Neurology Flashcards
What is the frequency of triptans/opiods/ergots that is needed to diagnose medication overuse headache?
> 10 days a month
What is the frequency of paracetamol/aspirin/NSAIDs that is needed to diagnose medication overuse headache?
> 15 days a month
Describe the features of a cluster headache? (7)
- Unilateral around eye
- Constricted pupils
- Red/watery eye
- Swollen/drooping eyelid
- Forehead/facial swelling
- Restless/agitated
- Lasts 15-180mins
What is the cut off for episodic/chronic migraine/tension headache in terms of number per month?
< 15 = episodic
> 15 = chronic
What is c/i in migraine?
OCP
What are the first line treatments for migraine according to NICE? (4)
- Triptan (consider nasal if 12-17)
- Paracetamol/ibuprofen
- IV metoclopramide
What 3 agents can be used in prophx migraines and which one should be avoiding in women of child bearing age?
- Topiromate (affects contraception and can lead to fetal malformation)
- Amitryptylline
- Propanolol
TAP
What is the tx for a cluster headache? (2)
- High flow o2
- SC or nasal triptan
What is used for prophx of cluster headaches?
Verapamil
What a cardinal feature of trigeminal neurolagia?
Touching area increases pain
What is used in the tx of trigeminal neuralgia? (1)
Carbamazepine
What are 2 risk factors for cerebral venous thromobisis? (2)
1 Pregnancy/PP
2. Sinusitis
How do we treat cerebral venous thrombosis?
Heparinisation
Give 4 features of idiopathic IC HTN?
- Headache worse on coughing/sneezing
- CN palsies
- Papiloedema
- Can lead to blindness
Who is more likely to suffer from idiopathic IC HTN?
Women with large BMI
How is idiopathic IC HTN diagnosed?
Increased opening pressure (>20cm) on LP and normal CTH
In young adults what are the 2 most common types of meningitis?
- Viral
- Second peak of meningococcal disease in 20s
What are 2 common organisms leading to meningitis in older adults?
- Pneumococcal (>50s)
- Listeria (>60s)
Skull #s are a risk factor for contracting what type of organism causing meningitis?
Pneumococcal
What 3 organisms are increased risk of causing meningitis in patients with HIV?
- Cryptococcal if CD4 <200
- Pneumococcal
- TB
What is the expected findings in LP with bacterial meningitis? (5)
(opening pressure/appearance/cell type/protein/glucose)
- Increased opening pressure
- Turbid appearance
- Neutrophils
- Protein
- V low glucose?
What is the expected findings in LP with viral meningitis? (5)
(opening pressure/appearance/cell type/protein/glucose)
- Normal or mildly increased opening pressure (normal 12-25cm)
- Clear appearance
- Lymphocytes
- Mild increase in protein
- Normal of mildly decreased glucose
What is the expected findings in LP with TB meningitis? (5)
(opening pressure/appearance/cell type/protein/glucose)
- Increased opening pressure (>25cm H20)
- Clear/cloudy appearance
- Lymphocytes
- Very increased protein
- Very low glucose
What is the expected findings in LP with fungal meningitis? (5)
(opening pressure/appearance/cell type/protein/glucose)
- Increased opening pressure
- Clear or cloudy
- Lymphocytes
- Increased protein
- Low glucose
What does NICE say is the maximum an LP should delay giving abx?
1 hour
What 3 contraindications are there to doing an LP without CTH?
- Signs increased ICP
- Severe sepsis
- Rapidly evolving rash
What additional investigations to identify the organism should be performed in a patient being investigated to meningitis aside from LP? (3)
- Meningococcal/pneumococcal PCR
- Meningococcal throat swab
- BC
What two treatments are first line for suspected meningitis according to NICE?
- 10mg IV dexamethasone
- 3rd generation cephalosporin
What does NICE recommend for initial abx treatment of meningitis in penicillin/cephalosporin anaphx?
25mg/kg chloramphenicol IV
What antibiotic should be given in adults > 60 years or immunocompromised in suspected meningitis?
2g Amoxicillin IV
(co-trimoxazole if pen anaphx)
What antibiotic should be given as prophx for close contacts of patients with suspected meningococcal meningitis?
PO ciprofloxacin
In children with a petechial rash what 4 things should trigger IV abx?
- Petechiae start to spread
- Rash becomes purpuric
3 Signs of bacterial meningitis - Signs sepsis
If there are no increased risk factors in invx of petechial rash what is the next invx?
Bloods - if raised inflam markers give IV abx
Why don’t we use cefriaxone in neonates?
Can lead to increased bilirubin