neurology_20231205142311 Flashcards
How would an old subdural haemorrhage show on CT?
Hypodense crescent shaped lesion
How would a new subdural haemorrhage show on CT?
Hyperdense crescent shaped lesion
Where is a subdural haemorrhage?
Between the dura and arachnoid mater
What are the risk factors for subdural haemorrhage?
Historic head trauma Anticoagulant use Alcoholism Old age
What kind of patient does a subdural haemorrhage tend to occur in?
Older patient > 65
What are the symptoms of a subdural haemorrhage?
Gradually increasing headache and confusion
Where is an extra dural haemorrhage?
Between the skull and the dura mater
What is the commonest cause of extradural haemorrhage?
Trauma to the pterion which tears the middle meningeal artery
What is the pterion?
where the frontal, parietal, sphenoidal and temporal bones meet
How does an extradural haemorrhage present?
Severe headache
Contralateral hemiplegia
Rapid deterioration in GCS following a lucid period
How is an extradural haemorrhage seen on CT?
Lemon shaped haematomaShift of the ventricles
Where is a subarachnoid haemorrhage?
Between the arachnoid and pia mater
What is the presentation of a subarachnoid haemorrhage?
Severe sudden onset of headache - worst headache of their lifeOften in the occipital region
What are subarachnoid haemorrhages caused by?
Trauma Spontaneous haemorrhage - most commonly due to the rupture of a berry aneurysm
What are the investigations used to diagnose SAH?
Non-contrast CT brain Lumbar puncture
What would be seen on CT in a SAH?
A white area in the centre of the brain, expanding bilaterally
What would be seen on lumbar puncture in a SAH?
Blood in the CSF or xanthacromia
What is the preferred surgical intervention for SAH?
Endovascular coiling
What other surgical intervention can be performed for SAH?
Surgical clipping
What condition is associated with subarachnoid haemorrhage?
Polycystic kidney disease (patients with PCKD can develop berry aneurysms)
When would a lumbar puncture be performed to diagnose SAH?
If a CT head is inconclusive
When should a lumbar puncture be performed to diagnose SAH if a CT is inconclusive?
12 hours after SAH (+onwards)
What is the criteria for a CT in one hour after a head injury?
More than one episode of vomiting Clinical evidence of a skull fractureMore than 30 minutes of retrograde amnesiaGCS <13GCS < 15 after 2 hours Any sign of basal skull fracture - panda eyes, haemotympanum, CSF leakage from ear or nose Focal neurological deficit Post-trauma seizure
What is the criteria for a CT in one hour after head injury in children?
Suspicion of non-accidental injury Post-traumatic seizure GCS < 14 or GCS < 15 if infant Evidence of skull fractureTense fontanelle Signs of a basal skull fracture Focal neurological deficits
What is the immediate treatment of a SAH?
IV nimodipine or IV mannitol Immediate neurosurgical referral
What is motor neuron disease?
A group of progressive and fatal conditions where motor neurons stop functioning.
Is sensation affected in MND?
No - only motor is affected
What is the most common form of MND?
ALS - amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
What are the other forms of MND?
Progressive bulbar palsyProgressive muscular atrophyPrimary lateral scleorosis
Which motor neurons does ALS affect?
Upper and lower motor neurons
What is the aetiology of MND?
Most cases are sporadic but there are genetic components.
What are 3 risk factors for developing MND?
Smoking PesticidesHeavy metal exposure
Which motor neurons does progessive bulbar palsy affect?
Upper and lower motor neurons
Which motor neurons does progressive muscular atrophy affect?
Only lower motor neurons
Which motor neurons does primary lateral sclerosis affect?
Only upper motor neurons
What type of patient typically presents with MND?
Middle to late middle aged male patient
What are the classical symptoms of MND at presentation?
Asymmetrical weakness - typically in the upper limb first Slurred speech Fatiguability Tripping overClumsinessWasting of muscles
What are the UMN signs?
Hypertonia Hyperreflexia SpasticityPositive babinski sign
What are the LMN signs?
HypotoniaHyporeflexia FasciculationsMuscle atrophy
What investigations can be performed in the diagnosis of MND?
EEGEMG MRI brain and spine ACh and MuSK antibodiesLumbar punctureBlood tests
What types of cells die in ALS?
Anterior horn cells and motor cortex neuronal cells
What features on history would point away from MND?
Sensory loss
Involvement of ocular muscles
What is the only disease modifying treatment for MND?
Riluzole
What does riluzole do?
Slows down the progression of ALS and prolongs life by a few months
What other management options are involved in MND?
Analgesia Botox injections Baclofen injections Anticholinergics for drooling NG/PEG tube Advance care planningPsychological supportCough assist machinesVoice banking
What are the differentials of MND?
Myasthenia Gravis Malignancy Stroke Motor neuropathy MSDisc prolapse
Which type of MND has the best prognosis?
Progressive muscular atrophy
Which type of MND has the worst prognosis?
Progressive bulbar palsy
What type of dementia is associated with motor neuron disease?
Fronto-temporal dementia
What is multiple sclerosis?
A cell-mediated autoimmune disorder characterised by demyelination in the CNS
Who is MS most common in?
MS is 3 times more common in women
When does MS typically present?
In people under 50
What are the three sub-types of MS?
Primary progressive Secondary progressive Relapsing-remitting
What is the most common subtype of MS?
Relapsing-remitting
What is the pathophysiology of MS?
The myelin sheath of oligodendrocytes becomes inflamed, and is infiltrated by immune cells
What are some risk factors for developing MS?
Genetics EBVLow vitamin DSmoking Obesity
What is the most common initial presentation of MS?
Optic neuritis
What is relapsing-remitting MS?
Periods of neurological disease and illness followed by recovery.
What is primary progressive MS?
MS that progressively worsens, without relapsing and remitting episodes
What is secondary progressive MS?
Progressive worsening of the disease with relapses that have incomplete remissions
What is required for a diagnosis of MS?
Lesions disseminated in space and time
What investigations can be carried out to confirm MS?
Contrast MRI Lumbar puncture
What would be seen on MRI?
Periventricular white matter lesions
What would be found on lumbar puncture in the CSF?
Oligoclonal bandsMildly raised protein Lymphocytes
What is the first line management of an MS relapse?
1g IV methylprednisolone for 3 days
What is the second line management of an MS relapse?
Plasma exchange
What is the long term treatment of MS?
Disease modifying therapies- Natalizumab- Interferon beta - Glatiramer- Dimethyl fumarate- Diroximel fumarate
What are the symptoms of MS?
Fatigue Difficulty walking Vision problems NumbnessTingling Muscle spasms Muscle stiffnessWeakness
What factors are associated with a worse prognosis in MS?
Male Motor signs at onsetEarly relapsesMany MRI lesions Axonal loss
Why is a contrast MRI performed to diagnose MS?
You can age the different lesions on a contrast MRI (to see lesions disseminated in space and time)
What contrast is used in a contrast MRI scan?
Gadolinium
What medication is first line for muscle spasticity in MS?
BaclofenGabapentin
What is a surgical third nerve palsy?
A third nerve palsy with a fixed and dilated pupil
What is a medical third nerve palsy?
A third nerve palsy that is pupil sparing
What are the symptoms of a third nerve palsy?
PtosisDown and out eye
What is the most common cause of a surgical third nerve palsy?
Posterior communicating artery aneurysm
What is Lambert-Eaton syndrome?
Autoimmune condition characterised by antibodies against the pre-synaptic voltage gated calcium channels
What conditions are associated with Lambert-Eton syndrome?
Small cell lung cancer
Other autoimmune diseases
What is myotonic dystrophy?
A trinucleotide repeat disorder affecting muscle-specific chloride channels
What is the inheritance of myotonic dystrohpy?
Autosomal dominant
What are the features of myotonic dystrophy?
Patient presents in their 20sFrontal balding Distal wasting and weaknessSlow relaxing gripDysarthria
What is NMO?
Neuromyelitis optica
What is the triad of NMO?
Optic neuritis Transverse myelitis Positive NMO-IgG - an antibody that targets aquaporin 4
Which damaged nerve can lead to foot drop?
Common peroneal nerve
What is Cushing’s triad?
Labile breathing BradycardiaHypertension
What are the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy?
ABCDE- Alcohol - B12/folate- Chronic renal failure - Diabetes- Everything else - vasculitis, paraneoplastic
What is the distribution of peripheral neuropathy?
Glove and stocking
Where is the lesion in a superior quadrantanopia?
Temporal optic radiations
Where is the lesion in an inferior quadrantantopia?
Parietal optic radiations
What are the symptoms of increased ICP?
Headache worse in the morning Vomiting (can relieve symptoms)Blurred vision Behavioural changes Reduced consciousness levels
What investigation is contraindicated in increased ICP?
Lumbar puncture
Why is lumbar puncture contraindicated in increased ICP?
Brainstem herniation
What is a positive Romberg’s sign?
When a patient becomes unsteady upon closure of their eyes when standing upright
What kind of ataxia does a positive Romberg’s sign suggest?
Sensory ataxia
What is the first line preventative treatment of migraine?
Amitryptyline or a beta blocker
What is modafinil used for?
To treat drowsiness in narcolepsy (and other conditions)
On what side does ischaemia to the cerebellum cause symptoms?
Ipsilateral side
Where does the PICA supply?
Inferior cerebellum
What is the gold standard investigation for stroke?
Diffusion weighted MRI
What features are caused by an anterior inferior cerebellar artery infarct?
Ipsilateral deafness and facial paralysis
Sudden onset of vertigo and vomiting
What features are caused by a posterior inferior cerebellar artery infarct?
Ipsilateral facial pain and temperature loss
Contralateral limb/torso pain and temperature loss
Ataxia and nystagmus
What are the risk factors for haemorrhagic stroke?
Anticoagulation therapy
Age
Hypertension
Arteriovenous malformation
Drugs that mimic sympathetic nervous system
What are the risk factors for ischaemic stroke?
AgeHypertension Smoking Hyperlipidaemia DiabetesAtrial fibrillationHRTOral contraceptive
What symptoms are seen in a total anterior circulation infarct?
Unilateral hemiparesis, or unilateral hemisensory loss of upper or lower limb Homonymous hemianopia Higher cognitive dysfunction e.g dyphasia
Which limbs are more typically affected in anterior circulation infarcts?
Lower limbs
Which limbs are more typically affected in middle cerebral artery infarcts?
Upper limbs
What kind of symptoms would be seen with an ophthalmic artery stroke?
Amaurosis fugax
What is the first line investigation for a suspected stroke?
Non-contrast CT head
What is the difference between stroke and Bell’s palsy?
Strokes are forehead sparing, whereas Bell’s palsy involves the forehead
What is the Bamford classification?
A system of classifying and diagnosing ischaemic stroke
What is the Bamford classification of a total anterior circulation infarct?
All three symptoms: - Homonymous hemianopia- Unilateral weakness or sensory deficit of the face, arm and leg- Higher cerebral dysfunction
What is the Bamford classification of a partial anterior circulation infarct?
Two out of three symptoms: - Homonymous hemianopia- Unilateral weakness or sensory deficit of the face, arm and leg- Higher cerebral dysfunction
What is the Bamford classification of a posterior circulation stroke?
One of the following symptoms?- Cranial nerve palsy and contralateral motor/sensory deficit- Cerebellar dysfunction - Bilateral sensory or motor deficit- Conjugate eye movement disorder- Isolated homonymous hemianopia
What is the Bamford classification of a lacunar stroke?
One of the following symptoms:- Pure sensory stroke - Pure motor stroke - Sensori-motor stroke- Ataxic hemiparesis
What is the initial management of an ischaemic stroke?
300mg aspirin Thrombolysis if presented within 4.5 hours Thrombectomy if between 4.5-6 hours
What drug is used in thrombolysis?
Alteplase
What secondary prevention will be given after an ischaemic stroke?
Clopidogrel 75mg daily
Statin
Anti hypertensives
Carotid endarterectomy
What is the initial management of a haemorrhagic stroke?
Aim for BP 140/90Stop anticoagulants and antithromboticsReverse any anticoagulationRefer to neurosurgery
What tools can be used to assess stroke?
FASTROSIERABCD2
What is a TIA?
A sudden onset of a focal neurological deficit (of vascular origin) that resolves in 24 hours
What are crescendo TIAs?
More than 1 TIA in 7 daysTIAs that are increasing in frequency and severity
What is the definition of a stroke?
Sudden onset of a focal neurological deficit of vascular cause, with symptoms lasting more than 24 hours.
What are the contraindications to thrombolysis?
BP > 180/110Recent head traumaGI or intracranial haemorrhageRecent surgery - 2 weeks Platelet count INR > 1.7
What are the symptoms of a basilar artery stroke?
Locked in syndrome - Complete loss of movement with preserved consciousness and ocular movements
What are the symptoms of an anterior spinal artery stroke?
Loss of pain, temperature and motor function below the level of infarction
What is the management of a TIA?
300mg of aspirin Clopidogrel long term StatinsArrange urgent carotid doppler
What are the symptoms of a basilar artery stroke?
Locked in syndrome - Where the muscles of the body and face are paralysed but consciousness and eye movements are preserved
What is myasthenia gravis?
An autoimmune disease characterised by antibodies to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
What are the symptoms of myasthenia gravis?
Weakness of limbsDrooping eyelidsDiplopiaDifficulty smiling or chewing Difficulty swallowing Change in speech
When are symptoms typically worst in MG?
At the end of the day
What condition is myasthenia gravis associated with most commonly?
Thymic hyperplasia
What investigations are carried out in myasthenia gravis?
ACh receptor antibodiesCT chest (for thymoma)Single fibre elecetromyography (EMG for single muscle fibres)
What is the first line medical management of MG?
Long acting cetylcholinesterase inhibitors
What is the first line long acting acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used in MG?
Pyridostigmine (neostigmine may also be used)
What other management options are available?
Immunosuppression - prednisolone or azathioprineThymectomy
What other antibodies can cause MG?
MuSK antibodiesLRP4
What is the treatment of a myasthenic crisis?
IV immunoglobulins Plasma exchange
What condition is myasthenia gravis a paraneoplastic syndrome of?
Thymoma
What is lambert-eaton syndrome?
A myasthenic syndrome that is a paraneoplastic syndrome of small cell lung cancer
What is the difference between myasthenia gravis and lambert-eaton syndrome?
MG worsens with exercise and activity, whereas lambert-eaton syndrome improves with exercise
What is epilepsy?
Tendency to have seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain
What are the features of tonic-clonic seizures?
Loss of consciousnessMuscle jerking (clonic)Muscle tensing (tonic)Tongue biting Incontinence
Which phase usually comes first in a tonic-clonic seizure?
Tonic phase
What is the first line treatment of tonic-clonic seizures?
Sodium valproate for males Lamotrigine or levetiracetam for females
What is the second line treatment of tonic-clonic seizures?
Lamotrigine or carbamezapine
How does an absence seizure present?
Usually children Stare into space for a few secondsAbruptly returns to normal Lasts around 20 seconds
What is the first line management of absence seizures?
Ethosuximide
When is sodium valproate contraindicated?
In females of fertile age
What are the side effects of sodium valproate?
Teratogenic Liver damageHair lossTremorWeight gain Oedema Ataxia
What is the first line medication for focal seizures?
Lamotrigine or leveteracitam
What is the second line medication for focal seizures?
Carbamezapine
What are the features of a frontal focal seizure?
Jacksonian features - numbness of tingling starts isolated, and then moves to the other limbs on the same side of the body Dysphasia Todd’s paresis
What is Todd’s paresis?
When a seizure is followed by a brief period of paralysis
What are the features of a temporal lobe focal seizure?
Deja vu Lip smacking Emotional disturbance - sudden onset of fearHallucinations - auditory, gustatory or olfactory
What are the features of a parietal lobe focal seizure?
Sensory symptoms - tingling and numbnessMotor symptoms - from spread of seizure into pre-frontal gyrus where motor cortex is
What are the features of an occipital focal seizure?
Visual symptoms - dots and lines in the vision
What are the features of a myoclonic seizure?
Sudden jerking of the limbs, face or trunk
What is the first line medication for a myoclonic seizure?
Sodium valproate for males Levetiracetam for females
What drug worsens myoclonic seizures?
Carbamezapine
What is the first line medication in hospital for status?
IV lorazepam
What is status epilepticus?
5 or more minutes of continuous seizure
What is the driving guidance for patients with epilepsy?
1 seizure - 6 months seizure freeMore than 1 seizure - one year seizure free
What are the features of an atonic seizure?
Sudden loss of muscle tone, which leads to a fallNo loss of consciousness
What is the first line management of status epilepticus in the community?
Buccal medazolam or rectal diazepamRepeat 15 minutes later
What medication can worsen absence seizures?
Carbamezapine
What investigations are performed to diagnose epilepsy?
EEG (after 2 seizures)MRI brain ECGElectrolytes Blood glucose Blood cultures, urine culturesLumbar puncture
What is juvenile myoclonic epilepsy?
An epilepsy syndrome characteristed by infrequent generalised seizures (often in the morning), absence seizures and sudden shock like myoclonic jerks
When is the typical onset of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy?
In teenage years
Who is juvenile myoclonic epilepsy more common in?
Girls
What is benign rolandic epilepsy?
An epileptic syndrome characterised by either tonic-clonic seizures, or focal seizures with abnormal sensation in the face - These seizures typically occur during sleep
When can medication be started for seizures?
After a patient has had 2 seizures, and has been investigated with an EEG
What are the fetal complications of antiepileptics in pregnancy?
Orofacial defects Haemorrhagic disease of the newborn Congenital heart defects Spina bifida
What are the complications of sudden withdrawal of antiepileptics?
Status epilepticus Suddent unexpected death in epilepsy
Do antiepileptic levels increase or decrease in pregnancy?
Decreased due to increased hepatic metabolism and increased renal clearance
Can breastfeeding women take antiepileptics?
Yes
What investigation can be used to distinguish between a true seizure and a pseudoseizure?
Prolactin - prolactin will be raised in a true eplipetic seizure
What is the definition of a seizure?
A transient episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain
What general advice should be offered to parents of children with epilepsy?
Take caution when swimming
Take caution with heights
Shower rather than have a bath
Record any further episodes
Call 999 if a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, or more than 2 minutes with LOC
What is a bulbar palsy?
A lower motor neuron lesion affecting cranial nerves 9, 10 and 12
What are the causes of bulbar palsy?
Myasthenia Gravis MND - progressive bulbar palsyGuillain Barre syndrome Brainstem stroke
What are the symptoms of a bulbar palsy?
Speech difficultyDysphagiaDrooling
What are the signs of a bulbar palsy on examination?
Quiet nasal speech Absent or normal jaw jerk reflexAbsent gag reflex Flaccid fasciculating tongue
What is the management of a bulbar palsy?
Speech and language therapy Medication for drooling NG tube - swallowing difficulties
What is pseudobulbar palsy?
An upper motor neuron lesion affecting cranial nerves 9, 10 and 12
What are the signs of psuedobulbar palsy on examination?
Quiet speech Spastic tongue Brisk jaw jerk reflexEmotional lability
What is Bell’s Palsy?
An idiopathic syndrome affecting the facial nerve
What are the symptoms of Bell’s Palsy?
Acute onset of unilateral facial weaknessEar pain - postauricular otalgia Hyperacusis - finding loud noises unbearable Drooling Drooping eyelid or corner of mouth Altered tasteDry eyes or mouth
Does Bell’s palsy involve the forehead?
Yes (stroke is forehead sparing)
What is the main treatment of Bell’s palsy?
Oral steroids - 50mg OD for 10 days
What other management options are involved in Bell’s palsy?
Supportive treatments - artificial saliva/tears, eye patch/tape
What is Ramsay Hunt syndrome?
A facial nerve palsy caused by shingles near the ear
How is Ramsay-Hunt syndrome differentiated from Bell’s Palsy?
Patients with Ramsay-Hunt syndrome will have profound ear pain, and a rash in the ear
What extra treatment would be given to someone with Ramsay-Hunt syndrome?
Acyclovir
What is the classic triad of Parkinson’s?
BradykinesiaResting tremorRigidity
What is the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s?
A reduction in the amount of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra
What are some other common symptoms of Parkinson’s?
Stooped postureFacial maskingReduced arm swing Shuffling gaitSmall handwriting Difficulty initiating movement
What kind of tremor can be seen in Parkinson’s?
Pill rolling tremor
What is the difference between Parkinson’s and benign essential tremor?
Parkinson’s- Worsens with rest- Asymmetrical- Improves with intentional movement - No change with alcohol Benign essential tremor - Improves with rest- Symmetrical - Worsens with intentional movement - Improves with alcohol
What are the differential diagnoses of Parkinson’s?
Lewy body dementia Benign essential tremor Drug-induced Parkinsonism Progressive supranuclear palsyMultiple system atrophy
What is the first line treatment of Parkinson’s?
Levodopa/carbidopa