Neurology (7%) Flashcards
Positive Tinel sign and Positive Phalen sign would indicate what condition
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What is a positive Phalen sign
flexing the wrist to 90 degrees for 1 minute elicits symptoms in the median nerve distribution
What is the distribution of the median nerve
1st-3rd digits and half of the 4th
first line treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome
NSAIDs and Volar wrist splint at night
what is the most common cause (organism) of Guillain-Barré syndrome
Campylobacter jejuni
pathophysiology of Guillain-Barré syndrome
Destruction of the myelin in Schwann cells following respiratory or GI illness (acute immune mediated polyneuropathy)
what dx study is used to dx Guillain-Barré syndrome
Lumbar puncture: elevated CSF protein
Treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome
Hospitalization +
Plasmapheresis or IVIG
Abortive treatment for cluster headaches
High flow 100% Oxygen
(and sub q sumatriptan)
Prophylaxis for cluster headaches
Non-dihydropyridine CCB such as verapamil
Abortive treatment for Migraine headaches
NSAIDs or acetaminophen
or Triptans (ergotamines)
Preventative treatment for Migraine headaches
BBs: propranolol
TCAs: amitriptyline
Most common cause (organism) of Encephalitits
HSV type 1
What two PE findings would make you think encephalitis over meningitits?
Altered mental status
And focal neurological deficits (hemiparesis / hyperreflexia)
Initial step in the diagnosis of encephalitis
Head CT to r/o lesion or stroke
An MRI with temporal lobe edema is suggestive of
encephalitis
Lumbar puncture findings suggestive of encephalitis
Normal glucose,
Elevated protein,
Elevated lymphocytes
Tx of encephalitis
IV acyclovir
Neisseria meningitidis can present with what skin finding?
Petechiae or ecchymotic rash
What is a positive kernig sign
elicitation of pain or resistance with passive extension of the patient’s knees past 135 degrees
What is a positive brudzinski sign
when neck flexion causes the individual to flex their hips and knees automatically
Lumbar puncture findings suggestive of bacterial meningitis
Elevated opening pressure,
Leukocytosis,
Low glucose,
Elevated Protein count
Treatment of bacterial meningitis in Neonates
Cefotaxime or Ceftriaxone PLUS Ampicillin
Treatment of bacterial meningitis in children and older adults
Cefotaxime or Ceftriaxone PLUS
Vancomycin
Treatment to add for bacterial meningitis for listeria coverage
Ampicillin
degeneration of neurons in the substantial nigra and depletion of dopamine is what neurological condition
Parkinson’s disease
What are the four cardinal symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
- Resting “pill-rolling” tremor
- Bradykinesia (shuffling gait, masked facies)
- Muscular rigidity (cogwheel rigidity)
- Postural instability
what is the post mortem pathology indicative of Parkinson’s disease
Lewy bodies (eosinophilic intracellular inclusions)
Pharmacologic treatment of Parkinson’s disease in older pts or more severe cases
Carbidopa-Levodopa
(does wear off with prolonged use)
Pharmacologic treatment of Parkinson’s disease in younger pts or less severe cases
Dopamine agonists (pramipexole, ropinirole)
Most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults
Glioblastoma