Neurological Conditions Flashcards
Define Epilepsy
Chronic neurological condition characterised by recurrent seizures
Define Seizure
Transient neurological change due to synchronous hyperexcited neuronal activity
Give 5 causes of unprovoked seizures
Genetic
Structural (eg congenital malformation)
Metabolic
Immune
Infection (HIV)
Describe the pathophysiology of Epilepsy
Due to imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory signals in the brain
High frequency excitable Action Potentials lead to synchronous hyperexcitable activity and propagation to other neurones
Transformed long lasting structural/biochemical changes
Name three risk factors for Epilepsy
Cerebral infections
Family history
Prematurity
How can you classify seizure type?
Area of onset
Awareness
Clinical Features
Describe the subtypes of ‘area of onset’ in epilepsy
Focal (networks of neurones in one hemisphere)
Generalised (affecting both hemispheres)
Focal to Bilateral (Secondary Generalised Seizure)
Describe the subtypes of ‘awareness’ in epilepsy
Fully aware
Impaired Awareness
Only relevant for Partial
Describe the subtypes of ‘Clinical Features’ in epilepsy
Motor (Tonic, Clonic, Myoclonic, Atonic, Spasms)
Non Motor (any sensory/cognitive/emotional dysfunction or generalised absence)
Name four epilepsy classifications
Focal
Generalised
Generalised and Focal
Unknown
Name two Epilepsy Syndromes
West Syndrome
Lennox Gastout Syndrome
What are the four periods of different clinical features in Epilepsy?
Prodromal
Early Ictal (ie Aura - normally seen in general)
Ictal
Post Ictal
How is Epilepsy diagnosed?
One of:
-More than two unprovoked seizures occurring more than 24h apart
- 1 unprovoked seizure with probability of further
- Diagnosed epilepsy syndrome
Give three differentials for Epilepsy
Anoxic Seizures
Sleep Associated
Migraine Associated
How is an EEG used in suspected Epilepsy?
To support diagnosis, assess recurrence risk and determine seizure type
When is an MRI required in Epilepsy?
<2 years old
Refractory to AEDs
Focal
Name four education/safety points in terms of Epilepsy
Avoid taking baths
Avoid operating heavy machinery
Always use contraception while on AEDs
Inform DVLA
What are the DVLAs rules on driving after seizures?
First seizure - 6m
Epileptic Seizure - 12m
No LOC - ask DVLA
First Seizure + Lorry - 5y
Epileptic Seizure + Lorry - 10y
What is done at the ‘First Fit Clinic’
Formal Assessment and relevant EEG/MRI
If diagnosis is made and risk of another is felt to be high - AED started
Name three SE of Sodium Valproate
Teratogenic
DILI
Pancreatitis
Name two SE of Lamotrigine
Slightly teratogenic
Skin reactions (life threatening)
Name two SE of Levetiracetam
CNS and Neuropsych disturbance
Name three SE of Phenytoin
Arrhythmia
Teratogenic
Gum Hypertrophy
What are the AEDs of choice for Focal Seizures?
1) Lamotrigine
2) Sodium Valproate
What are the AEDs of choice for General Seizures?
Sodium Valproate or Lamotrigine
What are the AEDs of choice for Absence Seizures?
Ethosuxamide or Sodium Valproate
What are the AEDs of choice for Myoclonic Seizures?
Sodium Valproate
Define Migraine
A primary headache characterised by recurrent moderate to severe headaches and associated with nausea/vomiting/photophobia/phonophobia
Migraines can be episodic or chronic. How does a patient qualify for ‘Chronic Migraines’?
Headaches >15d a month, at least 8 of which have migraine features
Describe the diagnostic criteria for Migraines without Aura
Atleast 5 fulfilling:
-Headaches lasting 4-72 hours
-Atleast 2 of - unilateral/pulsating/mod to severe/aggravated by physical activity
-Not accounted for
Describe the diagnostic criteria for Migraines with Aura
Atleast two attacks fulfilling:
-One or more reversible aura (scintillating scotoma most commonly)
- Atleast 3 of - one>5 mins/two or more in succession/one unilateral/one positive/one followed by a headache within 60 mins
Migraines without Aura are commonly associated with the Menstrual Cycle. If first line Migraine management fails in these women, what can be used?
Frovatriptan
Name 5 Migraine Red Flags
Motor Weakness
Double Vision
Aura without headache
Severe Sudden Onset
Worse on Standing (CSF leak)
How is an Acute Migraine managed?
Simple Analgesia (eg rectal diclofenac) and Antiemetic (buccal prochlorperazine)
Severe - Sumatriptans (5HT1 agonist)
Come off COCP
How can Migraines be prevented?
Propanolol
Topirimate
Amitryptyline
How can inretractable Migraines be prevented?
I.E more than 3 medications tried
Galcenezumab
Botox
Name three complications of Migraines
Status Migrainosus (>72h)
Migrainal Infarction
Ischaemic Stroke
How can Tension Headaches be classified?
Infrequent Episodic - 10 episodes occuring on <12d per year
Frequent - 1 to 14d a month for >3m
Chronic - >15d a month for >3m
How are chronic Tension Headaches managed?
Accupuncture
Low dose Amitryptyline
Lifestyle
Define Trigeminal Neuralgia
Episodes of acute severe facial pain in the distribution of the trigeminal nerve (commonly affecting maxillary and mandibular)
Trigeminal Neuralgia can be primary or secondary. Describe the Primary pathophysiology
Vascular compression at the nerve root entry zone leading to demyelination and abnormal electrical activity
Trigeminal Neuralgia can be primary or secondary. Describe the Secondary pathophysiology
Disease occuring due to another condition
eg Vestibular Shwannoma, Meningioma, Cysts, MS
Describe the diagnostic criteria for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Pain lasting up to two minutes of severe electric shock like intensity
Precipitated by innocuous stimuli within the region (eg cold)
Not accounted for by alternate diagnosis
Describe the medical management options for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Carbemazepine (titrate up to remission and then back down to lowest possible maintenance)
Second Line - Gabapentin, Lamotrigine
Describe the surgical management for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Microvascular Decompression
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
Cluster Headaches can be chronic or episodic, what is the difference?
Episodic - in periods lasting between 7d and 1y with pain free episodes in between
Chronic - Occurring for one year without/short lived remissions
What hormone do Cluster Headaches have a link to?
Melatonin
Describe the nature of Cluster Headaches
Rapid Onset over 10 minutes, often at night, excruciating around one eye lasting up to 90 mins
Associated lacrimation and rhinorrhoea
Name three triggers for Cluster Headaches
Alcohol
Histamine
Disrupted Sleep
Describe the diagnostic criteria for Cluster Headaches
5 attacks qualifying:
-Severe unilateral pain lasting 15-180 minutes untreated
-Accompanied by lacrimation/congestion/rhinorrhoea
- Attacks occurring from one every other day to 8 times a day
How can an Acute Cluster Headache be treated?
Sumatriptans and 100% O2
Could use Indometacin/Lidocaine
How can a Cluster Headache be prevented?
Stop Smoking, Stop Alcohol, Maintain good sleep hygiene
Verapamil, Prednisolone, Lithium
Define Parkinson’s
Chronic progressive neurodegenerative condition occurring secondary to loss of dopaminergic neurones in substantia nigra
Define Parkinsonism
Bradykinesia plus one of resting tremor/rigidity/postural instability
Name three roles of the Basal Ganglia
Inhibit muscle tone
Initiation of movement
Suppression of useless movement
Describe the direct Basal Ganglia pathway
Stimulatory pathway associated with D1 receptors
Activation leads to neural connections and movement initiation (via dopamine from substantia nigra)
Describe the indirect Basal Ganglia pathway
Inhibitory pathway associated with D2 receptors. Activation leads to inhibition of muscular tone, inhibition of movement initiation and inhibition of direct pathway
How does Bradykinesia of Parkinsons present?
Slowing of voluntary movements
Reduced arm swing
Reduced amplitude with repetitive movements
How does Tremor of Parkinsons present?
At rest
Described as pill rolling
4-6Hz
Can be induced by distraction
How does Rigidity of Parkinsons present?
Increased resistance to passive movement
Cogwheel rigidity due to superimposed tremor
Other than the classic triad, give three other clinical features of Parkinsons
Expressionless face
Micrographia
Shuffling Gait
Name three exclusion criteria for Parkinsons
Cerebellar Abnormalities
Restricted to lower limbs for >3y
Suspected Frontotemporal Dementia
Parkinsonism is an umbrella term. Other than Idiopathic Parkinsons Disease, name three other causes
Parkinson Plus Syndromes
Drug Induced (Antipsychotics, Antiemetics, Lithium)
Other (Post Encephalitis, Trauma)
Parkinson Plus Syndromes affect a wider area of nervous system causing more complex disease and increased survival. Name four causes
Multiple System Atrophy
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
DLB
Corticobasal Degeneration
How does Multiple System Atrophy present?
Rapidly progressive disease characterised by profound autonomic dysfunction leading to severe postural hypotension and urogenital dysfunction
How does Progressive Supranuclear Palsy present?
Neurodegenerative disorder characterised by vertical gaze dysfunction, dysarthria and cognitive decline
How does Corticobasal Degeneration present?
Progressive dementia, Parkinsonism and Limb Apraxia
Severe - Alien Limb Syndrome
Idiopathic Parkinsons Disease is largely a clinical diagnosis. Name three possible investigations
CT/MRI - if strong suspicion of underlying cause/failed response to treatment
PET with Fluorodopa - can localise dopamine deficiency in Basal Ganglia
DaTscan - differentiates Parkinsons from Essential Tremor
Parkinsons Disease requires early initiation of treatment. What are the three mainstay treatment options?
Levodopa
Ropinorole (Dopamine Agonists)
Rasigiline (MAO-B Inhibitors)
Describe the use of Levodopa in Parkinsons
-Effective, for mostly 5-6y
-Can cross BBB and be converted to Dopamine by Dopa-Decarboxylase
-Some peripheral conversion
-Treats motor symptoms well but also causes dyskinesia/on off fluctuations
Describe the use of Ropinorole in Parkinsons
-Dopamine Agonist
-Less motor effects but can cause problems with impulse control and sedation
Eventually, all Parkinsons patients will require more than monotherapy. Name four adjuvant options
-COMT Inhibitors (Entacapone- given with Levodopa)
-Antimuscarinics (Procyclidine)
-Amantadine
-Apomorphine (Dopamine Agonist for advanced disease)
Another treatment option for Parkinsons is Deep Brain Stimulation. Name two advantages and two disdvantages to this method
Advantages - Reduces rigidity and tremor
Disadvantages - Haemorrhage and Confusion
Name two motor and two non motor complications of Parkinsons Disease
Motor - Freezing of Gait, Falls
Non Motor - Aspiration Pneumonia, Pressure Sores
Name four causes of Neuromuscular Weakness
Guillaine Barre Syndrome
Myasthenia Gravis
Motor Neurone Disease
Muscular Dystrophy
Define Guillaine Barre Syndrome (GBS)
Acute inflammatory polyneuropathy characterised by progressive ascending neuropathy with weakness and reduced reflexes
Often triggered by infections such as Campylobacter
Describe the pathophysiology of GBS
Immune mediated damage to peripheral nerves (proposed antigenic mimicry)
What are the four subtypes of GBS?
Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (90%)
Acute Motor Axonal Neuropathy
Acute Motor Sensory Neuropathy
Miller Fisher Syndrome
How does the AIDP subtype of GBS present?
Progressive symmetrical weakness (often ascending from distal muscles)
Reduced/absent reflexes
Reduced sensation
What is the destructive target in Acute Motor Axonal Neuropathy (GBS)?
The Axons
How does the Miller Fisher subtype of GBS present?
Ataxia
Areflexia
Opthalmoplegia
Name five investigations for suspected GBS
-Viral Screen
-CXR (Rule out Sarcoidosis)
-Electrophysiology (confirms diagnosis and differentiates axonal and demyelinating)
- LP (increased protein and normal WCC)
- AB for Miller Fisher
The management for GBS is normally supportive, if required, what management can be given?
FVC<20ml/kg - ITU and intubation
IVIG/Plasma Exchange
What is Hughes Disability Score?
Severity scoring for GBS
0 - Healthy
4 - Bedridden
5 - Assisted Ventilation
6 - Death
Define Myasthenia Gravis
Antibody mediaed blockage of Neuromuscular Transmission due to ACh receptor AB
Describe the pathophysiology of Myasthenia Gravis
-Type II Hypersensitivity reaction
-Cross links receptors causing destruction and activates –Membrane Attack Complexes to destroy membrane
- Disease fluctuates as NMJ can repair itself and create more receptors easily
What are the three stages of Myasthenia Gravis?
1 - Fluctuating muscle weakness with most severe symptoms happening here
2 - Persistent but stable symptoms
3 - Remission
What is the relation of Myasthenia Gravis to the Thymus?
10-15% have a Thymoma
Up to 85% have Thymic Hyperplasia
There are myoid cells in the thymus which may start the target for autoimmunity
What are the two clinical subtypes of Myasthenia Gravis?
Ocular
Generalised
Name three antibodies associated with Myasthenia Gravis
AChR - Ab
Anti MuSK
Anti - LRP4
Name four ocular features of Myasthenia Gravis
Diplopia (improved on occluding one eye)
Ptosis
Weak eye movements
Pupillary sparing
Name four features of Generalised Myasthenia Gravis
-Bulbar - Fatiguable chewing
-Facial - Expressionless
-Neck - Dropped head towards EOD
-Proximal limb weakness more than distal
What is the Ice Pack Test for Myasthenia Gravis?
Improvement of ptosis after ice applied to closed eye for one minute
Neuromuscular transmission is better at lower temperatures
Other than the Ice Pack Test, name four investigations for Myasthenia Gravis
-Tensilon Test (improvement after AChesterase inhibitors)
-Serological Antibodies
-Repetitive Nerve Stimulation (showing decline)
-CT/MRI thymus
Name three options for treating Myasthenia Gravis
Pyridostigmine
Prednisolone
Azathioprine
Could also do a Thymectomy
What is a Myasthenic Crisis?
Worsening of weakness requiring respiratory support
Precipitants include warmth/surgery/stress/infection
How are Myasthenic Crises managed?
IVIG
Plasma Exchange
Steroids
Define Motor Neurone Disease
Umbrella term for progressive and ultimately fatal condition where motor neurones stop functioning
What are the four subtypes of Motor Neurone Disease?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Progressive Bulbar Palsy
Progressive Muscular Atrophy
Primary Lateral Sclerosis
How does the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis subtype of MND present?
Mid to Late 50s
Asymmetrical weakness (spreading sequentially)
Wrist or Foot Drop
Can have UMN or LMN signs
Can have Bulbar involvement
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is more of a clinical diagnosis. What investigations can be done?
EMG (sensory intact)
Genetics
MRI?CT
Antibodies to exclude MG/Lambert Eaton
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is incurable. Name four managements to ease symptoms and slow progression
Riluzole/Edavarone - slows progression and increases survival by a few months
Baclofen - muscle cramps
Opioids - Breathlessness
Physiotherapy
Define Muscular Dystrophy
Umbrella term that causes gradual wasting and weakness of muscles
Describe Duchennes Muscular Dystrophy
-X linked recessive inherited abnormal gene
-If mother is a carrier, son has 50% chance of being affected
- Boys present at 3-5y with pelvic muscular weakness
-Life expectancy of 25-35y
How is Duchennes MD managed?
Steroids to slow progression and creatine supplements
Describe Beckers MD
Dystrophin gene is less severely affected than in Duchennes
Symptoms start around 8-12y and may require a wheelchair by 20-30y
Describe Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy
-Genetic disorder presenting in adulthood
-Progressive muscle weakness, prolonged contractions, cataracts, cardiac arrhythmia