Neurology Flashcards
TIA - how quickly should they be referred?
If < 7 days ago:
- Aspirin 300mg and review within 24 hours
If > 7 days ago:
- Review within 7 days
3 options for migraine prophylaxis:
Propanolol
Amitriptyline
Topimerate (CI in pregnancy)
What is the only licensed treatment for motor neurone disease in the UK?
Riluzole
Cauda equina syndrome is MOST commonly caused by herniation of an intervertebral disc at which nerve root level?
L4/L5 (60%)
Only 2% of all herniated discs will cause CES
What is the diagnostic criteria for trigeminal neuralgia?
A. At least three attacks of unilateral facial pain
B. Pain in one or more divisions of the trigeminal nerve with no radiation beyond this
C. At least three of the following four characteristics:
- recurring in paroxysmal attacks lasting from a fraction of a second to two minutes
- severe intensity
- electric-shock-like, shooting, stabbing or sharp in quality
- precipitated by innocuous stimuli to the affected side of the face
Extensor plantar responses - upper or lower sign?
UMN
Name three possible features of LMN problems?
Atrophy
Fasiculations
Absent reflexes
Hypotonia
Amitriptyline - name 3 contraindications?
Arrythmia
Heart block
Severe liver disease
Manic phase of bipolar
Name two things that can precipitate neuroleptic malignant syndrome?>
Sudden abrupt withdrawal of antiparkinsonian medication due to compliance issues or malabsorption (e.g. due to gastroenteritis) may precipitate
What are the 4 core symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome?
fever, altered mental state, muscle rigidity and autonomic dysfunction
What is the 1st line antiepileptic for children, young people and adults with generalised tonic clonic seizures?
Sodium valproate
Don’t use in pregnancy, contraception in all girls child bearing age
Medication overuse headache is usually a complication of which other condition?
Migraine
(migraine, tension and then MOH are most common headache causes)
Name 3 ways to distinguish stroke vs. Bells?
What is the most common acute mononeuropathy?
Bells palsy: Whole side, comes on in hours/ days, may also have disturbed taste
Stroke: Forehead spared, comes on in minutes
In children, after how long with no seizures would you consider withdrawal of epilepsy medication?
2 years
(60-70% will remain seizure free if withdrawn after no seizsures at 2 years)
What imaging helps when benign resting tremor cannot be clinically differentiated from a Parkinsonian tremor?
Single photon emission computerised tomography (SPECT)
Parkinsons clinical diagnosis but where need scan use above
1st line treatment for trigeminal neuralgia?
Carbamazepine
What are the CTH rules for fall on apixaban?
All CTH within 8 hours if no other indications
Name 3 classic guillian barre symptoms, which is most specific/ requires urgent referral?
weakness, paraesthesiae, and reduced or absent reflexes
- Absent reflexes are most specific
(Often preceeding viral URTI/ GI infection)
What 3 management options are first line for tension headache?
Aspirin, paracetamol or an a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) - ibuprofen or naproxen
MND survival rates at:
a) 5yrs
b) 10yrs
a) 25%
b) 5-10%
Most die within 2-3 years