Neurology Flashcards
What is the ddx for spinal cord compression?
metastatic cancer
primary tumors
transverse myelitis
epidermal abscess
epidural hematoma
herniated disc
spondylosis
How to work up spinal cord compression with symptoms?
start steroids (dexamethosone)
MRI
neurologic emergency! may need surgery
What are the red flags in back pain (cord compression)?
unremitting back pain
constant pain at night
pain worse with laying down
neuro symptoms
sexual function deficits
age >50
prior cancer hx
unexplained weight loss
pain lasting > 1 month
no improvement following conservative tx
What is the next step when you find cancer in the spine?
CT to look for other cancer (breast, lung, liver)
What is the treatment plan for spinal cord compression with focal neuro findings?
steroids: high dose dexamethasone!!!
if cancer - radiation/chemo depending on cancer
may need sugery if need tissue dx, spinal instability
What is the dx in a pt with evolving paralysis and areflexia and no other systemic manifestations?
Guillain Barre
(demylinating disease)
How do you dx Guillain barre?
LP
Elevated protein, no WBC
dx test is EMG/Nerve conduction velocity
hx of infection (campylobacter), ascending symmetric weakness
How does transverse myelitis present?
clear motor and sensory level loss
hyperreflexia below level
loss of anal sphincter tone
How does Botulism present?
early loss of pupillary reflexes and CN abnormalities
paralysis is descending
How does Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease present?
very slow onset, rarely gets severe
foot drop/weakness or sensory loss stocking distribution
How to manage Guillain Barre?
best to get tx w/in 2 wks onset
tx: plasmapheresis or high dose IVIg (both good)
monitor and provide respiratory support, cardiac arrhythmias, autonomic instability
What is the prognosis in Guillain Barre?
good - most people full recovery with/in weeks to months
need PT
Ddx for dementia?
normal pressure hydrocephalus
chronic subdural hematoma
vit B12 def
hypothyroidism
terytiary syphilis
alzheimer’s dz
psuedodemential of depression
Pick’s dz (frontotemporal dementia)
Lewy body dementia
What is the dx for an elderly pt with dementia, gait ataxia, and urinary incontinence?
normal pressure hydrocephalus
How to work up and dx dementia?
reversible causes w/u: Thyroid function tests, HIV/AIDS (30-50 yo), Vit B12, CBC, VDRL, Drug screen, depression signs
MRI - shows atrophy and degeneration
How to tx alzheimers?
social support (don’t get lost, prevent injury…etc)
Donepezil, rivastigmine, or galantamine (improve memory and slow loss of memory)
Memantine added to cholinesterase inhibitors (above)
How to treat normal pressure hydrocephalus?
LP and remove 30-50ml of CSF and symptoms improve!
Place CSF shunt if caught early
What bleeds in subdural hematomas?
bridging veins, can be chronic and slow