Neurology Flashcards
What is the significance of doll’s eyes?
Doll’s eyes, when the eyes keep “looking” in the original direction when the head is turned, signify that the brainstem is working normally.
Which pupil finding can be seen with uncal herniation?
In uncal herniation there is one dilated and nonreactive pupil.
What is the presentation of locked-in syndrome?
In locked-in syndrome a patient is awake and aware of the surrounding environment but may only have the ability to control eye movements.
What is the definition of persistent vegetative state?
A persistent vegetative state is a comatose state lasting more than 4 weeks.
What is akinetic mutism vs. catatonia?
Patients with akinetic mutism are profoundly apathetic, although they register most of what is happening around them. Patients with catatonia are unresponsive although they have preserved oculocephalic reflexes (ie. doll’s eyes).
How is brain death diagnosed? Is an EEG required?
EEG is not required for diagnosis of brain death. Brain death requires knowledge of a preceding catastrophic event (clinical or imaging) responsible for the current state and exclusion of all possible metabolic confounders. Temperature should be normal and SBP >100 (with pressors if needed). Absence of brainstem function can then be documented with loss of spontaneous eye movements, midposition of eyes, loss of oculocephalic reflexes, dilated or midpoint fixed pupils, paralysis of bulbar musculature, absence of motor or autonomic responses to noxious stimuli, and absence of spontaneous respiratory movements.
Name some environmental triggers for seizures in susceptible people.
Triggers for seizures in susceptible people include alcohol, cocaine, intense emotions, strobe lighting, loud music, stress, menses, and lack of sleep.
What are some differences between generalized and focal seizures?
Focal seizures involve 1 side of the body and are not associated with impaired consciousness. Generalized seizures have altered consciousness and usually movement of both sides of the body.
Which test should you order if you suspect recurrent psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES)?
An EEG with video monitoring should be ordered in a patient with suspected PNES.
What is the treatment of status epilepticus?
The treatment of status epilepticus involves correcting hypoglycemia if present with IV thiamine followed by IV dextrose. Then give a benzodiazepine followed by a loading dose of phenytoin.
Which drug is used to treat absence seizures?
Ethosuximide is used only to treat absence seizures.
Which AEDs decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives?
The effectiveness of OCPs is reduced by phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamezpine, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, and topiramate.
Which AED serum concentration is reduced by estrogens?
Estrogen can reduce the drug concentration of lamotrigine.
Which AED reduces the serum concentration of progestins?
Lamotrigine can reduce the concentration of progestins.
What is the definition of dementia?
Dementia is a chronic cognitive decline with or without behavioral impairment that is progressive, interferes with normal daily function, and is not due to delirium or underlying psychiatric disorder.
Which 5 domains may be impaired in patients with dementia?
The 5 cognitive domains that may be affected in dementia are memory, executive, perception, language, and behavior.
What is the definition of mild cognitive impairment?
MCI is diagnosed when only 1 domain of cognitive is in decline but does not significantly impact daily functioning.
What is the clinical triad of normal pressure hydrocephalus?
The triad of normal pressure hydrocephalus is gait apraxia, dementia, and urinary incontinence.
How is Alzheimer disease diagnosed?
Alzheimer disease is diagnosed in a patient with insidious, progressive illness with marked impairments in > 2 cognitive domains. Do not diagnose AD in patients with history of significant cerebrovascular disease, clinical features of frontotemporal dementia or dementia with Lewy bodies, has evidence of another psychiatric or neurologic illness, or takes medication that can cause cognitive impairment.
Which class of drugs is the 1st line treatment for Alzheimer disease?
Cholinesterase inhibitors are 1st line therapy for Alzheimer disease.
Which drug is used with a cholinesterase inhibitor for the treatment of advanced Alzheimer disease?
Memantine (Namenda) can be added to a cholinesterase inhibitor in advanced AD.
What is the potential complication from the use of atypical antipsychotics in elderly patients with dementia?
Atypical antipsychotics are associated with increased mortality in AD.
Compare and contrast the features of NPH, AD, and vascular dementia.
NPH presents with a triad of dementia, gait ataxia, and urinary incontinence. AD is predominantly a progressive decline in cognitive function. Vascular dementia often follows a stepwise deterioration.
How does the clinical presentation of frontotemporal dementia differ from that of Alzheimer disease?
Frontotemporal dementia differs from AD in that it has a more rapid onset and more prominent behavioral and personality changes, often with disinhibition or language deficits.