Neurology Module 3 Flashcards
What should always be assessed when localising lesions?
- Mentation
- Gait
- Proprioception
- Spinal reflexes
- Pain
What is the shiff-sherington posture?
Hyperextension of TL and paralysis of PLs
- Interference with border cells
- Inhibitoru meurons in cranial lumbar spinal cord that inhibit TL extensor muscles
T3-L3
Not a prognostic factor
What are the thoracic limb reflexes?
- Withdrawal reflex - most reliable - put cats on their back
- Extensor carpi radialis reflex
- Biceps/triceps
What are the pelvic limb reflexes?
Withdrawal reflexes
Patellar reflex
cranial tibial reflex
gastronemius
perineal S1-S3 pudendal n
What is the cutaneous trunci reflex?
Pinprick stimulus applied to the skin at L5 and subsequently more cranial - the reflex spread through the whole arc so if normal at the bottom then no need to continue
If response is absent then two vertebrae cranially is the cause (t3-L3 lesion)
Which limbs will be affected with lesions at, C1-C5, C6-T2, T3-L3, L4-S1
C1-C5 - All 4 limbs - normal to increased reflexes
C6-T2 - All 4 limbs - reduced TL, normal to increased
T3-L3 - Peripheral limbs - TL normal, HL increased to normal
L4-S1 - Peripheral limbs - TL normal, HL reduced
Polyneuropathies: reduced all limbs
CS of neuromuscular disease with: MN, SN,
Motor neuron disease - flaccid paralysis, decreased tone and atrophy
Sensory neuron disease - postural deficits, decreased sensation +/- paraaesthesia (self mutilation)
Can affect one: trigeminal, facial, radial
Can affect a group: brachial plexus avulsion, cranial neuropathy, ischaemic neuromyopathy (saddle)
What are examples of junctionopathies?
Presynaptic - botulism
Postsynaptic - MG - weakness worsens with exercise
Enzymatic - organophosphates
How do myopathies present?
Generalised weakness and or exercise intolerance
- neck ventroflexion, stiff-stilted gait
No proprioceptive or spinal reflexes
Variable muscle tone and bulk
Can be generalised: inherited/degen, inflam/infection, metabolic (Na, K, Ca)
Focal - masticatory myositis
Steroid responsive meningitis: CS, DDX, Dx, Tx
Aseptic, non-suppurative meningitis - 6-18mths
CS: spinal pain (neck), pyrexia, lethargy, stiff gait, sometimes IMPA concurrent - acute and chronic form
Dx: CSF - neutrophilic if acute, mononuclear pleocytosis chronic
+/- diagnostic imaging CT/MRI
+/- serum IgA in CSF
Discospondylitis: CS, Dx, Tx
CS: Severe pain, middle aged to large breed dogs, pyrexia, anorexia
Dx: images take 2-4 weeks to show changes - MRI/CT, X-rays - narrowing IVd, roughening of endplates, proliferation of adjacent bone
Bacteriology of urine/blood
Tx: abs for 8-12weeks, gaba, NSAIDs
What is empyema and how is it treated?
Pus within the epidural space
CS: pain, pyrexia, progressive myelopathy
Causes: epidural anaesthesia, spinal surgery, bite wounds, hematogenous spread, osteomyelitis extension
Tx: Decompression surgical + antibiotics
How do you determine instability with fractures of vertebrae?
Vertebrae split in to dorsal/middle/ventral
2 or more fractures in 2 or more compartments = surgery
If stable - splint and cage rest
Prognosis IVDD
1-5 grade
1 - no deficits/pain conservative 100% conservative
2. paresis, ambulatory 95% surgical
3. paresis non-amulatory 95% surgical
4. paralysis 95% surgical
5. no deep pain 50-60% if surgery in 36-48hrs, 5% if medically managed
What are the causes of lumbosacral disease?
- Type 2 IVDD
- Hyperthrophy of ligaments
- Hypertrophy of synovia
- foraminal stenosis
- ventral subluxation of sacrum
- sclerosis of vertebral endplates and articular processes
Pain management with surgical tx