Neurology Flashcards
What is Bells palsy? Symptoms? tx?
Unilateral facial weakness with no evidence of other neurological dz. Involves CN VII (facial nerve)
Sxs: Paralysis of the forehead and lower face; cannot close eye, raise brow, or smile on the affected side
Pain on the ipsilateral ear; Loss of taste of the anterior 2/3 of the tongue
tx: oral prednisone
How does Guillian barre syndrome present? RF?
idiopathic polyneuropathy following minor infections, immunizations, and surgical procedures
Sxs: Symmetrical weakeness that begins distally; may have some sensory abnormalities; May begin with ataxia, pin and needles sensation in the feet
What reduces recovery time and neurological deficits in Guillian barre syndrome?
Plasmapheresis
Acute crisis: IV immunoglobulin
What is the pathophysiology of myasthenia Gravis?
Acquired autoimmune disorder that causes a decrease in Acetylcholine receptors
What are the s/s of Myasthenia gravis?
- Sxs: muscle weakness and fatigability that improves with rest (trouble combing hair, climbing stairs, or lifting objects
- Early stages: Affects eye muscles–>Ptosis and diplopia
How do you dx Myasthenia Gravis?
- Tensilon Test: confirmed if marked clnical improvment with short-acting anticholinesterase
- IV edrophonium or IM neostigmine results in improved strength within seconds to minutes
- Check for elevated levels of circulating ach receptor antibodies (80-90%)
- Do not forget CXR to r/o Thymoma!!
How do you treat Myasthenia gravis? what medication should be avoided?
Cholinesterase Inhibitor (Pyridostigmine)–improves strength
IgG plasmapharesis
Steroids, immunosuppressive drugs, IV immunoglobulins, –if refractory disease
Thymectomy if needed!
Aminoglycosides should be avoided!!
What is Lambert-Eaton Syndrome? Sxs? Tx?
- Similar to Myasthenia Gravis, but associated with lung cancer (Small cell carcinoma) AND IMPROVES WITH ACTIVITY!
- PROXIMAL muscle weakness
- Defective release of ach in response to nerve impulse
- may have dry mouth
Confirmed electrophysiologically
Tx: Plasmapheresis and immunosuppressive therapy
HOw do you treat Cluster headaches?
Prevention: Oral corticosteroids started immediately will often force a cluster cycle into remission and prevent future HA
Abortive Tx:
- 100% oxygen
- Ergotamine tartate (dihydroergotamine) and Sumatriptan
What is the most common viral cause of encephalitis?
Herpes simplex
HOw do you dx viral encephalitis/Meningitis?
- Assess increased intracranial pressure first
- LP and CSF analysis ASAP
- Increased lymphocytes or monocytes
What are the S/S of bacterial meningits?
Rapidly progressive, can be fatal
Acute sxs of fever, HA, vomiting, stiff neck, Petechial rash (N. meningitidis)
PE: + kernig, + Bruzenski’s signs
CN abnormalities III, IV, VI, and VII
How do you diagnose Bacterial meningitis?
- Dx: first CT
- LP with CSF
- May be turbid/purulent, elevated WBC (neutrophil predominant), decrased glucose, high protein
- Gram stain/culture of CSF
Treatment of bacterial meningitis; What is the prophylaxis for close contacts?
- Begin antibiotics immediately if CSF not clear and colorless
- Vanocomycin plus ceftriaxone
- neonates: Ampicillin pluse Cefotaxime
- Immunocompromised/>50 y/o: Cefotaxime PLUS vancomycin PLUS Ampicillin
- Hospital acquired: Ampicillin PLUS ceftazidime PLUS vancomycin
Prophlyaxis for close contacts: oral Rifampin
RPT LP and CSF after 24 hours of tx
What is Huntington Disease? what are the sxs?
Inherited autosomal dominant disorder (Chromosome 4)
- Sxs: Presents with insidious onset of clumsiness and random, brief fidgety movements; behavioral changes (irritability, emotional liability) progressing to dementia
- Choreic movements: worse with voluntary movement, dissapears with sleep
- Choreiform movements: irregular gait and dance-like movements
When is the onset of Huntington disease? How is it treated?
Onset: 30-50 y/o
No cure or medical interventions (just symptomatic tx)
What is the pathophys of Parkinson disease? What is the clinical presentation?
Loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra–>Imbalance of dopamine and acetylcholine
Clinical presentation:
Hallmark: resting tremor (“pill rolling”)
bradykinesia: slowing of movements; lack of facial expression (masked fascies), monotone speech
slow shuffling gait
Cogwheel rigidity
How do you treat Parkinson disease?
-
Anticholinergic drugs: more helpful with tremor and rigidity
- Amantadine
-
Levodopa: converted to dopamine in the body
- improves all s/s
- Add carbidopa-Stops breakdown of Levodopa
- If refractory to Levodopa therapy–>Dopamine agonist
What is the most common cause of nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage?
Ruptured berry aneurysm
What is the initial diagnostic study for subarachonid hemorrhage? definitive dx?
Initial: CT scan
Definitive dx: Cerebral angiography: identifies source of the bleed
What is the definition of epidural hematoma? what artery is involved?
Defn: Accumulation of blood in the potential space btwn the dura and bone; usually results from a temporal bone fracture
Middle meningeal artery
What is the clnical presentation of Epidural hematoma? Dx? Tx?
Caused by head injury or skul fracture
Brief period of unconsciousness follwed by a lucid interval
PE: spinal fluid rhinorrhea; Dizziness; Enlarged pupil in one eye; HA, vomiting
DX: CT shows hyperdense lenticular-shaped
Tx: emergent craniotomy
What is the definition of subdural hematoma?
Accumulation of blood below the inner layer of the dura; Involves **bridging veins; **
Present more than 20 days after the trauma