Neurologic Disorders Flashcards
What are the treatment goals in seizure and epilepsy?
Appropriately manage the first seizure.
Prevent seizure recurrence.
Prevent or minimize s/e of anti-epileptic drugs
Optimize quality of life
Choose the best definition of epilepsy:
a) one episode of a provoked seizure that was sustained.
b) 2 unprovoked seizures occurring within 24hrs.
c) 2 unprovoked seizures occurring outside of 24hrs.
d) seizure following recreational drug use.
c) 2 unprovoked seizures occurring outside of 24hrs.
Of the four types of generalized seizures, which two almost always start in childhood?
a) tonic clonic and absence
b) myoclonic and tonic clonic
c) absence and myoclonic
d) atonic and absence
e) all of the above
d) atonic and absence
What is the drug of choice for absence seizures in childhood?
a) valproic acid
b) phenobarbital
c) ethosuximide
d) lamatrogine
c) ethosuximide
T/F Many patients do not require anti epileptic drugs after their first seizure.
True
T/F Always withhold benzodiazepines in the acute status epilepticus due to respiratory suppression.
False
Which of the following statements is TRUE about prescribing principles in anti-epileptic drugs?
a) Titer the first drug choice up quickly to prevent further seizure activity.
b) Add a second drug soon after the first if a moderate dose hasn’t prevented seizures.
c) Titer the first drug up at a fraction of the recommended dose to avoid s/e.
d) Multiple anti-seizure medications tend to work better than single med.
c) Titer the first drug up at a fraction of the recommended dose to avoid s/e.
- What nutritional supplement should pregnant women medicated with anti-epileptic drugs take?
a) folic acid
b) copper
c) multivitamin
d) vitamin K
a) folic acid
What are common side effects of anti-epileptic drugs?
Sedation, fatigue, cognitive impairment, dizziness and ataxia
Name 4 primary drugs for generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
Carbamazepine
Lamotrigine
Phenytoin
Valproic acid
Which of the following migraine prophylaxis medications should NOT be prescribed for an asthmatic child?
a) Flunarizine
b) Propranolol
c) Amitriptyline
d) Pizotifen
B. All of the above agents are used for migraine prophylaxis in children but, since nonselective beta-blockers can cause bronchospasm, propranolol should be avoided in this patient (page 232, CTC 7th edn)
JM is a 15-year old patient on eletriptan for migraine headaches. Which of the following could safely be given to this patient?
a) Ibuprofen
b) Escitalopram
c) Clarithromycin
d) Ketoconazole
e) Sumatriptan
A. This patient could take ibuprofen safely. Escitalopram is an SSRI, and triptans should be used with caution with these agents as well, there are concerns about increased suicidality when using an antidepressant in children. Eletriptan is contraindicated within 72 hours of CYP3A4 inhibitors (clarithromycin and ketoconazole). One triptan should not be taken within 24 hours of another triptan.
When treating neuropathic pain, which of the following is TRUE:
a) First-line agents are amitriptyline, gabapentin and pregabalin
b) Artificial saliva mouth spray cannot be given with amitriptyline if the patient experiences dry mouth
c) Gabapentin has no significant interactions with common over the counter medications like ibuprofen, cough and cold remedies or antacids
d) A stool softener should not be given with opioids and amitriptyline
e) Codeine is not a good choice for treating severe pain
A. TCAs (amitriptyline) cause dry mouth due to their anticholinergic effects and artificial saliva is a good option. Both opioids and TCAs cause constipation and, since these agents will be used on a regular basis, a stool softener or other laxative should be given as a preventive measure (page 262 CTC, 7th edn). Amitriptyline is standard therapy for neuropathic pain, but gabapentin and pregabalin are alternative first-line agents. The bioavailability of gabapentin is reduced by OTC antacids; since this agent causes GI upset, concomitant use of these agents should be avoided. Codeine is a poor choice for treatment of severe pain because conversion of codeine to morphine in the liver can be unreliable, leading to adverse effects or poor pain control (page 261 CTC, 7th edn).
Which of the following statements regarding the treatment of neuropathic pain is FALSE?
a) Acetaminophen with codeine (Tylenol #3) is a first line treatment for neuropathic pain
b) If patients are too sedated on amitriptyline, nortriptyline may be better tolerated
c) Some patients may obtain better relief of pain with a combination of a TCA (such as
amitriptyline) and a antiepileptic drug (such as gabapentin)
d) If carbamazepine must be used during pregnancy, folate supplementation (5mg/kg) is
recommended
A. Opioid treatment is usually tried as a third line treatment option for people who have significant neuropathic pain refractory to first line agents (Figure 1, page 260 of Therapeutics choices). Nortriptyline is less sedating than amitriptyline and may be a reasonable choice. Combinations therapies such as amitriptyline and gabapentin can have synergistic effects on pain and CBZ is associated with increased risk of neural tube defects (page 262, CTC, 7th edn).
AB, a 35-year old pregnant patient of yours, presents with the Bell’s Palsy symptoms of mild facial weakness of the upper and lower face, ear pain and altered taste which began about 5 days ago and hasn’t worsened since. Which of these statements represents your best response?
a) No treatment is necessary since ~85% of cases resolve without treatment
b) Morphine 10mg q4h prn for the ear pain
c) Acyclovir 400mg 5 times daily for 10 days
d) Prednisone 1mg/kg daily for 5 days, then taper dose for 5 days
A. Up to 85% of cases recover spontaneously without treatment. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen with or without codeine may be used for pain in the first day or two, but more potent agents are not usually needed. Acyclovir is seldom given without prednisone and its’ benefit is not established (page 201, CTC, 7th edn). Prednisone would not be used since treatment is unnecessary for mild weakness that is no longer evolving (Figure 1, page 202, CTC, 7th edn).
Which of the following have been shown to be useful in the treatment of restless legs syndrome?
a) Diphenhydramine b) Caffeine
c) Pramipexole
d) Fluoxetine
e) Alcohol
C. Pramipexole, a dopamine agonist, is one of the drugs of choice in the treatment of restless legs syndrome. All of the other agents have been shown to contribute to its’ symptoms.
MJ is a 27-year old female whose epilepsy is well-controlled on lamotrigine. She and her husband have decided that they are ready to start a family, so she wants to discuss her plans with you. You talk to her about the need for folic acid to prevent any teratogenic effects from the antiepileptic agent and recommend:
a) A multivitamin
b) Folic acid 0.4mg daily
c) Folic acid 10mcg daily
d) Folic acid 5mg daily
D. Women on antiepileptic drugs should receive at least 1mg (up to 5mg) daily starting before conception and during the pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects (bottom of page 306, CTC, 7th edn). All of the other choices would not provide enough folic acid.
When treating fever in children, you have to consider that:
A) Dosing of acetaminophen and ibuprofen should be by age
B) Fever is defined as a rectal temperature consistently over 38oC
C) Acetaminophen is recommended over ibuprofen because it has a larger body of safety data
D) Alcohol is a good sponging agent to reduce fever
B. Dosing of acetaminophen and ibuprofen should be by weight due to size fluctuations in all age groups. Alcohol should never be used as a sponging agent because of the risk that it be absorbed through the skin, inhaled or swallowed. Fever is a symptom and is most commonly an adaptive response to an infection. Temperatures taken from the rectum, mouth or tympanic membrane reflect core temperature and fever is defined as a temperature consistently over 38oC taken rectally or the rectal equivalent.
What are the goals of therapy for Restless Leg Syndrome?
Improve sleep
Improve symptoms and discomfort
Improve function in pts with daytime s/s
Reduce rebound and augmentation with drug therapy.
T/F Restless Leg Syndrome cases usually have a positive family history.
True
Which classes of medications can contribute to Restless Leg Syndrome symptoms?
Antidepressants, antipsychotics, dopamine blocking anti-emetics, sedating antihistamines
What nutrient deficiency is associated with Restless Leg Syndrome ?
a) zinc
b) magnesium
c) potassium
d) iron
e) all of the above
D
Which one of the following is an appropriate pharmacological choice for Restless Leg Syndrome ?
a) SSRI’s
b) Anti-psychotics
c) Dopamine agonists
d) TCA’s
e) Levothyroxine
C
T/F The “rebound” effect of medications refers to the wearing off of effectiveness.
True
What role does iron play in the etiology of Restless Leg Syndrome?
25% - 30% of patients with RLS are iron deficient. Risky times include pregnancy and kidney disease. (editor note: I have also seen RLS multiple times in iron overload).
What is the order of drug therapy in
intermittent Restless Leg Syndrome?
a) ibuprofen, benzodiazepines, opiods
b) massage ,acetominopen, magnesium
c) iron therapy, levodopa, benzos or low potency opiods
d) iron therapy, dopamine agonist, GABA derivative
C
In daily Restless Leg Syndrome (not intermittent) which is the most appropriate therapy? Levodopa/carbidopa or Levodopa alone?
Levodopa/carbidopa
T/F Dopamine agonists are NOT an appropriate choice for long-term therapy of Restless Leg Syndrome
False
T/F GABA derivatives are alternatives to dopamine agonists in chronic persistent Restless Leg Syndrome.
True
Restless Leg Syndrome in pregnancy may be treated safely with the following:
a) iron therapy and clonazepam
b) iron therapy and pramipexole
c) iron therapy and gabapentin
d) iron therapy and folate
D
Which of the following substances can contribute to Restless Leg Syndrome?
a) caffeine
b) nicotine
c) alcohol
d) all of the above
D
Red Flags by condition and drug induced conditions: Epilepsy
CARBAMAZEPINE
Narrow Therapeutic Window
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring * Use Non-SST Tube!!
Drug intx: its levels inc by cimetidine, clarithro/erythro, danazol, diltiazem, felodipine, fluoxamine, fluvoxamine, grapefruit juice, isoniazid, ketconazole, lamotrigine, metronodizole, nefeazodone, phenobarbital, propoxyphene, ritonavir, verapamil and valproate
its levels dec by: phenytoin, phenobarb, St John’s wort, theophylline
It decreases the levels of- BCP by up to 40%, lamotrigine, phenytoin, theophylline, topiramate, valproate and warfarin
Red Flags by condition and drug induced conditions: Epilepsy
PHENYTOIN
Narrow therap window; Therapeutic Drug Monitoring * Use Non-SST Tube!!
● Phenytoin (5-20 mcg/ml – therap. range)
○ Known for its highly variable steady-state. Monitored for poorly controlled seizures.
*INHIBITS BCP
Toxic symptoms – (20, 30, 40mcg/mL: nystagmus, ataxia; disorientation).
S/E are acne, coarse face, gum hypertrophy and hirsustism;
Red Flags by condition and drug induced conditions: Epilepsy
Carbamazepine INTX WITH MACROLIDES
carbamazepine will decrease the level or effect of erythromycin base by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Serious - Use Alternative
S/E= rash, dizziness, hyponatraemia, hair thinning
Red Flags by condition and drug induced conditions: Epilepsy
Sodium Valproate
S/E- tremor, weight gain, hair thinning
Red Flags by condition and drug induced conditions: Epilepsy
Lamotrigine
Rash-SJS
Red Flags by condition and drug induced conditions: Folate
Folate deficiency
Methotrexate, phenytoin, trimethoprim- not safe for 1st trimester
Red Flags by condition and drug induced conditions: Headaches
Headaches
Amitriptyline,
Imipramine
ASA, acetaminophen (frequent use)
Benzodiazepines
Estrogen
Fluoxetine
MAOIs
Metoclopramide
NSAIDS
Nitroglycerine
Sulphonamides
Theophylline
Withdrawal of: Benzodiazepines Caffeine Ergotamine Methysergide, ASA, APAP (±codeine) some antihypertensives
Red Flags by condition and drug induced conditions: Migraines
ERGOT DERIVATIVES
CI in pregnancy, cardiac disorders, HTN, sepsis, PVD, PUD, renal disease, liver disease, or in patients taking potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 (cimetidine, clarithromycin, efavirenz, erythromycin, itra/ketoconazole, ritonavir)
Red Flags by condition and drug induced conditions: Migraines
TRIPTANS
CI in patients with cardiac disorders, sustained HTN, pregnancy, basilar and hemiplegic migraines
ADVERSE EFFECTS- Chest discomfort, fatigue, dizziness, paresthesias, drowsiness, nausea, throat sxs
Red Flags by condition and drug induced conditions: Migraines
INT TRIPTANS
● Do NOT use with ergotamine-containing products, or with MAOIs
● Caution w/SSRIs or SNRIs (↑ risk of SS)
● Do not use triptans w/in 24hrs of another triptan
● **Various specific interactions depending on drug (See Page 221)
Red Flags by condition and drug induced conditions: Migraines
ERGOTS INTX WITH MACROLIDES
erythromycin base will increase the level or effect of ergotamine by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Serious - Use Alternative
Red Flags by condition and drug induced conditions: Parkinsonism
Drug induced Parkinsonism
First and second generation antipsychotics,
Central dopamine blocking anti-emetics eg metoclopramine prochloroperazine.
Red Flags by condition and drug induced conditions: Parkinsonism
L Dopa
S/E: nausea, red urine and other bodily fluids, postural hypotension, dyskinesia, on-off and wearing off effects
Red Flags by condition and drug induced conditions: Restless Leg Syndrome
DRUG INDUCED CAUSES
Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, dopamine blocking anti-emetics, sedating antihistamine (diphenhydramine), Alcohol, Caffeine, Nicotine
What drugs are effective for mild to moderate headache pain but their overuse can cause of h/a?
Acetaminophen, ASA, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen (analgesics)
How do you use nonopioid analgesics to avoid medication-overuse headaches?
Less than 15 days per month
How long do you use opioids and analgesic opioid combination products to avoid medication overuse headaches?
Less than 10 days per month
What drug can you use for acute intractable headache and withdrawal from analgesics?
Dihydroergotamine mesylate (DHE)
What receptors does DHE interact with?
Dopamine and adrenergic receptors
DHE produces dependency. T/F
False
Ergot derivatives may produce rebound H/A if used 10 days per month of more. T/F
True
Where do triptans work?
Serotonin receptors on extracerebral blood vessels and neurons
What is the MOA of triptans?
Prevention of neurogenically sterile inflammatory responses around vessels and vasoconstriction
The fastest onset of action of sumatriptan is in this form
a. subQ inj
b. nasal spray
c. tablets
d. fast-melt tablets
A
The best triptan for severe migrains and acute cluster headache is
a. Almotripatan
b. Eletriptan
c. Frovatriptan
d. Naratriptan
e. Sumatriptan
E
The triptan with the fastest relief is
a. Frovatriptan
b. Naratriptan
c. Rizatriptan
d. Sumatriptan
C
The triptan with the fewest adverse effects
a. Almotripatan
b. Eletriptan
c. Frovatriptan
d. Naratriptan
e. Sumatriptan
A (also approved for children 12-18)
The triptan with the slowest onset of action
a. Almotripatan
b. Eletriptan
c. Frovatriptan
d. Naratriptan
e. Sumatriptan
D
Which triptan is good for moderately severe migraine attack, low tolerance to s/e or high pain recurrence rate and why?
Naratriptan – has lower h/a recurrence rate and near placebo rates of s/e
What are the contraindications for triptans?
Cardiac disorders, sustained hypertension, basilar and hemiplegic migraine
What is the maximum number of days in a month one should use triptans?
9 days (less than 10 days)