unpleasant sensation
> 1yr
No tic-free period for more than 3 mo
Onset before 18 (4-6 yr)
Not due to substance/ medical condition
M>F
Associated with: OCD, ADHD, rages, sleep-wake disturbances, learning disabilities
50% tic-free by 18
Cerebellar dysfunction symptoms
Nystagmus (gaze evoked)
Dysarthria (scanning/slurred speech)
Ataxia: broad based, uncoordinated, lurching
Dysmetria
Dysdiachokinesia
Postural instability: truncal ataxia, titubation, difficulty with tandem
Intention tremor
Hypotonia
Pendular patellar/triceps reflex
Rebound phenomenon (overcorrection of displaced limb)
Hypometric/hypermetric saccades
Which part of brain is affected in Wernicke-Korsakof?
Cerebellum
Friedrich ataxia
Gait ataxia
Limb ataxia
Weakness
Areflexia
Extensor plantar reflex
Impaired proprioception and vibration
Dysarthria
Cardiomyopathy
Kyphoscoliosis
Spinocerebellar ataxia
AD
Ataxia
Dysarthria
Chorea
Polyneuropathy
Pyramidal Sx
Extrapyramidal Sx
Dementia
CAG repeats (most common type)
ALS pathology site
Anterior horn cells of spinal cord
Cranial nerve nuclei
Corticospinal tract
ALS Sx
UMN and LMN
Dysarthria
Dysphagia
Tongue atrophy and fasciculation
Facial weakness and atrophy
Pseudobulbar affect
Frontotemporal dementia
Sparing of: sensation, ocular muscles, bowel, bladder, fasciculation
Inv for ALS
EMG:
Chronic denervation and re-innervation
Fasciculation
NCS:
R/O peripheral neuropathy
CT/MRI:
R/O cord disease/compression
Interventions in ALS which can extend survival
Riluzole
BiPAP
Tx of ALS
Riluzole (slows disease progression)
For spasticity/cramping:
Baclofen, tizanidine, regular exercise, PT
Sialorrhea:
TCA, sublingual atropine, parotid/submandibular botox
Pseudobulbar affect:
Dextrometorphan/quinidine, TCA, SSRI
Non-pharmacologic: High caloric diet, ventilatory support (BiPAP) Early nutritional support Rehabilitation Psychosocial support
Red flags inconsistent with ALS
Sensory Sx
Predominant pain
Bowel/bladder incontinence
Cognitive impairment
Ocular muscle weakness
Progressive muscular atrophy
Only LMN Sx
Later onset than ALS
Primary muscular atrophy
UMN
later onset than ALS
Not fatal
Spinal muscular atrophy
Pediatric
Symmetric LMN
Infection DDx of ALS
Post-Polio syndrome
West Nile
Diabetic neuropathies
Peripheral neuropathy:
Glove and stocking pattern (pain, numbness)
Autonomic: Anhidrosis, Orthostatic hypotension Impotence, Gastroparesis, Bowel/bladder dysfunction
Mononeuropathy multiplex:
Infarct, compression
Cranial neuropathy: CN III (pupil sparing) > IV > VI
Lumbosacral plexopathy
Pattern of poly neuropathy
Stocking-glove sensorymotor deficit
Symmetrical
Diseases affecting longer fibers first
DDx:
DM, Renal disease, substances, toxins, genetics, SLE, HIV, leprosy, alcohol, B12 deficiency, uremia
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Chronic
Relapsing
Sensory motor
Increased CSF protein
Demyelination
Fluctuating course
Tx:
1st line: prednisone
Others: plasmaphresis, IVIG, azathioprine
Inv for polyneuropathy
Glucose
B12 level with metabolites
SPEP
Serum protein immunofixation
The most common antecedent infection in GBS
Campylobacter jejuni
GBS
Acute
Rapidly evolving
Demyelinating
Inflammatory. (AI attack to myeline)
Polyradiculoneuropathy
Starts in the distal lower limbs and ascends
GBS Sx
Sensory:
Distal symmetric paresthesias
Loss of proprioception and vibration sense
Neuropathic pain
Motor:
Weakness. Starting distally in legs. Areflexia.
Autonomic:
Blood pressure dysregulation
Arrhythmias
Bladder dysfunction
Inv for GBS
EMG/NCV:
Conduction block
Slowing (motor > sensory)
Sural sparing
Tx of GBS
IVIG
Plasmaphresis
Pain management
Monitor vital signs and vital capacity
Course of GBS
Peak: in 2-3 weeks
Resolution: 4-6 weeks
Miller-Fischer
Variant of GBS
Ophthalmoplegia
Ataxia
Areflexia
Fatigability test
Holding the arms out
Holding the gaze in the upward position
Improves with: rest, ice
Myasthenia gravis pathogenesis
AI against AChR or Musk (anti-AChR or anti-Musk Ab)
15% thymic neoplasm
85% thymus hyperplasia
MG age of onset
F: 20s
M: 60s
MG Sx
Symmetric/Asymmetric proximal weakness
Fatigable
No reflex changes
No sensory changes
No anticholinergic Sx
No coordination abnormality
Diplopia/prosis (ocular)
Dysarthria/dysphagia (bulbar)
Respiratory muscle weakness
Factors exacerbating MG
Infection
Pregnancy
Menses
Various drugs
Inv for MG
Edrophonium (Tensilon) test
EMG (decremental response on repeating)
Spirometry (use forced vital capacity to follow adequacy of respiratory efforts)
Anti-AChR (70-80 % sensitivity). If negative, Anti-MuSK
CT/MRI for thymoma/thymic hyperplasia
Tx of MG
Thymectomy
Acetylcholine esterase inhibitor: pyridostigmine. (Symptomatic relief)
Mainstay: steroids.
Others: AZA, CyP, MMF (adjunct. Steroid sparing)
For crisis:
IVIG, plasmaphresis
Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome pathogenesis
AI
Ab against presynaptic voltage-gated Ca channels
Decreased ACh release at the NMJ
50-66% associated with SCC of the lung
Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome Sx
Weakness, esp proximal lower
No sensory Sx
No coordination Sx
Reflexes: diminished or absent
Reflexes increase after active muscle contraction
Bulbar Sx, Ocular Sx (less often than MG)
Autonomic symptoms (anti-cholinergic), esp dry mouth
Fatigability
Inv for Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome
Edrophonium test: no response
EMG: incremental response to repetitive stimulation
Screen for malignancy
Tx of Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome
Tumor removal
3,4-diaminopyridine
Pyridostigmine
Steroids
Plasmaphresis
IVIG
Most common form of botulism
Infantile
Honey or corn syrup ingestion
Botulism Sx
Onset: 6-48 h after ingestion
CN paralysis: Ptosis Extraocular muscle weakness Dilated, poorly reactive pupils Dysarthria Ja weakness Dysphagia
Autonomic dysfunction: Nausea Orthostatic hypotension Constipation Bladder distention
Anticholinergic:
Dry mouth…
Symmetric weakness, paralysis
DTR: absent/decreased
Pattern of paresis in botulism
Starts with GI symptoms
Then extraocular muscles
Then dysphagia
Then limbs and resporatory
All associated with dry mouth
Inv for botulism
Blood test for toxin
Stool culture
CT/MRI to R/O stroke, lesion
Tx of botulism
Anti-toxin
Supportive
Bx of different myositis
Polymyositis: endomysial infiltrate
Dermatomyositis: perifascicular atrophy
Inclusion body myositis: inclusion body
Endocrinopathies causing myopathy
Hypo/hyperthyroidism
Hypo/hyperparathyroidism
Cushing
Key feature of inclusion body myositis
Weakness of quadriceps and deep finger flexors
Critical pt myopathy
ICU
Hx of steroids/nom-depolarizing paralyzing agent
Bx: selective loss of myosin
Meds causingmyopathy
Steroids Statins Anti-retrovirals Thyroxine Fibrates Cyclosporine Ipecac
Ethanol
Cocaine
Heroin
McArdle myopathy
Herditary metabolic
Exercise-related myalgia, cramping, myoglobinuria
Increase lactate
Increased serum/urine myoglobin
(Post-exercise)
Most common adult muscular dystrophy
Myotonic dystrophy
Myotonic dystrophy
AD
unstable CTG repeats (number correlates with severity)
Myotonic dysthrophy Sx
Ptosis
Bifacial weakness
Frontal baldness
Triangular face (drooping/dull appearance)
Pattern if weakness in myotonic dystrophy
Distal weaker than proximal
Steppage gait
Delayed relaxation of muscle after exertion
Myotonia test: tapping on tenar muscles with hammer
Cardiac conduction defect in 90%
Hypoventilation 2° to muscle weakness
Subcapsular cataract
Retinal degeneration
Decreased intraocular pressure
DM, infertility, testicular atrophy
Inv for myotonic dystrophy
EMG
Myotonic dystrophy Tx
No cure
Progressive
Death around 50
Phenytoin for myotonia
Adjuvant treatments for pain
TCA SSRI AED: gabapentin, pregabalin, carbamazepine Baclophen Phenoxybenzamine Clonidine
Mx of neuropathic pains
Treat underlying
1st line:
Gabapentinoids, TCA, SNRI
2nd line:
Tramadol, opioid analgesics
3rd line:
Cannabinoids
4th line: Topical lidocaine (2nd line for PHN) Methadone Lamotrigine Locasamide Tapentadol Botulinum toxin
Non-pharma:
CBT, psychotherapy, PT
Trigeminal neuralgia territory
V3 > V2»_space; V1
F> M
Middle aged, elderly
Etiology of Trigeminal neuralgia
Idiopathic
Compression by tortuous blood vessels (SCA)
CPA tumor
MS
Secondary causes more likely if: bilateral or sensory loo
Inv for Trigeminal neuralgia
1st line:
Carbamazepine
Oxcarbazepine
2nd line:
Baclofen
Lamotrigine
Surgery if resistant
Distribution of PNH
Thoracic, trigeminal, cervical > lumbar > sacral
Pathogenesis of PHN
Destruction of sensory ganglion neurons (dorsal root, trigeminal, geniculate)
RFs for developing PHN
Older age
Greater acute pain
Greater rash severity
Prevention of PHN
Varicella vaccine in childhood
Herpes zoster vaccine after 60
Tx of PHN
TCA Pregabalin Gabapentin Opiates Lidocaine patch Intrathecal methylprednisolone Topical capsaicin
Surgical
Early treatment of zoster with antivirals
CS does not decrease PHN
Pain in DM. First thing toconsider?
Is pain neuropathic or vascular)
Neuropathic: present at rest, improved with walking, sharp/tingling, more in feet than calves
Tx of diabetic neuropathic pain
Level A: pregabalin
Level B: venlafaxine, duloxetine, amitriptyline, gabapentin, valproate, opioids, capsaicin
Complex regional pain syndrome Sx
An initiating noxious event (MI, stroke)
Disproportionate pain, allodynia, hyperalgesia
Edema, changes in skin blood flow, abnormal vasomotor activity, osteoporosis, hyperhidrosis, hair loss, fascial thickening
Types of CRPS
Type I: minor injuries of limb or lesions in remote body areas precede onset of pain (reflex sympathetic dystrophy)
Type II: injury of peripheral nerves precedes the onset of syndrome
Inv for CRPS
Trial of differential neuronal blockade
Autonomic testing (sympathetic dysfunction)
Bone scan
Plain Xray
MRI
Tx of CRPS
Goal: to facilitate function
Education
Support groups
PT/OT
Smoking cessation
Topical capsaicin TCA NSAIDs CS/lidocain injection in tender points Gabapentin/ pregabalin/lamotrigine Calcitonin Bisphosphonates Oral CS
Surgery
Pain management clinic
Headache red flags
New-onset headache
Quality worse/different than previous headaches
Sudden and severe (thunderclap)
Immunocompromised
Fever
Focal neurological deficits
Trauma
Papilledema
Altered LOC
meningismus
Tension headache Sx
F>M
Worse in PM
Bilateral frontal/ Nuchal-occipital
Band-like, constant
Triggers: depression, anxiety, noise, hunger, sleep deprivation
Relieved with rest
Tx of tension headache
Psychological counseling
Physical modalities (heat, massage)
Simple analgesics
TCA
Migraine Sx
F>M
FHx +++
Unilateral > bilateral
Fronto-temporal
N/V, photo/phonophobia, aura
Worse in PM
Throbbing
Triggers: noise/light, caffeine/alcohol, hunger, stress, sleep deprivation/excess, chocolate, tyramine, nitrite, hormonal changes
Relief with: rest
Acute Tx of migraine
ASA
NSAIDs
Triptans
Ergotamine
Prophylaxis for migraine
TCA
AED (valproate, topiramate)
Propranolol
Cluster headache Sx
M>F
FHx +
Retro-orbital
Early AM or late PM
Wakes from sleep
Worse with light, EtOH
Palliation with: walking around
Red watery eye, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, unilateral horner
Tx of acute cluster headache
O2
Sumatriptan (nasal, injection)
Prophylaxis for cluster headache
Verapamil
Lithium
Methylsergide
Prednisolone
Headache with Horner
Cluster
Headache worse by caffeine
Migraine
Headache worse By EtOH
Cluster
Headache worse by hunger
Migraine
Tension
Headache prevented by prednisolone
Cluster
Headache prevented by lithium
Cluster
Headache prevented by TCA
Migraine
Tension
Headache due to meningeal irritation is worse in which time of the day?
AM
Provoked by: head movement
Drugs triggering migraine
Estrogen
Nitroglycerin
Migraine aura
Fully reversible
Focal cerebral dysfunction
Lasts < 60 min
Waking state characteristics
EEG: Alpha wave (high frequency, low voltage)
EOG:rapid, blinking
Muscle tone: high
Stage N1 sleep characteristics
EEG: alpha < 50% + slow wave
EOG: slow, roving
Muscle tone: High, gradually droping
Stage N2 sleep characreristic
EEG: K complex. Sleep spindles
EOG: still
Muscle tone: high
Stage N3 sleep characteristics
EEG: Delta waves (low frequency, high voltage)
EOG: still
Homeostatic sleep.
Reduced BP, HR, CO, RR.
Growth hormone release.
REM characteristics
EEG: sawtooth, mixed frequencies, low voltage
EOG: rapid eye movement
Muscle tone: very low
Irregular respiration
Arrhythmias
Heart rate variation
Classical dreaming state
Dreaming happens in which state of sleep?
REM
Effect of BDZ in sleep
Reduce slow wave sleep
Effect of antidepressants (TCA, SSRI, MAOI) on sleep
Prolong REM latency
Reduce REM
Effect of alcohol on sleep
Hastens sleep onset
Associated with increased arousals
Etiology of RLS/PLMS
Central (spasticity)
Peripheral (radiculopathy, plexopathy)
Pregnancy
Iron deficiency
Alcohol use
B12 deficiency?
Tx of RLS/PLMS
Remove underlying (iron, B12)
1st line: dopaminergic agonists
Clonazepam (causes tachyphylaxis)
Opioids (exceptional curcumstances)
DO NOT USE: levodopa/carbidopa (worsens)
Narcolepsy Sx
Narcolepsy
Cataplexy
Sleep paralysis
Hypnogogic hallucination
Onset of narcolepsy
Adolescence/early adulthood
Lifelong
Etiology of narcolepsy
AI attack on orexin/hypocretin system
MS
Head trauma
Hypothalamic tumors
Familial
Dx of narcolepsy
Hx
Sleep latency test: short sleep latency < 8 min
REM within 15 min of sleep onset
Tx of narcolepsy
Sleep hygiene
Scheduled brief naps
Restricted driving
Alerting agents: modafinil
Stimulants: methylphenidate
Anticataplectic:
TCA, SSRI, sodium oxybate
In elderly REM sleep behavior disorder may be associated with
PD
In children, slow wave sleep arousal may be associated with
Sleep disordered breathing
Amaurosus fugax
Transients monocular painless vision loss (TIA)
Hypertensive encephalopathy Sx
BP > 200/130
Abnormal fundoscopic exam: Papilledema Exudate Cotton wool Hemorrhage
Focal neurological symptoms
N/V
Visual disturbances
Change in LOC
Stroke mechanism in pts with chronic DM or HTN
Small vessel/lacunar
Due to vessel wall thickening
Mainly small penetrating arteries
Basal ganglia, internal capsule, thalamus
Most common cause of ICH
HTN
Esp in: putamen, thalamus, pons, cerebellum
Cerebral venous thrombosis Sx
Headache
Focal neurological deficit
CN palsies
Seizures
Dx: MRV, CTV
Tx: heparin then warfarin
ACA Stroke symptoms
Contralateral leg paresis/sensory loss
Cognitive deficit: apathy, confusion, poor judgment
MCA stroke Sx
If proximal:
Contralateral weakness/sensory loss of face and arm
Cortical sensory loss
Contralateral homonymous hemi/quadrantanopia
Aphasia (if dominant hemisphere)
Neglect (if non-dominant hemisphere)
Eye deviation towards the side of lesion
PCA stroke
Contralateral hemi/quadrantanopsia
Midbrain findings:
CN III, CN IV palsy
Pupillary changes
Hemiparesis
Thalamic findings:
Sensory loss
Amnesia
Decreased level of consciousness
If bilateral:
Cortical blindness
Prosopagnosia
Hemibalismus
PICA stroke Sx
Lateral medullary or Wallenberg syndrome
Ipsilateral ataxia Ipsilateral Horner Ipsilateral facial sensory loss Contralateral limb pain and temperature impairment Nystagmus Vertigo N/V Dysphagia Dysarthria Hiccup
Basilar artery stroke Sx
Proximal: Impaired EOM Vertical nystagmus Reactive myosis Hemi/quadriplegia Dysarthria Locked-In syndrome Coma
Distal:
Somnolence
Memory/behavior abnormalities
Oculomotor defect
Medial medullary infarct Sx
Anterior spinal artery
Contralateral hemiparesis (facial sparing)
Contralateral impaired proprioception/vibration
Ipsilateral tongue weakness
Lacunal infarcts
Posterior limb of internal capsule:
Pure motor hemiparesis: contralateral arm, leg, face
Ventral thalamic:
Pure sensory loss: hemisensory loss
Ventral pons or internal capsule:
Ataxic hemiparesis: Ipsilateral ataxia and leg paresis
Ventral pons or genu of internal capsule:
Dysarthria, facial weakness, dysphagia, mild hand weakness/clumsiness
Inv for stroke
Capillary glucose
Non contrast CT
ECG
Carotid doppler, echocardiogram
CBC, lytes, Cr, blood glucose, lipid profile, PTT/INR
+/- MR/CT angio
CT Findings in stroke
Loss of white-gray differentiation
Sulcal effacement
Hypodensity of paranchyma
Insular ribbon sign
Hyperdense MCA sign
Acute stroke management
ABC
V/S monitoring
Capillary glucose
rtPA within 4.5 h of ischemic stroke
Anti-platelet:
At presentation, if rtPA not given
After 24 h, if rtPA given
Anti-coagulant:
If AF and rtPA not received. IV heparin. Then warfarin.
Early thrombectomy if large artery occlusion of the proximal anterior occlusion
Hyperglycemia in stroke
Can increase infarct size.
Avoid hyperglycemia
Stroke and fever
Think septic amboli
Lower temperature
Stroke and dysphagia
NPO
Bed bound stroke pt
DVT Px
Stroke and HTN
DO NOT LOWER BP
D/C anti-hypertensives for 48-72 h
Tx if: BP > 220/120 Acute MI Renal failure Aortic dissection
1st line: IV labetalol
Contraindications to rtPA
Improving Sx Minor Sx Seizure at stroke onset Recent major surgery or trauma (within 14 d) Recent GI/urinary hemorrhage (within 21 d) Recent LP Recent arterial puncture at non-compressible site PMHx of ICH Sx of SAH/MI/pericarditis Pregnancy sBP > 185 dBP > 110 Aggressive Tx to decrease BP Uncontrolled serum glucose Thrombocytopenia Hemorrhage or mass on CT High INR or aPTT
Etiological Dx
Critical for secondary prevention
MRI
CTA/MRA
Echo
Holter
Prevention of ischemic stroke with anti-platelet therapy
Primary prevention:
No firm evidence in low-risk pt without prior history
Secondary prevention:
Initial choice: ASA
if ineffective or contra: aggrenox, clopidogrel
Prevention of ischemic stroke in pt with carotid stenosis
Primary prevention (asymptomatic pt): Carotid endarterectomy controversial
Secondary prevention:
Clearly beneficial in symptomatic pts with severe stenosis 70-90%
Less beneficial for moderate stenosis (50-69%)
Prevention of ischemic stroke in pt with AFib
CHADS2
0: antiplatelet
1: antiplatelet or anticoagulation
2 and higher: anticoagulation
Warfarin (INR 2-3), Factor X inhibitor, dabigatran
Prevention of ischemic stroke in pt with HTN
Primary prevention:
Target: < 140/90. If DM or renal disease, < 130/80. If high risk pt, < 120.
ACEI
Secondary prevention:
ACEI and thiazide
Prevention of ischemic stroke in pt with hypercholestrolemia
Primary:
Statin if CAD or high risk of CAD
Secondary:
Statin- high dose
Prevention of ischemic stroke in pt with DM
HbA1C < 7%
FBS 4-7
Prevention of ischemic stroke in pt with smoking
Primary prevention:
Increases risk in a dose dependent manner
Secondary:
Smoking cessation declines risk of stroke to baseline within 2-5 years
Prevention of ischemic stroke with physical activity
Dose-related benefit
Stroke rehab
Dysphagia assessment, dietary modification
Communication rehab
Cognitive/psychological assessment
Exercise programs
Assessment of ambulation
Assistive devices, splints, braces
Vocational rehab
Inv for ICH
General inv
+
LP (if suspect SAH but normal CT)
Cerebral angiogram (if suspect aneurism, AVM)
If typical location for hypertensive hemorrhage, repeat CT in 4-6 wko
Tx of cerebral hemorrhage
Lower BP with IV meds to 140-160 systolic
ICP lowering if indicated
The most common form of MS
Relapsing-remitting
Benign MS
Retrospective Dx
Made after 15 years
Mild disease with no evidence of worsening (functional, MRI)
Devic’s variant of MS
Neuromyelitis optica
Severe optic neuritis
+
Extensive transverse myelitis extending > 3 vertebral segments
Ab positive
Clinically isolated syndrome
Single MS-like episode
May progress to MS
Early Tx with IFN may delay potential second attack
Tumefactive MS
Solitary lesion > 2 cmm
Mimicking neoplasm on MRI
Fulminant MS
Rapidly progressive and fatal
Severe axonal damage, inflammation and necrosis
Pediatric MS
Before 18
Rare
Presentation:
Isolated optic neuritis
Isolated brainstem syndrome
Symptoms of encephalopathy
Relapsing-remitting course
MS etiologies
HLA DRB1
Less sun exposure
Low Vit D levels
Certain viruses (EBV)
Dx for RRMS
Dissemination in time
Dissemination in space
Lhermitte’s sign indicates
Cervical cord lesion
Uhthoff’s phenomenon
Worsening of symptoms in heat
Symptoms Not commonly found in MS
Visual field defect
Aphasia
Apraxia
Progressive hemiparesis
Higher disease activity of MS during its course
1st year
Inv for MS
MRI:
Demyelinating plaque= hyperintense lesion on T2
Active lesions enhance with gadolinium
Dawson fingers
Cranial MRI more sensitive than spinal MRI
CSF:
Oligoclonal bands. Increased Ig G
Evoked potentials (visual/auditory/somatosensory):
Delayed but well-preserved wave forms
Typical locations of lesions on MRI
Periventricular
Corpus callosum
Cerebellar peduncles
Brain stem
Juxtacortical
Dorsolateral spinal cord
Acute Tx of MS
Methylprednisolone 1000/ d IV x 3-7 d
If poor response, plasma exchange
Chronic Tx of MS
Disease modifying therapy:
1st line: Teriflunomide Interferon-B Glatiramer acetate BG-12
2nd line:
Natalizumab
Fingolimod
No proven efficacy for PPMS, SPMS
Symptomatic Tx of MS
Spasticity:
Baclofen, dantrolene, BDZ, botulinum toxin
Bladder dysfunction:
Oxybutinin
Pain:
TCA, carbamazepine, gabapentin
Fatigue:
Amantadine, modafinil, methylphenidate
Depression:
Anti-depressant, lithium
Constipation:
High fiber intake, stool softener, laxatives
Sexual dysfunction:
Sildenafil
Education
Counseling
Good prognostic factors for MS
F Young Presenting with optic neuritis Low burden on MRI Low rate of relapse early in disease
PPMS: poor prognosis, higher disability rate, poor response to Tx
MS med with risk of PML
Natalizumab
Esp if:
Positive anti-JC Ab
Lengthy treatment with natalizumab
Prior use of immunosuppresant