NEURO: Part 3 Flashcards
At what level does the spinal cord finish at
L1
Where does the caudal equine start at
L1 and continues into lumbar vertebra
Where are sensory neurone ganglion found
Dorsal root ganglion
Why is analgesia aimed at sensory neurone cell bodies
Have a higher SA
Take up anaesthetics better
What neurones do Epidural anaesthetics give
Sensory block than motor
At what level is an epidural given
Below L1
Why is an epidural given below L1
Allows us to anaesthetise the lower body but maintains brain function (need to keep breathing lol)
Where is the tube for epidural delivery inserted
BELOW L1 outside the dura mater - local anaesthetic is then put into epidural space
Where will the epidural then diffuse to after delivery
To dorsal root ganglion - will stop cell bodies from functioning so no pain felt
Why do we use a blunt needle when delivering an epidural
Do not want it to go into the CSF
What happens if the epidural ends up in the CSF
Will travel up the spine to the brain - respiratory failure
What is the best way to sample CSF
LUMBAR PUNCTURE
At what vertebral levels is lumbar puncture done
L3/4
L4/5
Why is a sharp needle done for a lumbar puncture
Since we want to penetrate the dura and extract CSF plunger to aspirate
What is the role of Nerve conduction Studies
Looks at peripheral nervous system; motor neurone -> root -> nerve -> NMJ -> muscle
Describe the nerve conduction study in sensory function assessment
- AP triggered by electrical stimulation
2. Potential is recorded using sticky electrodes to measure size of response and its speed
Describe the nerve conduction study seen in motor function assessment
- AP triggered causing ACh to be released at the NMJ
- ACh activates ACh receptors on muscle and causes muscle contraction - visible twitch
- Measure size of response and speed
What damage is indicated in small response of nerve conduction
Axon loss
What damage is indicated in slow response of nerve conduction
Demyelination
Role of Electromyography
EMG detects myopathies (pathology of muscle),
Why is an EMG more accurate than NCS in myopathies
NCS will be normal but EMG won’t be
Describe how EMG works
- Uses needle to detect electrical activity of muscle
2. Records activity of individual motor units
Why would we use EMG to look at big motor units
For nerve/motor neurone pathology
Why would we use EMG to look at small motor units
Muscle pathology - myopathy
Can axonal neuropathies be treated
No
Can demyelinating neuropathy be treated
Yes
When can NCS AND EMG be used
Investigate: Focal nerve entrapment Generalised neuropathy Myopathy Motor Neurone disease
When is Electroencephalography used
When looking at brain pathologies (e..g seizures)
What is EEG
Electrodes are placed in specific locations on the scalp
Patient asked to do various things during recording (close eyes, hyperventilate)
Epilepsy
Describe the anatomical location of the brainstem
Posterior fossa with the cerebellum
What separates the cerebrum from the cerebellum
Tentorium
so cerebrum sometimes called superiortentorium and cerebellum inferiortentorium
What structures does the brainstem have to go through to meet the spinal cord
Tectorial hiatus
Foramen magnum
What parts of the skull does the oculomotor nerve run over
Petrous apex of the temporal bone
Under what condition can we get a CN3 palsy
When the CN3 is fractures or inflamed, CN3 can push against the bone
FIXED DILATED PUPIL
Signs of cerebellar syndrome
Ataxia = loss of full control of body movements (limbs not steady)
Nystagmus = rapid eye movements (Ipsilateral)
Deficit is ON SAME SIDE AS CEREBELLAR LESION
Where is the periaqueductal grey located
Floor of the 4th ventricle
What is the role of the brainstem
- Alertness
- Sleep/Wake
- REM + Non-rem sleep
- Resp centre
- CV centre
How many cerebellar peduncles are there
3
Where are the cavernous sinuses located
- Lateral aspect of the body of the sphenoid bone