Neurosurgery

Question 1

What drug is administered with a SAH? What does it do?

Answer 1

Nimodipine

CCB - reduces cerebral vasospasm and improves outcomes

Question 2

What is a complication of a SAH and therefore has to be monitored closely?

Answer 2

Hyponatraemia

Question 3

Presentation of an infant with hydrocephalus

Answer 3

Increased head circumference
A bulging fontanelle
Sunsetting of the eyes - impaired upward gaze 
Bradycardia
Seizures

Question 4

What is a common complication of interventricular haemorrhages?

Answer 4

Hydrocephalus

Question 5

Features of extradural haemorrhage

Answer 5

Loss of consciousness then
Lucid period
Then deteriorates
Usually following major head injury

Question 6

Features of subdural haemorrhage

Answer 6

Fluctuating consciousness

Often following trivial injury in the elderly or alcoholics

Question 7

What is the primary pathology in extra dural haemorrhages?

Answer 7

Damage to the middle meningeal artery

Question 8

What causes an acute subdural haematoma?

Answer 8

High speed injuries
Acceleration-deceleration injuries
AV malformation

Question 9

Is a subdural haematoma limited by suture lines?

Answer 9

No

Question 10

Patients with an intracranial bleed who become unresponsive should get what investigation and looking for what?

Answer 10

CT head

Hydrocephalus