Neurological Emergencies Flashcards

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1
Q

What drug is often used to control blood pressure in SAH or hemorrhagic stroke?

A

Nimodipine

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2
Q

What study found that t-PA might improve survival in ischemic stroke?

A

NINDS

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3
Q

Symptoms of dominant hemisphere stroke?

A
  1. Contralateral numbness and weakness
  2. Contralateral visual field deficit
  3. Gaze preference
  4. Dysarthria
  5. Aphasia
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4
Q

Symptoms of non-dominant hemisphere stroke?

A
  1. Contralateral numbness and weakness
  2. Visual field cut
  3. Hemineglect
  4. Dysarthria
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5
Q

Posterior cerebral artery stroke symptoms?

A
  1. Lack of visual recognition
  2. AMS with impaired memory
  3. Cortical blindness (reflexes still intact)
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6
Q

Vertebrobasilar stroke symptoms?

A
  1. Dizziness, vertigo
  2. Diplopia
  3. Dysphagia
  4. Ataxia
  5. Ipsilateral cranial nerve palsies
  6. Contralateral weakness
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7
Q

Basilar artery stroke symptoms?

A
  1. Quadriplegia

2. Locked-in syndrome (except for upward gaze)

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8
Q

Lacunar infarct symptoms?

A

Pure motor or sensory deficit

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9
Q

What are blood pressure goals in hypertensive urgency and emergency?

A

Lower MAP 20-25% over first hour

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10
Q

What are commonly used agents for hypertensive urgency?

A
  1. Nitroprusside
  2. Labetalol
  3. Nicardipine
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11
Q

What is the probable cause of AMS in HTN emergency?

A

Endothelial cell dysfunction leading to cerebral edema

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12
Q

DOC for BP control in preeclampsia and eclampsia?

A
  1. Hydralazine

2. Labetalol 2nd line

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13
Q

Side effect of sodium nitroprusside

A

Cyanide toxicity

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14
Q

How does sodium nitroprusside work?

A

Peripheral vasodilator that decreases preload and afterload

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15
Q

β blockers are contraindicated in what patient populations?

A
  1. COPD
  2. Acute asthma
  3. Heart failure
  4. Sympathomimetic use
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16
Q

Why is adding esmolol with nitroprusside sometimes helpful?

A

It can help blunt reflex tachycardia from nitroprusside

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17
Q

What drug can be helpful with BP control in HTN encephalopathy?

A

Nicardipine. It crosses BBB.

It acts quickly and can cause reflex tachycardia

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18
Q

NTG is contraindicated in what patient populations?

A

Preload dependent states

  1. Right sided MI
  2. Severe aortic stenosis
  3. LV outflow obstruction
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19
Q

NTG is indicated in what patients with HTN emergency?

A

Those with myocardial ischemia

20
Q

Fenoldopam is indicated in what patients with HTN emergency?

A

Those with renal failure.

It causes vasodilation and natriuresis. It increases RBF and improves creatinine clearance.

21
Q

Enalaprilat is indicated in with patients with HTN emergency?

A

It’s the active form of enalapril.

It lowers SVR, pulmonary capillary pressure and heart rate.

Therefore it’s good for patients with pulmonary edema.

22
Q

What is the only sequela of HTN emergency that requires rapid lowering of blood pressure?

A

Aortic dissection.

The preferred medication is labetalol alone. Add sodium nitroprusside if this doesn’t work.

23
Q

What sensory function can be affected by Bell’s palsy?

A

Taste sensation from anterior 2/3 of tongue

24
Q

What diseases are differential of Bell’s palsy?

A
  1. Lyme
  2. Temporal zone tumors
  3. Ramsey Hunt syndrome (Herpes Zoster of geniculate ganglion)
  4. Acoustic neuroma
  5. Many more
25
Q

What are associated symptoms of Bell’s palsy?

A
  1. Pain behind ear
  2. Ipsilateral loss of taste sensation
  3. Overflow tearing
  4. Hyperacusis
26
Q

Treatment options for Bell’s Palsy

A
  1. Corticosteroids
  2. Eye patch while sleeping
  3. Artificial tears hourly
27
Q

In neisseria meningitis, antibiotics can sterilize CSF who quickly?

A

Within 1 hour

28
Q

In S. pneumo meningitis, antibiotics will sterilize fluids how quickly?

A

4-10 hours

29
Q

What will H. influenzae look like on gram stain of CSF?

A

Small pleomorphic gram-negative coccobacilli

30
Q

What are the most common causes of meningitis in adults?

A
  1. N. meningitidis
  2. S. pneumo

Rocephin or cefotaxime

31
Q

Why is vanc added to most meningitis regimens in adult?

A

To cover for resistant s. pneumo until resistance profile is obtained

32
Q

Which adults should have ampicillin for meningitis?

A
  1. Immunocompromised

2. Alcoholics

33
Q

If you are going to give steroids for meningitis, when should they be given?

A

With or before first dose of antibiotics (might decrease inflammatory response from endotoxin release)

34
Q

Which patients need prophylaxis for meningitis?

A
  1. Close contacts of patients with n. meningitidis (household, daycare, anyone that handles their secretions)
  2. No longer recommended if contact has H. influenzae (as long as immunized)

Use fluoroquinolone or rifampin

35
Q

Does a patient with AMS need a CT before an LP?

A

Yes

36
Q

Why is status epilepticus a problem?

A

The catecholamine response can cause tachycardia, hypertension, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory failure, hyperglycemia, acidosis, and rhabdo.

37
Q

What should not be missed after a seizure?

A

Fractures or dislocations

38
Q

What is the preferred first line agent for a seizure?

A

Lorazepam (Ativan)

39
Q

If a benzo doesn’t terminate a seizure, what are second line agents?

A

Phenytoin or fosphenytoin

Phenytoin does not directly suppress electrical activity but you still need to add benzos to this

40
Q

What is a third line agent to break a seizure?

A

Phenobarbital. Takes 15-30 minutes to start working.

41
Q

What drug can cause seizures?

A

Cocaine

42
Q

How do you treat an INH seizure

A

IV pyridozine

43
Q

What is the treatment of choice for neurocysticercosis (T. Solium)

A

Albendazole

44
Q

What is the most common metabolic cause of seizures?

A

Hypoglycemia

45
Q

What is the most common cause of status epilepticus?

A

Noncompliance with AEDs