Neurology Flashcards
Signs/symptoms of cluster headaches
- Severe unilateral periorbital/temporal pain (sharp, lancinating)
- Bouts lasting < 2 hours with spontaneous remission
- Bouts occur several times a day over 6-8 weeks
Triggers for cluster headaches
Worse at night
EtOH
Stress
Ingestion of specific foods
Additional symptoms associated with cluster headaches
Ipsilateral horner’s syndrome (ptosis, miosis, anhidrosis), nasal congestion/rhinorrhea, conjunctivitis and lacrimation
Management of cluster headaches
- 100% oxygen first line
2. Meds: sumatriptan or ergotamines
Prophylaxis of cluster headaches
Verapamil (first line)
Ergotamines, valproic acid, lithium, cyproheptadine
Most common cause of morning headache
Migraines
Risk factors for migraines
Family history (80%)
Signs/symptoms for migraines
Lateralized, pulsatile/throbbing headache
Associated with N/V
Photophobia/phonophobia
Triggers for migraines
Physical activity Stress Lack of/excessive sleep EtOH Foods (red wine, chocolate) OCPs Menstruation
Auras
Seen with migraines (not commonly)
Visual changes most common, aphasia, weakness, numbness
Management of migraines
- Triptans or Ergotamines
- Dopamine blockers: metoclopramide, promethazine, prochlorperazine
- Mild: NSAIDs/acetaminophen first line
S/E of triptans or ergotamines
Chest tightness from constriction
N/V
Abdominal cramps
Prophylaxis of migraine
Anti-HTN meds: BB, CCB, TCA
Anticonvulsants: valproate, topiramate, NSAIDs
Most common overall type of headache
Tension headaches
Bilateral, tight, band-like constant daily headache. Worsened with stress, fatigue, noise or glare (not worsened with activity like migraines). usually not pulsatile
Tension headaches
Management of tension headaches
- NSAIDs, aspirin, acetaminophen
- Anti-migraine medications
- TCAs in severe or recurrent cases
- Can use BB, psychotherapy
Signs/symptoms of bacterial meningitis
- Fever/chills (95%)
- HA/nuchal rigidity, photosensitivity, N/V
- AMS, seizures
Kernig’s sign
Inability to straighten knee with hip flexion
Meningitis
Brudzinski’s sign
Neck flexion produces knee/hip flexion
Meningitis
Diagnosis of meningitis
- LP - definitive
2. Head CT - done to r/o mass effect before LP if high risk
LP results for bacterial meningitis
High neutrophils, low glucose, high total protein
For bacterial meningitis, do not wait to start
Empiric abx
Treatment for bacterial meningitis if < 1 month old
Ampicillin + Cefotaxime
Treatment for bacterial meningitis if 1 mo - 18 years
Ceftriaxone + Vancomycin
Treatment for bacterial meningitis if 18 y/o - 50 y/o
Ceftriaxone + Vancomycin
Treatment for bacterial meningitis if > 50 y/o
Ampicillin + Ceftriaxone
Meningitis post exposure prophylaxis
Ciprofloxacin 500 mg PO x 1 dose
Diagnosis of viral meningitis
- CSF - most important to differentiate
- MRI
- Serologies, viral cultures
Management of viral meningitis
Supportive care
Antipyretics, IV fluids, antiemetics
Viral infection of the brain parenchyma
Encephalitis
Most common cause of encephalitis
HSV -1 MC
Enteroviruses, arboviruses, varicella, toxoplasmosis
Signs/symptoms of encephalitis
HA, fever
Profound lethargy, AMS
Focal neurologic deficits
Seizures
Diagnosis of encephalitis
- LP - lymphocytosis, normal glucose, increased protein
2. Brain imaging - temporal lobe MC involved
Management of encephalitis
- Supportive care - antipyretics, IV fluids, seizure prophylaxis
- Valacyclovir
TIAs usually last < ____________ but most resolve in __________
24 hours
30-60 minutes
TIAs are most commonly due to:
Embolus or transient hypotension
___% of patients with TIA will have a CVA within first 24-48 hours afterwards (especially if DM, HTN)
50%
Amaurosis Fugax
Monocular vision loss - temporary “lamp shade down on own eye”
Seen with internal carotid artery occlusion
Symptoms of TIA
Amaurosis Fugax Contralateral hand weakness Sudden HA Speech changes Confusion
Symptoms of TIA
Amaurosis Fugax Contralateral hand weakness Sudden HA Speech changes Confusion Gait and proprioception difficulties Dizziness, vertigo
Diagnosis of TIA
- CT scan of head - r/o hemorrhage
- Carotid doppler - carotid endarterectomy recommended if stenosis > 70%
- CT angiography, MR angiography
- BG to r/o hypoglycemia
- Electrolytes
- Coag studies
- CBC
- Echocardiogram
- ECG - look for Afib
ABCD2 score
Assesses CVA risk Age BP Clinical features Duration of symptoms Diabetes mellitus
Management of TIA
Aspirin +/- dipyridamole or clopidogrel
Avoid lowering BP (unless > 220/120)
Reduce modifiable risk factors: 1. DM 2. HTN 3. Afib
Signs/symptoms of stroke
Abrupt onset of neurological abnormalities
Facial paresis
Arm drift/weakness
Abnormal speech