Neurology Flashcards
What cause of encephalitis typically occurs in warm climates and is carried by insects (mosquitoes)?
Arboviruses
What are St. Louis and West Nile Virus examples of?
Arboviruses
What type of virus causing encephalitis presents with generalized neurological findings and are transmitted from human to human?
Enteroviruses
What should you think of when you have non-specific findings preceding confusing and irritability in encephalitis?
Enterovirus
How does herpes encephalitis present?
Non-specific findings without a history of oral lesions
How is herpes encephalitis best diagnosed?
DNA PCR
What type of encephalitis presents with or after parotitis?
Mumps encephalitis
What season does mumps encephalitis present?
Late winter or early spring
What will be hints that should make you think of mumps encephalitis
Child/Teenager who is from another country or isn’t immunized
Febrile toddle who is lethargic one hour after seizure. CBC normal, LP with negative gram stain and moderate WBCs- thinking viral meningitis, treatment choices?
Acyclovir to cover for possible HSV encephalitis (could also pick IV antibiotics to cover for bacterial meningitis)
Teenager with a frontal headache or band-like pressure sensation?
Stress/Tension/Emotion headache
What is treatment for a tension headache?
Eliminate the stressor
For a headache, when are complicated studies usually not indicated?
If they describe a headache in the absence of a history of trauma and with no evidence of increased ICP
What should you think of with a headache, malaise, excessive sleeping, and/or declining school performance?
Depression
What type of headaches are episodic, with no symptoms between episodes?
Migraines
Severe headache in any location, child stops activities and wants to lay down, photophobia, phonophobia, nausea, vomiting?
Migraine
True or False: More concerning neurological signs such as hemiparesis and/or temporary visual deficits may be seen in certain migraines?
True
True or False: All migraines have to have an aura?
False- they will likely not describe an aura for migraine
Name some treatment options for migraine
- Ibuprofen
- Acetaminophen
- Fluids
- Rest
- Ergotamines
- Oral or intranasal sumatriptan (Imitrex)
When do you use narcotics for migraine pain?
Never
What are the 2 categories for treatment of migraines?
Abortive and prophylactic therapy
What are the 2 most commonly used medications for migraine prevention?
- Cyproheptadine
2. Topiramate
What psychiatric problem can trigger migraine?
Depression
Headaches due to depression alone are described as…?
Chronic daily headaches without other signs associated with migraines
Name 5 lifestyle modifications that should be encouraged for headache prevention.
- Regular exercise and activities
- Regular sleep patterns
- Regular eating patterns avoiding trigger foods such as cheese and chocolate
- Good hydration
- Avoid medication overuse
True or False: The most important recommendation for prevention of recurrent headaches is medication?
False- Lifestyle modifications
Minor head injury a few months ago, now presents with daily headaches not improved with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen, pain is frontotemporal… Most appropriate next step in managing the patient?
Stop all medications- meds being used chronically lead to blunted effect
-No head CT as trauma was minor and headaches didn’t start right after. Not migraines either because they are daily, not episodic
Name 5 clues to increased ICP
- Visual disturbances
- Worsening headaches
- Abnormal eye movements
- Deteriorating school performance
- Ataxia
What should blurred vision occurring only before a headache make you think?
Migraine (v. increased ICP)
Name 3 red flags for headaches due to space-occupying lesions
- Headaches worse in the morning
- Vomiting with no nausea
- Headaches relieved by vomiting
When is an LP contraindicated?
If there are symptoms of increased ICP
If you suspect increased ICP, what is the diagnostic test of choice?
CT with contrast urgently (MRI later when stable)
What is increased ICP of unknown etiology?
Pseudotumor cerebri
Why is pseudotumor cerebri considered to be benign?
Herniation doesn’t occur
What can happen if pseudotumor cerebri isn’t treated?
Lead to papilledema and eventual optic disc atrophy and blindness
What presents with double vision, papilledema, and evidence of increased ICP (headache/tinnitus)?
Pseudotumor cerebri
What causes double vision in pseudotumor cererbri?
6th nerve palsy
What makes the headache worse in pseudotumor cerebri?
Laying flat and/or with Valsalva maneuvers
What is a common cause of pseudotumor cerebri?
Megadose vitamin intake (particularly Vitamin A- including Retin A)
Name the clinical signs for increased intracranial pressure in infants
- Irritability
- Decreased PO intake
- Failure to thrive
- Macrocephaly with wide sutures
- Bulging fontanel
- Setting sun sign
What is the setting sun sign and what is it associated with?
Downward deviation of the eyes with hydrocephalus
Name clinical signs of increased intracranial pressure in children
- HTN
- Papilledema
- Bradycardia
- Abducens paresis (6th nerve palsy- double vision)
If you are presented with any findings suggestive of increased ICP, what is indicated?
Brain imaging studies
What must be done before an LP if you suspect increased ICP?
Head CT
Name contraindications to performing an LP
- Evidence of increased ICP
- Focal neurological signs
- History of coagulopathy
- Cardio-respiratory instability (ABCs before LP)
Name medications that may cause pseudotumor cerebri
- Steroids
- Thyroxine
- Lithium
- Some antibiotics
- Vitmain A (Retin-A)
How can pseudotumor cerebri be treated?
With carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (acetazolamide)
In severe cases of pseudotumor cerebri where acetazolamide doesn’t work, what can be used for treatment?
Steroids and possibly surgery to shunt CSF
Steroids can be cause and treatment of pseudotumor cerebri
What is Cushing’s Triad?
- Hypertension
- Bradycardia
- Abnormal respirations
What does Cushing’s Triad indicate?
Late findings of increased ICP and usually indicate impending herniation
What is hydrocephalus?
Accumulation of excessive amounts of CSF in the brain
What is hydrocephalus usually associated with?
Increased ICP
What is the major risk factor for hydrocephalus?
Neural tube defect from Chiari malformation or myelomeningocele
Besides neural tube defects, what are other instances where hydrocephalus can be seen?
Brain malformations, congenital infections, intracranial bleeds, space-occupying lesions blocking CSF flow
How do infants present with hydrocephalus?
Rapid head growth (no fused sutures yet)
How do children present with hydrocephalus?
Headaches, papilledema, cranial nerve palsies (especially impairment of upward gaze- sundowning sign)
Once sutures are fused
When do most shunt infections occur?
In the first 6 months after shunt placement
When should you suspect a shunt infection?
In any patient with a shunt who presents with symptoms of hydrocephalus and persistent fever
What is done to treat a shunt infection?
IV antibiotics
Remove infected shunt
How do shunt malfunctions present?
Symptoms of increased ICP, but no fever
Upper respiratory findings consistent with chronic sinusitis, severe unilateral headache with vomiting that doesn’t improve with analgesics, focal neurologic deficits, papilledema, seizures?
Brain abscess
True or False: Fever is always seen in brain abscess?
False- not a common symptoms
What 3 groups are at increased risk for developing a brain abscess?
Patients with pulmonary, sinus, and cyanotic heart disease
What is the classic description for a brain abscess on CT?
Ring enhancing lesion
What are initial antibiotics of choice for a brain abscess?
Directed at organisms expected base on source of infection: Ceftazidime/cefepime, nafcillin/vancomycin, metronidazole, ceftriaxone
*Should be adjusted based on cultures obtained via CT-guided aspiration or surgical excision
What is the first thing to note in a patient with altered state of consciousness?
AGE
Besides sepsis workup, what else should you consider ordering for a non-responsive neoante?
Serum ammonia and organic acid levels
What should you think of with a cranial bruit in a neonate with hydrocephalus and history of CHF?
Vein of Galen malformation
In older kids, what is an important diagnosis for altered state of consciousness?
Encephalopathy
Child with altered state of consciousness, symptoms progressed over several hours, family member with condition that requires meds (depression/seizures/heart disease)?
Toxic ingestion
Abrupt onset of altered state of consciousness?
Consider head trauma
Abrupt onset of altered state of consciousness, no history of head trauma… initial study?
CT head- Trauma may have been unwitnessed
How do younger patients with Wilson’s disease usually present?
Symptoms of liver disease
How do older patients with Wilson’s disease usually present?
Neuro/psych symptoms
Name common neurological symptoms in Wilson’s disease.
- Tremors
- Emotional problems
- Difficulty with handwriting
- Depression
- Abnormal eye movements
Evidence of acute hepatic failure coupled with dystonia and mental status changes?
Wilsons
In a patient with suspected Wilson’s disease who has neurological or psychiatric symptoms, what are you likely to find on exam?
Kaiser-Fleischer ring (greenish-yellow rings seen at edge of cornea best seen on slit-lamp exam)
Severe daytime sleepiness and sudden “sleep attacks”?
Narcolepsy
Name 3 manifestations of narcolepsy
- Cataplexy
- Sleep paralysis
- Hypnagogic hallucinations (almost asleep)
What is cataplexy?
Sudden drops precipitated by sudden emotions like laughter
When does onset of narcolepsy typically occur?
Adolescence
How is narcolepsy diagnosed?
Overnight polysomnography and sleep latency test
Who should you refer patients with suspected narcolepsy to?
Sleep specialist
True or False: Patients with narcolepsy often have academic problems?
True
What is the most likely cause for acute onset ataxia?
Post-viral (varicella, EBV, mumps)
True or False: The prognosis of acute cerebellar ataxia after infections or vaccinations is generally excellent?
True
Name 5 causes of acute ataxia.
- Toxic ingestion
- Neoplasm
- Trauma
- Metabolic problems
- Infections
How is ataxia telangiectasia inherited?
Autosomal recessive
What is the general problem in ataxia telangiectasi?
Defect in DNA processing and repair
What are capillary dilataions causing red blotches on the skin and conjunctiva?
Telangiectasias
What are 4 main things that ataxia telangiectasia effects?
- CNS
- Skin/Eyes
- Immunologic sequelae
- Intellectual disability (possibly)
What are the immunologic effects of ataxia telangiectasia?
Decreased levels of immunoglobulin and T-cell dysfunction
What are resulting symptoms from the immunologic effects of ataxia telangiectasia?
Frequent upper and lower respiratory tract infections
What happens once the ocular telangiectasia becomes advanced in ataxia telangiectasia?
- It can simulate conjunctivitis
- Patients are unable to voluntarily make rapid eye movements
What 2 types of malignancy have a high incidence in ataxia telangiectasia?
- Hodgkin lymphoma
2. Leukemia
What is the mneumonic to remember possible causes of ataxia?
TIN walk
- Toxic ingestion (ethanol or pesticides)
- Infection (Guillain Barre)
- Neoplasm (Glioma, Medulloblastoma)
*Other causes include cerebral hemorrhage and various metabolic disorders
What 3 types of medicines can cause ataxia?
- Anticonvulsants
- Alcohol
- Thallium
What 5 meds can cause tremors?
- Amphetamines
- Valproic acid
- Phenothiazines
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Methylxanthines (caffeine and theophylline)
Pigmentation in the eye, decreased immunity, ataxia?
Ataxia telangiectasia
What happens to visual acuity and pupillary reflexes in ataxia telangiectasia?
They are often normal (despite other eye findings)
How is Friedreich ataxia inherited?
Autosomal recessive
What disorder accounts for about 1/2 of cases of inherited ataxia?
Friedreich Ataxia
When does Friedreich Ataxia typically present?
Late childhood or early adolescence
How does Friedreich Ataxia typically present in children?
Slow and clumsy gait
What two things cause the ataxia in Friedreich Ataxia?
- Cerebellar component
2. Loss of proprioception
What problems might you see in Friedreich Ataxia that point to spinal cord or peripheral nerve problems?
- Decreased strength in the feet
2. Decreased reflexes in the lower extremities
What are 3 clinical features that distinguish Friedreich ataxia from other forms of ataxia?
- Elevated plantar arch
- Absence of lower extremity deep tendon reflexes
- Cardiomyopathy leading to CHF
Which presents first, Friedreich ataxia or ataxia telangiectasia?
Ataxia telangiectasia
What is the treatment for Friedreich ataxia?
Supportive
What are relatively rapid random repetitive purposeless movements?
Chorea
What are the 2 main types of chorea?
- Sydenham
2. Huntington
What part of the brain is most often affected in movement disorders?
Basal Ganglia
What type of chorea is one of the major Jones criteria of rheumatic fever?
Syndenham
True or False: Normal ASO antibody titers rules out Sydenham chorea?
False
How is Huntington disease inherited?
Autosomal dominant
What is the triad for Huntington disease?
- Chorea
- Hypotonia
- Emotional lability
When do symptoms of Huntington disease usually present?
Adulthood (after 35)
What % of patients can have juvenile Huntington chorea?
10%
How does juvenile Huntington chorea typically present?
Rigidity
What category of drugs are used as treatment for chorea?
Dopamine-blocking agents in the antipsychotic category
Which specific drug is effective for chorea?
Haloperidol
Which type of chorea is essentially self-limited?
Sydenham (but low does haloperidol can be used)
Besides haloperidol, what 3 medications could be considered for chorea?
- Fluphenazine
- Risperidone
- Tetrabenazine
2 year old, fixed upward gaze, alert and appropriately frightened, airway patent, vital signs stable, toxic ingestion is a possibility… Which pharmacological treatment until ingestion can be confirmed?
Diphenhydramine- The upward gaze is a dystonic reaction (probably due to ingestion of promethazine or a related drug)
What types of movements characterize a dystonic reaction?
- Neck hyperextension
2. Decreased extraocular moments
What is one type of medication that can especially cause an acute dystonic reaction?
Neuroleptics
What can reverse an acute dystonic reaction?
Diphenhydramine
What is one specific medication that is not always thought of as a neuroleptic, but is one and can cause an acute dystonic reaction?
Metoclopramide
10 year old with ADHD, on methylphenidate for past 3 years, briefly experienced eye blinking which since resolved with no intervention… Most likely explanation and appropriate further management?
Simple motor tic, no additional intervention
*Don’t think tic disorder like Tourettes… tic was limited and resolved spontaneously even though he continued methylphenidate
What movements follow a pattern, are repetitive improve or disappear during purposeful movement, and may be suppressed (at least for short periods of time)?
Tics
What movements are random, increase during purposeful movement, and cannot be voluntarily suppressed?
Choreiform movements
What are rocking and hand flapping examples of?
Stereotypies
What 3 groups can you see stereotypies in?
- Normal children
- Autism
- Rett Syndrome
True or False: Stimulant medications cause tics?
False- they may unmask an underlying tic disorder in predisposed patients
True or False: If a child develops tics, stimulant medications for ADHD have to be discontinued?
False- but parents need to know that stimulants may unmask an underlying tic disorder
How do simple motor tics typically present?
- Eye blinking
2. Movements of the head, face, and/or shoulders
True or False: Simple motor tics are common and transient in many children without underlying conditions?
True
How long must tics be present to consider Tourette Syndrome?
At least one year
What 2 other problems does Tourette syndrome have a co-occurrence between?
- ADHD
2. OCD
What is the best treatment for Tourette syndrome?
Habit reversal training
What does habit reversal training consist of?
Recognizing when tics are about to occur and starting a voluntary movement that will not allow the tic to occur
When is pharmacotherapy indicated for Tourettes?
Only when tics interfere with daily activities
Where are brain tumors in young children often located?
Posterior fossa
What is the triad that should make you think of an infratentorial tumor?
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Abnormal gait
* in an afebrile child
* also note head tilt and torticollis
What is the most common type of solid tumor in children?
Brain tumors
What is the number one cause of death among all childhood cancers?
Brain tumors
What is the most common malignant brain tumor of childhood across all ages?
Medulloblastoma
Where does medulloblastoma arise from?
Tumor stem cells in the cerebellum
What is the triad for presentation of a medulloblastoma?
- Headache
- Ataxia
- Obstructive hydrocephalus
What are 2 things you might see on a contrast MRI of a medulloblastoma?
- Contrast-enhancing 4th ventricle mass
2. Hydrocephalus
Child under 1 who is vomiting, no diarrhea, dehydrated on exam (dry oral mucosa and decreased urine output), full anterior fontanelle. Gets 2 NS boluses and then postures (fully extends arms and legs)…best next step?>
IV dexamethasone (reduce ICP)
*This is a space occupying lesion, likely brain tumor
True or False: Craniopharyngioma usually presents rapidly
False- Over 1-2 years
What is the triad for presentation of a craniopharyngioma?
- Endocrinopathoes (short stature, diabetes insipidus, early or delayed puberty)
- Visual disturbances
- Headache
What leads to the chronic progressive visual field deficits seen with craniopharyngioma?
Pressure on the optic tracts
What can cause hydrocephalus in craniopharyngioma?
Obstruction of the 3rd ventricle
What might you see on XR imaging that would make you think of a craniopharyngioma?
Skull film with calcification in the sella turcica
True or False: Craniopharyngioma is not a malignant tumor?
True- just in a bad location
What are the 2 main treatment options for craniopharyngioma?
- Surgery
2. Radiation (possibly)
What type of doctor do kids with craniopharyngiomas need to follow-up with?
Endocrine (most patients do well)
What can optic nerve gliomas lead to?
Decreased vision
What are optic nerve gliomas associated with 25% of the time?
Neurofibromatosis
How does a brain lesion effect MSK system?
Contralateral face and body weakness
Name 2 examples of a brain lesion
- Tumor
2. Abscess
How does a brainstem lesion effect MSK system?
- Weak eye movements
- Ipsilateral facial weakness
- Contralateral body weakness
What is one example of a brainstem lesion?
Tumor
How does a spinal cord lesion effect MSK system?
- Loss of motor and sensation function
- Loss of bladder and bowel function
- Increased reflexes
- No eye involvement
Name 6 examples of things that cause a spinal cord lesion
- Transverse Myelitis
- Anterior spinal artery infarction
- Spinal cord compression (tumors)
- Epidural abscess
- Tethered cord
- Trauma
How does a chronic peripheral nerve process effect MSK system?
Loss of DTRs
Name 3 examples of chronic peripheral nerve processes
- Chronic demyelinating polyneuropathy
- Hereditary neuropathies
- Leukodystrophy
How does an acute peripheral nerve process effect MSK system?
Loss of DTRs
Name 6 examples of acute peripheral nerve processes
- Guillain Barre
- Polio
- Diptheria
- Tick paralysis
- Lead poisoning
- Bell’s Palsy
Name an example of a neuromuscular junction disorder that has a progressive onset
Myasthenia gravis
Name an example of a neuromuscular junction disorder that has a rapid onset
Botulism
What is the direction of the paralysis in botulism?
Descending
How do muscular disorders causing chronic weakness present in the MSK system?
Proximal weakness
Name 3 examples of muscular disorders causing chronic weakness
- Muscular dystrophy
- Mitochondrial myopathies
- Congenital myopathies
How do muscular disorders causing acute weakness present in the MSK system?
Proximal weakness affecting the hips and shoulders
Name 3 examples of muscular disorders causing acute weakness
- Polymyositis
- Dermatomyositis
- Electrolyte imbalance
Name 3 general categories of CNS causes of hypotonia
- Hypotonic cerebral palsy
- Genetic disorders (Prader-Willi, Angelman, Down)
- Metabolic problems (leukodystrophies, peroxisomal disorders)
What test do you order if you have a patient presenting with symptoms consistent with a spinal cord lesion?
MRI spine
Name some signs and symptoms of an epidural abscess.
- Spinal pain
- Paresthesias
- Weakness and/or paralysis
4, Fevers - Localized back pain (initial symptom)
- Decreased anal tone
- Reduced sensation in lower extremities
- Increased reflexes
How can infection occur in an epidural abscess?
- Direct extension from paraspinal tissues
2. Seeding from distant infection (UTI, dental abscess, central venous catheter)