Neuro Core Conditions Flashcards
What is a TIA?
Brief episode of neuroscience dysfunction caused by focal/retinal ischaemia with symptoms lasting less than 1hour
What are the causes of a TIA?
Large artery atherosclerosis (CAD)
Small vessel disease
Embolism from cardiac source (AF)
What are the symptoms of an anterior circulation TIA?
Amaurosis Fugax
Dysphasia/dysarthria
Weakness of CT side
Sensory loss of CT side
What are the symptoms of an posterior circulation TIA?
Diplopia
Bilateral motor/sensory deficits
Vertigo
Cortical blindness
What risk scoring system is used when assessing stroke risk after a TIA?
ABCD2 A- Age >60 B- BP >140s >90d C- Unilateral weakness, speech impairment with no weakness, other D- Duration: >60mins, 10-59mins, <10mins D- Diabetes High risk Score: 6-7 Crescendo TIA: >2 TIAs in a week treated as high risk regardless
If someone has a moderate/high ABCD2 score what should be done?
Aspirin 300mg daily
Specialist assessment, investigation (brain imaging) & secondary prevention
Within 24hours
What investigations should be carried out for a suspected TIA?
Bloods: FBC, U&E, Glucose, Lipid profile, LFTs
ECG
Imaging: Carotid & brain (MRI)- within 24hours
What is the treatment of TIA?
Stenosis: Carotid endarterectomy within 7days IF: TIA in carotid territory & not severely disabled
Clopidogrel 300mg loading, then 75mg daily
Atorvastatin 20-80mg daily
Secondary prevention: Aspirin
Lifestyle modification
What are the causes of a SAH?
Rupture of aneurysm 80%
AV malformation
Trauma
Infection: Meningitis, endocarditis
What are the risk factors of SAH?
Autosomal dominant PCKD
Cocaine use
Elastic lamina
CT disorders (M, ED)
What is the pathophysiology of an SAH?
Berry: Within the circle of willis, symptoms due to pressure on structures or rupture
AVM: Fistula between artery and vein causing high flow through AVM & high pressure arterialisation of draining veins
Cavernous haemangioma: Tangle of low pressure dilated vessels without a major feeding artery
What are the signs & symptoms of an SAH?
Sudden explosive thunderclap occipital headache Decreased consciousness Hemiparesis Neck stiffness \+ve Kernig's sign Papilloedema
What are the symptoms of a sentinel bleed from an SAH?
Small leaks from aneurysm/expansion Headache Dizziness Orbital pain Diplopia & visual loss
What are the investigations for an SAH?
CT
Angiography
LP- CI in Raised ICP
CSF exam- Xanthochromia
What are the complications of an SAH?
Vasospasm-TIA/Stroke
Brain oedema
Secondary acute hydrocephalus
Re-bleeding