Neurology Flashcards
What percentage of patients with first unprovoked seizure have another seizure?
40%
80%-if 2 unprovoked seizures
In what age group are febrile seizures most common?
6 months to 60 months
What is the definition of a simple febrile seizure?
No focality <15 minutes Not recurrent in 24 hours Normal development Normal exam
What is the risk of developing epilepsy with febrile seizure?
2%
2X baseline risk if simple FS (0.5-1% doubles to 1-2%)
What is the likelihood of having another febrile seizure after the first one?
Overall 30%
BUT varies by age!
<1 year-50%
>1 year-20%
List 3 risk factors for recurrence of febrile seizures
Age <1 year Short duration of fever before seizure< 24 hr Low Fever 38-39 Family history of febrile seizures in 1st degree relative Young age at onset Male Attendance at daycare Complex febrile seizure
List 3 epilepsy syndromes that can be present with febrile seizures
Generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures
Severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy (Dravet)
Temporal lobe epilepsy
When should you LP for febrile seizure?
<6 months for sure, some would say also <12 months
Components of counseling for febrile seizure
1) Reassurance
2) Seizure safety
3) Risk of recurrence/epilpesy
4) Anti-pyretics don’t reduce risk of FS
List 4 indications for MRI in first presentation seizure
Developmental delay Abnormalities on exam Focal seizures EEG abnormalities Age < 1 year
Describe the semiology of benign rolandic epilepsy
Facial movement common Facial numbness Twitching Guttural vocalizations Drooling Dysphasia and speech arrest UE >LE movements more common Most happen at night or on awakening ,
What is the age of onset of benign rolandic epilepsy?
Age of onset 3-13 years
Peak incidence between 7-9 years
Resolves by adolescence
What is the characteristic EEG finding in
Broad-based centrotemporal spikes increased in frequency during drowsiness and sleep
Describe the semiology of benign epilepsy with occipital spikes (Panayiotopoulos)
Autonomic features
Vomiting
Syncope-like seizures, with sudden loss of muscle tone and unresponsiveness, pallor, miosis, incontinence, coughing, and hypersalivation
USUALLY AT NIGHT
What is the prognosis of Benign epilepsy with occipital spikes ?
Spontaneous remission usually occurs within 2-3 years from onset
Which epilepsy syndrome is often preceded by febrile seizures where patients have atrophy and gliosis of hippocampus/amygdala?
Temporal lobe epilepsy
What is the most common cause of surgically remediable epilepsy?
Temporal lobe epilepsy
What is the classic EEG finding in Landau Kleffner?
Electrical status epilepticus during sleep->85% of non-REM sleep
List 3 clinical features of Landau Kleffner
Loss in language function beginning age 3-6
Auditory verbal agnosia (behave as if they are deaf)
Expressive language deficits
Personality disorders
Hyperkinetic behaviour
Preservation of overall cognitive function
List 3 clinical features of Rasmussen encephalitis
Unilateral intractable partial seizures
Epilepsia partialis continua
Progressive hemiparesis of the affected side
Progressive atrophy of the contralateral hemisphere
What is the typical age of onset of absence seizures?
5-8 years of age
Describe the semiology of absence seizures
No aura
Last for only a few seconds
Flutter or upward rolling of the eyes
Simple automatisms like lip-smacking or picking at clothing
What is the classic EEG finding in absence seizures?
3 Hz spike–and–slow wave discharges
What is the prognosis of absence seizures?
Most outgrow by adulthood
Small group will develop JME
Describe the clinical features of benign myoclonic epilepsy of infancy
Onset of myoclonic and other seizures during the 1st yr of life
What is the age of onset of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy?
Starts in early adolescence (average 15 years)
What are the 3 seizures types seen in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy?
Myoclonus (usually early morning, first sign)
GTC
Juvenile absence
List 3 triggers for seizures in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy?
Sleep deprivation
Alcohol
Photic sitmulation
Gognitive acitvites
What is the characteristic EEG finding in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy?
Generalized 4-5 Hz polyspike–and–slow wave discharges
What is the prognosis of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy?
Life long AEDs
List 2 treatment options for juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
Valproate
Lamotrigine
(Similar to absence seizure tx)
At what age and how does Dravet syndrome typically present?
Begins with focal febrile status epilepticus in 1st year of life (6 months)
List 2 clinical features of Dravet syndrome
1) Refractory epilepsy-often requires KD or vagal nerve stimulation
2) Neurodevelopmental problems beginning in infancy
Describe the semiology of infantile spasms
Spasms of neck, trunk, and extremities
Followed by a tonic phase ~10 seconds
Usually symmetric, often occur in clusters, particularly in drowsiness or upon arousal
How do you differentiate benign myoclonus of infancy (different from benign myoclonic epilepsy of infancy!) from IS?
Only when asleep
Normal EEG
Normal development
What is the age of onset and resolution of benign myoclonus of infancy?
3-8 months of age
Increase in intensity and severity over weeks or months and then remit spontaneously at 2-3 years of age
When is the typical age of presentation of infantile spasms?
Present between 3-7 months of age; onset after 18 months is rare
When do infantile spasms typically resolve?
Age 3-4 years
But usually other seizure types emerge….
What is the characteristic EEG finding in infantile spasms?
Hypsarrhythmia (high-voltage, slow, chaotic background with multifocal spikes)
List 5 conditions associated with infantile spasms
Tuberous sclerosis (10%) Cortical dysplasias Miller-Dieker syndrome Aicardi syndrome Hemimegancephaly Chromosome abnormalities NF1 IEM Congenital infections Perinatal insults
What is west syndrme?
Infantile spasms with DEVELOPMENTAL REGRESSION
What epilepsy syndromes typically evolve into Lennox Gastaut?
Many patients start Ohtahara→ West syndrome →Lennox-Gastaut
What is the typical age of patients with Lennox Gastaut?
Age of 2 – 10
What is the semiology of Lennox Gastaut?
Multiple seizure types:atypical absences, myoclonic, astatic, and tonic seizures
Does Lennox Gastaut lead to developmental delay?
YES
Poor outcome
List 5 epilepsy syndromes of infancy
1) Benign familial infantile epilepsy
2) Benign focal epilepsies in infancy
3) Genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus
4) Myoclonic epilepsy of infancy
- Dravet syndrome
5) Infantile spasms
6) Benign idiopathic neonatal seizures
What is the typical clinical presentation of benign idiopathic neonatal seizures?
Usually apneic and unifocal clonic seizures that start around the fifth day of life (unlike GTC in benign familial neonatal seizures)
What is the characteristic EEG finding in benign idiopathic neonatal seizures?
Interictal EEG shows a distinctive pattern called theta pointu alternant (runs sharp 4-7 Hz activity)
Ictal EEG shows multifocal electrographic seizures
When do benign idiopathic neonatal seizures usually resolve?
By 6 weeks
Good prognosis!
What is the characteristic EEG finding in benign familial neonatal seizures?
Interictal EEG is normal
How are benign familial neonatal seizures inherited?
Autosomal dominant
Mutations in KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 genes
What are the important components of seizure education?
Supervised swimming
Helmet
Driving
Seizure safety
What AEDs can you use for absence seizures?
Ethosuximide, valproate, lamotrigine
What AEDs can you use for focal seizures?
Carbamazepine, keppra, topiramate
What AEDs can you use for generalized seizures in children >2 years of age?
Valproate, keppra, topiramate
What AEDs can you use for JME?
Valproate, lamotrigine
What AEDs can you use for infantile spasms?
Vigabatrin
ACTH
When should you NOT use valproate?
If metabolic disorder has not been ruled out
<2 years of age
When should you NOT use carbamezipine or phenytoin?
Absence or myoclonic
In general, after how many years of being seizure free should AEDs be discontinued?
2 years
Side effects of valproic acid
Transaminitis Pancreatitis Thrombocytopenia Weight gain Hair loss Tremor PCOS Teratogenic
Side effects of phenytoin
Gingival hyperplasia Hirsutism Decreased bone mineral density SJS Folic acid depletion
Side effects of keppra
Behavioural disturbance
Side effects of lamotrigine
SJS
Side effects of vigabatrin
Retinal toxicity
Concentric visual loss
Side effects of topamax
Kidney stones
Cognitive slowing
Weight loss
Side effects of ethosuximide
Agranulocytosis
List 10 differentials for seizures
Apnea Breath holding spells Hyperekplexia Compulsive Valsalva Vasovagal syncope Orthostatic hypotension Familial hemiplegic migraine BPPV Cyclic vomiting syndrome Stereotypies/tics Panic/anxiety attacks Long QT Alice in Wonderland syndrome Migraines-confusional
List 10 differentials for seizures
Apnea Breath holding spells Hyperekplexia Compulsive Valsalva Vasovagal syncope Orthostatic hypotension Familial hemiplegic migraine BPPV Cyclic vomiting syndrome Stereotypies/tics Panic/anxiety attacks Long QT Alice in Wonderland syndrome Migraines-confusional Psychogenic non-epileptiform seizures Masturbation/self stimulating behaviour
What is the typical age of presentation of breatholding spells?
6 and 18 mo of age
What clinical clues suggest a diagnosis of breatholding spells?
Provoked with injury, anger, and frustration, particularly with surprise
Starts with cry, then apnea, cyanosis–>can lead to syncope or anoxic seizure
List 3 steps in management of breatholding spells
Reassure parents-outgrow within a few years, almost all by 8 years
Parent CPR
Consistent discipline, do not positively reinforce, give child warning before trigger onset as surprise makes worse
Preparation rather than surprising
Iron supplementation if iron deficient
What is the main reason diazepam is not used as an anticonvulsant in neonates?
Neonates have decreased liver metabolism of diazepam
Can accumulate with repeated use and cause increased toxicity
What is the clinical signs of infantile masturbation?
May occur in girls 2-3 yr of age
Perspiration, irregular breathing, and grunting, but no loss of consciousness
What sutures are fused in scaphocephaly?
Sagittal suture
No hydrocephalus!
What sutures are fused in plagiocephaly?
Unilateral coronal or lambdoidal synostosis
What sutures are fused in trigonocephaly?
Metopic suture
What sutures are fused in kleeblattschädel?
Multiple sutures fuse prematurely
What sutures are fused in acrocephaly?
Sagittal, coronal, and lambdoid synostosis
Name 2 complications of craniosynostosis
Raised ICP (if two or more sutures are fused) Cognitive/neurdovelopment deficits due to inhibition of brain growth Poor self esteem and social isolation due to the abnormal appearance
When is the optimal timing of craniosynostosis surgery?
8 to 12 months of age
List 4 physical exam findings that would be contraindications to a LP
Cushing triad
Absence of reactive pupils, Loss of brainstem reflexes, decorticate/decerebrate posturing
Infection at site of LP
Myelomeningocole
Petechial Rash
List 4 contraindications to LP
Suspected mass lesion of the brain causing shift of the midline
Suspected mass lesion of the spinal cord
Symptoms and signs of impending cerebral herniation
Critical illness (on rare occasions)
Skin infection at the site
Thrombocytopenia with a platelet count <20 × 109/L
What patients are at highest risk for chronic valproic acid toxicity?
<2 years old Organic brain disease Developmental delay of unknown etiology Metabolic disorders Multiple AEDs
List 4 clinical features of acute valproic acid toxicity
Vital signs – Respiratory depression, hypotension, tachycardia, hyperthermia
Metabolic – Hyperammonemia, anion gap metabolic acidosis, hyperosmolality, hypernatremia, hypocalcemia
Gastrointestinal – Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mild toxic hepatitis
CNS Mild-moderate lethargy, coma, cerebral edema
Miosis, agitation, tremors, myoclonus
Rare – fever, heart block, pancreatitis, ARF, pancytopenia, seizures, ARDS
List 4 clinical features of chronic VPA toxicity
Hepatic failure Hyperammonemia Pancreatitis Alopecia Leukopenia Thrombocytopenia Anemia Cerebral edema
What 4 investigations would you order in suspected chronic VPA toxicity?
- VPA level (therapeutic serum 50 to 100 mg/L (350 to 700 µmol/L) )
- Ammonia (hepatotoxicity does not always occur with hyperammonenmia)
- Liver function, AST, ALT, lipase, amylase
- CBC
- Carnitine level
What are the most common types of headaches in children?
1) Migraine
2) Tension
List 3 characteristics of tension headaches
Mild to moderate in severity
Diffuse
Not affected by activity
Nonthrobbing (often described as a constant pressure)
Duration 30 min to 7 days
What is the best pharmacologic management of tension headaches?
Ibuprofen > acetaminophen
How much analgesic use does it require to develop medication overuse headaches?
Patient taking analgesics >15days /month for >3months
How do you treat medication overuse headaches?
Withdraw slowly, can give steroids as transition for abrupt withdrawl
Definition of idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Inc ICP with normal head imaging
List 4 risk factors for idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Obesity Female Systemic disease (SLE, hypo/hyperthyroidism) Rapid changes in weight OCP Tetracycline TCAs Growth Hormone Accutane/Retinoids
What complication can result from untreated idiopathic intracranial hypertension?
Permanent visual field loss
What is the treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension?
Acetazolomide
Weight loss
Cessation of triggering med
List the ILAR diagnostic criteria of migraines
Diagnosis requires:
- 5 attacks
- 4-72 hours each
2 of:
- Moderate to severe in intensity
- Unilateral (although commonly B/L in children)
- Pulsating
- Worse with activity
1 of:
- Nausea OR Vomiting
- Photophobia ANDphonophobia
NOT ATTRIBUTABLE TO ANOTHER DISORDER
What conditions on family history are often associated with migraines?
Migraines
Cyclic vomiting
Motion sickness
Menstrual headaches
List 5 triggers for migraines
Poor sleep
Dehydration
Weather changes
Food no longer considered a common trigger
Menses
List 3 types of migraine auras
Visual (most common)
-photopsia (flashes of light)
Sensory
- Bugs crawling
- Numbness
Dysphasic
-Difficulty or inability to verbally respond
Hemiplegic
Basilar
List 3 clinical features of confusional migraines
Agitation, disorientation, aphasia
Eventually turn into typical migraines
List 3 clinical features of abdominal migraine
Dull pain, moderate to severe, from 1h – 72h, usually midline
Must have at least 2 of →anorexia, nausea, vomiting, or pallor
Describe Alice in Wonderland Syndrome
Visual hallucinations
Perceptual distortions
Impairment of time sense
Child isn’t scared and can describe the experience
Perceptual disturbance lasts days to months, recover spontaneously
Indications for migraine prophylaxis
Headache is frequent (≥1/week)
Affecting school/life
List 3 options for abortive treatment of migraines
Fluids/hydration
NSAIDs (should not use more than 2-3x/week)
Triptans (>12 years)
Antiemetics (prochlorperazine, metoclopramide) -on top of NSAID/triptan
List 3 options for prophylaxis of migraines
Riboflavin/Mg/CoQ10 CCBs Amitriptyline VPA Topiramate Gabapentin Propranolol Prochlorperazine