Neurology Flashcards
Explain the cause of myotonic dystrophy
Genetic condition with two types depending on gene defect.
Autosomal dominant and shows genetic anticipation
Name three neurological conditions that exhibit genetic anticipation
Myotonic dystrophy
Huntington’s chorea
Friedrich’s ataxia
Name causes of bilateral ptosis
Congenital
Myasthenia gravis
Myotonic dystrophy
Name causes of unilateral ptosis
Third nerve palsy
Horner’s syndrome
Name non-neurological issues associated with myotonic dystrophy
Cataracts
Cardiomyopathy
Arrhythmia
Diabetes
Testicular atrophy
Dysphagia
How is myotonic dystrophy diagnosed?
Genetic testing - DMPK/ZNF9 gene
EMG - dive bomber potentials
Name some causes of unilateral cerebellar syndrome
Demyelination, ie multiple sclerosis
Stroke - posterior infarct or haemorrhagic
Tumour
Multiple system atrophy
Name some causes of bilateral cerebellar syndrome
Demyelination, ie multiple sclerosis
Paraneoplastic syndromes
Bilateral posterior circulation stroke
Tumour
Multiple system atrophy
Drugs eg phenytoin, lithium, carbamazepine
Alcohol
Metabolic conditions eg wilsons, b12 deficiency, hypothyroidism
Infections eg lyme disease, HIV, syphilis
Miller fisher GBS (inflammatory)
Hereditary eg friedrich’s ataxia, ataxic telangiectasia
Neurofibromatosis
Name signs found in cerebellar syndrome
Dysdiadochokinesis
Ataxia
Nystagmus
Intention tremor
Slurred or staccato speech
Hypotonia/hyporeflexia
What is most likely underlying condition if patient has cerebellar signs AND internuclear ophthalmoplegia and spasticity
MS
What is most likely underlying condition if patient has cerebellar signs AND clubbing, tar stained fingers
Bronchial carcinoma
What is most likely underlying condition if patient has cerebellar signs AND stigmata of liver disease?
Alcoholic cerebellar degeneration
What is most likely underlying condition if patient has cerebellar signs AND neuropathy?
Alcoholic cerebellar degeneration
Friedrich’s ataxia
What is most likely underlying condition if patient has cerebellar signs AND gingival hyperplasia?
phenytoin toxicity
How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed?
CNS demyelination disseminated in space and time
MRI - white matter plaques
CSF - oligoclonal IgG bands. Increased protein
Visual evoked potentials - delayed velocity but normal amplitude
What is the sign of internuclear ophthalmoplegia?
eg if lesion on left, on looking to the right right eye has nystagmus and left eye is unable to adduct. both eyes look to left and converge normally.
How is multiple sclerosis managed?
MDT approach
Nurses, physio, OT, social worker, physician
Chronically - interferon beta reduce relapse rate but not progression. Monoclonal antibodies can reduce disease progression. Antispasmodics, carbamazepine for neuropathic pain
Acutely - methylpred to shorten duration
What are the clinical diagnostic criteria for a total anterior circulation stroke?
Unilateral weakness (and/or sensory deficit) of face AND arm AND leg
AND
Homonymous hemianopia
AND
Higher cerebral dysfunction
What are the clinical diagnostic criteria for a total anterior circulation stroke?
Unilateral weakness (and/or sensory deficit) of the face AND arm AND leg
AND
Homonymous hemianopia
AND
Higher cortical dysfunction
What are the clinical diagnostic criteria for a total anterior circulation stroke?
What blood vessel is involved in a total anterior circulation stroke?
middle and anterior cerebral arteries
What are the clinical diagnostic criteria for a partial anterior circulation stroke?
TWO of
Unilateral weakness (and/or sensory deficit) of face AND hand AND leg
Homonymous hemianopia
Higher cortical dysfunction
OR
Higher cortical dysfunction alone
What are the clinical diagnostic criteria for a posterior circulation stroke?
ONE of:
Cranial nerve palsy AND contralateral motor and/or sensory deficit
Homonymous hemianopia
Cerebellar dysfunction
Conjugate eye movement disorder
Bilateral motor or sensory deficit
What are the clinical diagnostic criteria for a lacunar stroke?
ONE of:
Sensory deficit
Motor deficit
Sensori-motor deficit
Ataxic hemiparesis
NO higher cortical dysfunction
What are some acute and subacute complications of stroke?
Acute:
Haemorrhagic transformation
aspiration pneumonia
Subacute:
Pressure sores
DVT
PE
Pneumonia
What is the immediate management of suspected stroke?
CT scan
Depending on results and time since onset:
If ischaemic and
If large vessel occlusion and within 6 hours - discuss with IR re ?thrombectomy
If within 4.5 hours - IV thrombolysis
Admission to hyperacute stroke unit for MDT management
Aspirin and PPI asap if no thrombolysis. Aspirin after 24 hours if thrombolysis for 2 weeks.
If AF start anticoag after 2 weeks, otherwise switch aspirin to clopidogrel
High dose statin after 48 hours
IPCS for thromboprophylaxis