Neurosurgery, C75 P721-743 Flashcards
HEAD TRAUMA
What is the incidence?
P721
70,000 fatal injuries/year in the United
States, 500,000 head injuries per year
HEAD TRAUMA What percentage of trauma deaths result from head trauma? P721
50%
HEAD TRAUMA
Identify the dermatomes:
P721 (picture)
(see Picture)
HEAD TRAUMA
What is the Glasgow Coma
Scale (GCS)?
P721
GCS is an objective assessment of the
level of consciousness after trauma
HEAD TRAUMA
GCS SCORING SYSTEM
Eyes?
P721
Eye Opening (E) 4—opens spontaneously 3—opens to voice (command) 2—opens to painful stimulus 1—does not open eyes (Think: “4 eyes”)
HEAD TRAUMA
GCS SCORING SYSTEM
Motor?
P722
Motor Response (M) 6—obeys commands 5—localizes painful stimulus 4—withdraws from pain 3—decorticate posture 2—decerebrate posture 1—no movement (Think: 6-cylinder motor)
HEAD TRAUMA
GCS SCORING SYSTEM
Verbal?
P722
Verbal Response (V) 5—appropriate and oriented 4—confused 3—inappropriate words 2—incomprehensible sounds 1—no sounds (Think: Jackson 5 = verbal 5)
HEAD TRAUMA GCS SCORING SYSTEM What indicates coma by GCS score? P722
< 8 (Think: “less than eight—it may be
too late”)
HEAD TRAUMA GCS SCORING SYSTEM What does unilateral, dilated, nonreactive pupil suggest? P722
Focal mass lesion with ipsilateral
herniation and compression of CN III
HEAD TRAUMA GCS SCORING SYSTEM What do bilateral fixed and dilated pupils suggest? P722
Diffusely increased ICP
HEAD TRAUMA GCS SCORING SYSTEM What are the four signs of basilar skull fracture? P722
1. Raccoon eyes—periorbital ecchymoses 2. Battle’s sign—postauricular ecchymoses 3. Hemotympanum 4. CSF rhinorrhea/otorrhea
HEAD TRAUMA GCS SCORING SYSTEM What is the initial radiographic neuroimaging in trauma? P722
- Head CT scan (if LOC or GCS 15)
- C-spine CT
- T/L spine AP and lateral
HEAD TRAUMA GCS SCORING SYSTEM Should the trauma head CT scan be with or without IV contrast? P722
Without!
HEAD TRAUMA
GCS SCORING SYSTEM
What is normal ICP?
P722
5 to 15 mm H(2)O
HEAD TRAUMA GCS SCORING SYSTEM What is the worrisome ICP? P723
>20 mm H(2)O
HEAD TRAUMA GCS SCORING SYSTEM What determines ICP (Monroe-Kelly hypothesis)? P723
- Volume of brain
- Volume of blood
- Volume of CSF
HEAD TRAUMA
GCS SCORING SYSTEM
What is the CPP?
P723
Cerebral Perfusion Pressure = mean
arterial pressure—ICP (normal CPP is
>70)
HEAD TRAUMA
GCS SCORING SYSTEM
What is Cushing’s reflex?
P723
Physiologic response to increased ICP:
1. Hypertension 2. Bradycardia 3. Decreased RR
HEAD TRAUMA GCS SCORING SYSTEM What are the three general indications to monitor ICP after trauma? P723
- GCS 9
- Altered level of consciousness or
unconsciousness with multiple system
trauma - Decreased consciousness with focal
neurologic examination abnormality
HEAD TRAUMA
GCS SCORING SYSTEM
What is Kocher’s point?
P723 (picture)
Landmark for placement of ICP monitor
bolt:
HEAD TRAUMA GCS SCORING SYSTEM What nonoperative techniques are used to decrease ICP? P724
1. Elevate head of bed (HOB) 30 (if spine cleared) 2. Diuresis-mannitol (osmotic diuretic), Lasix®, limit fluids 3. Intubation (PCO2 control) 4. Sedation 5. Pharmacologic paralysis 6. Ventriculostomy (CSF drainage)
HEAD TRAUMA GCS SCORING SYSTEM What is the acronym for the treatment of elevated ICP? P724
“ICP HEAD”: INTUBATE CALM (sedate) PLACE DRAIN (ventriculostomy)/ PARALYSIS
HYPERVENTILATE TO PCO2 35 ELEVATE head ADEQUATE BLOOD PRESSURE (CPP 70) DIURETIC (e.g., mannitol)
HEAD TRAUMA GCS SCORING SYSTEM Can a tight c-collar increase the ICP? P724
Yes (it blocks venous drainage from
brain!)
HEAD TRAUMA GCS SCORING SYSTEM Why is prolonged hyperventilation dangerous? P724
It may result in severe vasoconstriction
and ischemic brain necrosis!
Use only for very brief periods
HEAD TRAUMA GCS SCORING SYSTEM What is a Kjellberg? (pronounced “shellberg”) P724
Decompressive bifrontal craniectomy
with removal of frontal bone frozen for
possible later replacement
HEAD TRAUMA GCS SCORING SYSTEM How does cranial nerve examination localize the injury in a comatose patient? P724
CNs proceed caudally in the brain stem
as numbered: Presence of corneal reflex
(CN 5 + 7) indicates intact pons; intact
gag reflex (CN 9 + 10) shows functioning
upper medulla (Note: CN 6 palsy is often
a false localizing sign)
HEAD TRAUMA GCS SCORING SYSTEM What is acute treatment of seizures after head trauma? P724
Benzodiazepines (Ativan®)
HEAD TRAUMA GCS SCORING SYSTEM What is seizure prophylaxis after severe head injury? P724
Give phenytoin for 7 days
HEAD TRAUMA GCS SCORING SYSTEM What is the significance of hyponatremia (low sodium level) after head injury? P725
SIADH must be ruled out; remember,
SIADH = Sodium Is Always Down Here
HEAD TRAUMA EPIDURAL HEMATOMA What is an epidural hematoma? P725
Collection of blood between the skull and
dura
HEAD TRAUMA
EPIDURAL HEMATOMA
What causes it?
P725
Usually occurs in association with a skull
fracture as bone fragments lacerate
meningeal arteries
HEAD TRAUMA EPIDURAL HEMATOMA Which artery is associated with epidural hematomas? P725
Middle meningeal artery
HEAD TRAUMA EPIDURAL HEMATOMA What is the most common sign of an epidural hematoma? P725
>50% have ipsilateral blown pupil
HEAD TRAUMA EPIDURAL HEMATOMA What is the classic history with an epidural hematoma? P725
LOC followed by a “lucid interval”
followed by neurologic deterioration
HEAD TRAUMA EPIDURAL HEMATOMA What are the classic CT scan findings with an epidural hematoma? P725 (picture)
Lenticular (lens)-shaped hematoma
Think: Epidural = LEnticular
HEAD TRAUMA EPIDURAL HEMATOMA What is the surgical treatment for an epidural hematoma? P725
Surgical evacuation
HEAD TRAUMA EPIDURAL HEMATOMA What are the indications for surgery with an epidural hematoma? P725
Any symptomatic epidural hematoma;
any epidural hematoma >1 cm
HEAD TRAUMA
SUBDURAL HEMATOMA
What is it?
P726
Blood collection under the dura
HEAD TRAUMA
SUBDURAL HEMATOMA
What causes it?
P726
Tearing of “bridging” veins that pass through the space between the cortical surface and the dural venous sinuses or injury to the brain surface with resultant bleeding from cortical vessels
HEAD TRAUMA SUBDURAL HEMATOMA What are the three types of subdurals? P726
1. Acute—symptoms within 48 hours of injury 2. Subacute—symptoms within 3 to 14 days 3. Chronic—symptoms after 2 weeks or longer
HEAD TRAUMA SUBDURAL HEMATOMA What is the treatment of epidural and subdural hematomas? P726
Mass effect (pressure) must be reduced;
craniotomy with clot evacuation is usually
required
HEAD TRAUMA SUBDURAL HEMATOMA What classic findings appear on head CT scan for a subdural hematoma? P726 (picture)
Curved, crescent-shaped hematoma
Think: sUbdural = cUrved
HEAD TRAUMA
TRAUMATIC SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE
What is it?
P726
Head trauma resulting in blood below the
arachnoid membrane and above the pia
HEAD TRAUMA
TRAUMATIC SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE
What is the treatment?
P726
Anticonvulsants and observation
HEAD TRAUMA
CEREBRAL CONTUSION
What is it?
P726
Hemorrhagic contusion of brain parenchyma
HEAD TRAUMA CEREBRAL CONTUSION What are coup and contrecoup injuries? P727
Coup—injury at the site of impact
Contrecoup—injury at the site opposite
the point of impact
HEAD TRAUMA
CEREBRAL CONTUSION
What is DAI?
P727
Diffuse Axonal Injury (shear injury
to brain parenchyma) from rapid
deceleration injury; 33% mortality;
long-term coma
HEAD TRAUMA CEREBRAL CONTUSION What is the best diagnostic test for DAI? P727
MRI
HEAD TRAUMA CEREBRAL CONTUSION What can present after blunt trauma with neurological deficits and a normal brain CT scan? P727
DAI, carotid artery injury
HEAD TRAUMA SKULL FRACTURE What is a depressed skull fracture? P727
Fracture in which one or more fragments
of the skull are forced below the inner
table of the skull
HEAD TRAUMA SKULL FRACTURE What are the indications for surgery? P727
1. Contaminated wound requiring cleaning and débridement 2. Severe deformity 3. Impingement on cortex 4. Open fracture 5. CSF leak
HEAD TRAUMA SKULL FRACTURE What is the treatment for open skull fractures? P727
- Antibiotics
- Seizure prophylaxis (phenytoin)
- Surgical therapy
HEAD TRAUMA SPINAL CORD TRAUMA What are the two general types of injury? P727
- Complete—no motor/sensory function
below the level of injury - Incomplete—residual function below
the level of injury
HEAD TRAUMA
SPINAL CORD TRAUMA
Define “spinal shock.”
P727
Loss of all reflexes and motor function,
hypotension, bradycardia
HEAD TRAUMA
SPINAL CORD TRAUMA
Define “sacral sparing.”
P728
Sparing of sacral nerve level: anal sphincter
intact, toe flexion, perianal sensation
HEAD TRAUMA SPINAL CORD TRAUMA What initial studies/ intervention are important? P728
1. ABCs—obtain airway and ventilate if needed 2. Maintain BP (IVF, pressors if refractory to fluids) 3. NG tube—prevents aspiration 4. Foley 5. High-dose steroids—proven to improve outcome if given 8 hours post injury 6. Complete cervical x-rays and those of lower levels as indicated by examination
HEAD TRAUMA SPINAL CORD TRAUMA What are the diagnostic studies? P728
Plain films, CT scan, MRI
HEAD TRAUMA SPINAL CORD TRAUMA What are the indications for emergent surgery with spinal cord injury? P728
Unstable vertebral fracture
Incomplete injury with extrinsic
compression
Spinal epidural or subdural hematoma
HEAD TRAUMA SPINAL CORD TRAUMA What is the indication for IV high-dose steroids with spinal cord injury? P728
Controversial: Blunt spinal cord injury with neurologic deficit (methylprednisolone: high-dose bolus [30 mg/kg] followed by continuous infusion [5.4 mg/kg] for 23 hours)
HEAD TRAUMA SPINAL CORD TRAUMA Have steroids been proven to help after PENETRATING spine injury? P728
No
HEAD TRAUMA SPINAL CORD TRAUMA Describe the following conditions: Anterior cord syndrome P728 (Picture)
Affects corticospinal and lateral
spinothalamic tracts, paraplegia, loss of
pain/temperature sensation, preserved
touch/vibration/proprioception
HEAD TRAUMA SPINAL CORD TRAUMA Describe the following conditions: Central cord syndrome P729 (Picture)
Preservation of some lower extremity
motor and sensory ability with upper
extremity weakness
HEAD TRAUMA SPINAL CORD TRAUMA Describe the following conditions: Brown-Séquard syndrome P729 (Picture)
Hemisection of cord resulting in
ipsilateral motor weakness and touch/
proprioception loss with contralateral
pain/temperature loss
HEAD TRAUMA SPINAL CORD TRAUMA Describe the following conditions: Posterior cord syndrome P729
Injury to posterior spinal cord with loss
of proprioception distally
HEAD TRAUMA SPINAL CORD TRAUMA How can the findings associated with Brown- Séquard syndrome be remembered? P729
Think: CAPTAIN Brown-Séquard = “CPT”: Contralateral Pain Temperature loss
HEAD TRAUMA SPINAL CORD TRAUMA Define the following terms: Jefferson’s fracture P729
Fracture through C1 arches from axial
loading (unstable fracture)
HEAD TRAUMA SPINAL CORD TRAUMA Define the following terms: Hangman’s fracture P729
Fracture through the pedicles of C2 from
hyperextension; usually stable
Think: A hangman (C2) is below stature of
President T. Jefferson (C1)
HEAD TRAUMA SPINAL CORD TRAUMA Define the following terms: Odontoid fracture P729
Fracture of the odontoid process of C2
view with open-mouth odontoid x-ray
HEAD TRAUMA SPINAL CORD TRAUMA Define the following terms: Priapism P729
Penile erection seen with spinal cord
injury
HEAD TRAUMA SPINAL CORD TRAUMA Define the following terms: Chance fracture P730
Transverse vertebral fracture
HEAD TRAUMA SPINAL CORD TRAUMA Define the following terms: Clay shoveler’s fracture P730
Fracture of spinous process of C7
HEAD TRAUMA SPINAL CORD TRAUMA Define the following terms: Odontoid fractures P730 (picture)
A: Type I—fracture through tip of dens B: Type II—fracture through base of dens C: Type III—fracture through body of C2
TUMORS GENERAL What is the incidence of CNS tumors? P730
≈1% of all cancers; third leading cause of
cancer deaths in people 15 to 34 years of
age; second leading cause of cancer
deaths in children
TUMORS GENERAL What is the usual location of primary tumors in adults/ children? P730
In adults, 66% of tumors are
supratentorial, ≈33% are infratentorial;
the reverse is true in children (i.e.,
≈66% infratentorial)
TUMORS GENERAL What is the differential diagnosis of a ringenhancing brain lesion? P730
Metastatic carcinoma, abscess, GBM,
lymphoma
TUMORS GENERAL What are the adverse effects of tumors on the brain? P730
- Increased ICP
- Mass effect on cranial nerves
- Invasion of brain parenchyma,
disrupting nuclei/tracts - Seizure foci
- Hemorrhage into/around tumor mass
TUMORS GENERAL What are the signs/symptoms of brain tumors? P730
- Neurologic deficit (66%)
- Headache (50%)
- Seizures (25%)
- Vomiting (classically in the morning)
TUMORS
GENERAL
How is the diagnosis made?
P731
CT scan or MRI is the standard
diagnostic study
TUMORS GENERAL What are the surgical indications? P731
- Establishing a tissue diagnosis
- Relief of increased ICP
- Relief of neurologic dysfunction
caused by tissue compression - Attempt to cure in the setting of
localized tumor
TUMORS GENERAL What are the most common intracranial tumors in adults? P731
Metastatic neoplasms are most common;
among primaries, gliomas are #1 (50%)
and meningiomas are #2 (25%)
TUMORS GENERAL What are the three most common in children? P731
- Medulloblastomas (33%)
- Astrocytomas (33%)
- Ependymomas (10%)
TUMORS
GLIOMAS
What is a glioma?
P731
General name for several tumors of
neuroglial origin (e.g., astrocytes,
ependymal, oligodendrocytes)
TUMORS GLIOMAS What are the characteristics of a LOW-grade astrocytoma? P731
Nuclear atypia, high mitotic rate,
high signal on T2 weighted images,
nonenhancing with contrast CT scan
TUMORS GLIOMAS What is the most common primary brain tumor in adults? P731
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)
(Think: GBM = Greatest Brain
Malignancy)
TUMORS
GLIOMAS
What are its characteristics?
P731
Poorly defined, highly aggressive tumors
occurring in the white matter of the cerebral
hemispheres; spread extremely rapidly
TUMORS GLIOMAS What is the average age of onset? P731
Fifth decade
TUMORS
GLIOMAS
What is the treatment?
P731
Surgical debulking followed by radiation
TUMORS
GLIOMAS
What is the prognosis?
P731
Without treatment, 90% of patients
die within 3 months of diagnosis; with
treatment, 90% die within 2 years
TUMORS MENINGIOMAS What is the layer of origination? P732
Arachnoid cap cells
TUMORS
MENINGIOMAS
What are the risk factors?
P732
Radiation exposure
Neurofibromatosis type 2
Female gender
TUMORS MENINGIOMAS What are the associated histologic findings? P732
Psammoma bodies (concentric
calcifications), whorl formations
(“onion skin” pattern)
TUMORS MENINGIOMAS What is the histologic malignancy determination? P732
Brain parenchymal invasion
TUMORS MENINGIOMAS What is the peak age of occurrence? P732
40 to 50 years
TUMORS
MENINGIOMAS
What is the gender ratio?
P732
Females predominate almost 2:1
TUMORS MENINGIOMAS What is the clinical presentation? P732
Variable depending on location; lateral
cerebral convexity tumors can cause focal
deficits or headache; sphenoid tumors
can present with seizures; posterior fossa
tumors with CN deficits; olfactory groove
tumors with anosmia
TUMORS
MENINGIOMAS
What is the treatment?
P732
Preoperative embolization and surgical
resection
TUMORS CEREBELLAR ASTROCYTOMAS What is the peak age of occurrence? P732
5 to 9 years
TUMORS
CEREBELLAR ASTROCYTOMAS
What is the usual location?
P732
Usually in the cerebellar hemispheres;
less frequently in the vermis
TUMORS CEREBELLAR ASTROCYTOMAS What are the signs/ symptoms? P732
Usually lateral cerebellar signs occur:
ipsilateral incoordination or dysmetria
(patient tends to fall to side of tumor) as
well as nystagmus and ataxia; CN deficits
are also frequently present, especially in
CNs VI and VII
TUMORS CEREBELLAR ASTROCYTOMAS What are the treatment and prognosis? P733
Completely resectable in 75% of cases,
which usually results in a cure; overall
5-year survival rate exceeds 90%
TUMORS MEDULLOBLASTOMA What is the peak age of occurrence? P733
First decade (3 to 7 years)
TUMORS
MEDULLOBLASTOMA
What is the cell of origin?
P733
External granular cells of cerebellum
TUMORS MEDULLOBLASTOMA What is the most common location? P733
Cerebellar vermis in children; cerebellar
hemispheres of adolescents and adults
TUMORS MEDULLOBLASTOMA What are the signs/ symptoms? P733
Headache, vomiting, and other signs of
increased ICP; also usually truncal ataxia
TUMORS MEDULLOBLASTOMA What are the treatment and prognosis? P733
Best current treatment includes surgery
to debulk the tumor, cranial and spinal
radiation, and chemotherapy; 5-year
survival rate is >50%
TUMORS PITUITARY TUMORS What is the most common pituitary tumor? P733
Prolactinoma
TUMORS PITUITARY TUMORS What is the most common presentation of a prolactinoma? P733 (picture)
Bitemporal hemianopsia (lateral visual fields blind)
TUMORS PITUITARY TUMORS What are the blood prolactin levels with a prolactinoma? P734
>300 mg/L is diagnostic for prolactinoma
100 mg/L is abnormal
TUMORS PITUITARY TUMORS Medical treatment of a prolactinoma? P734
Bromocriptine
TUMORS PITUITARY TUMORS Surgical treatment for a prolactinoma? P734
Transsphenoidal resection of the pituitary
tumor (in cases refractory to bromocriptine)
TUMORS PITUITARY TUMORS What is the treatment of a recurrent prolactinoma after surgical resection? P734
Radiation therapy
VASCULAR NEUROSURGERY
SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE (SAH)
What are the usual causes?
P734
Most cases are due to trauma; of
nontraumatic SAH, the leading cause is
ruptured berry aneurysm, followed by
arteriovenous malformations
VASCULAR NEUROSURGERY
SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE (SAH)
What is a berry aneurysm?
P734
Saccular outpouching of vessels in the
circle of Willis, usually at bifurcations
VASCULAR NEUROSURGERY SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE (SAH) What is the usual location of a berry aneurysm? P734
Anterior communicating artery is #1 (30%),
followed by posterior communicating
artery and middle cerebral artery
VASCULAR NEUROSURGERY SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE (SAH) What medical disease increases the risk of berry aneurysms? P734
Polycystic kidney disease and connective tissue disorders (e.g., Marfan’s syndrome)
VASCULAR NEUROSURGERY SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE (SAH) What is an Arterio-Venous Malformation (AVM)? P734
Congenital abnormality of the vasculature
with connections between the arterial
and venous circulations without
interposed capillary network
VASCULAR NEUROSURGERY
SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE (SAH)
Where do they occur?
P734
>75% are supratentorial
VASCULAR NEUROSURGERY SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE (SAH) What are the signs/ symptoms of SAH? P734
Classic symptom is “the worst headache of my life”; meningismus is documented by neck pain and positive Kernig’s and Brudzinski’s signs; occasionally LOC, vomiting, nausea, photophobia
VASCULAR NEUROSURGERY SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE (SAH) What comprises the workup of SAH? P735
If SAH is suspected, head CT should be the first test ordered to look for subarachnoid blood; LP may show xanthochromic CSF, but is not necessary if CT scan is definitive; this test should be followed by arteriogram to look for aneurysms or AVMs
VASCULAR NEUROSURGERY SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE (SAH) What are the possible complications of SAH? P735
- Brain edema leading to increased ICP
- Rebleeding (most common in the first
24 to 48 hours posthemorrhage) - Vasospasm (most common cause of
morbidity and mortality)
VASCULAR NEUROSURGERY SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE (SAH) What is the treatment for vasospasm? P735
Nimodipine (calcium channel blocker)
VASCULAR NEUROSURGERY SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE (SAH) What is the treatment of aneurysms? P735
Surgical treatment by placing a metal
clip on the aneurysm is the mainstay of
therapy; alternatives include balloon
occlusion or coil embolization
VASCULAR NEUROSURGERY SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE (SAH) What is the treatment of AVMs? P735
Many are on the brain surface and accessible operatively; preoperative embolization can reduce the size of the AVM; for surgically inaccessible lesions, radiosurgery (gamma knife) has been effective in treating AVMs <3 cm in diameter
VASCULAR NEUROSURGERY
INTRACEREBRAL HEMORRHAGE
What is it?
P735
Bleeding into the brain parenchyma
VASCULAR NEUROSURGERY
INTRACEREBRAL HEMORRHAGE
What is the etiology?
P735
#1 is hypertensive/atherosclerotic disease giving rise to Charcot-Bouchard aneurysms (small tubular aneurysms along smaller terminal arteries); other causes include coagulopathies, AVMs, amyloid angiopathy, bleeding into a tumor, and trauma
VASCULAR NEUROSURGERY
INTRACEREBRAL HEMORRHAGE
Where does it occur?
P735
66% occur in the basal ganglia; putamen
is the structure most commonly affected
VASCULAR NEUROSURGERY INTRACEREBRAL HEMORRHAGE How often does blood spread to the ventricular system? P736
66% of cases
VASCULAR NEUROSURGERY INTRACEREBRAL HEMORRHAGE What is the usual presentation? P736
66% present with coma; large putamen bleeding classically presents with contralateral hemiplegia and hemisensory deficits, lateral gaze preference, aphasia, and homonymous hemianopsia
VASCULAR NEUROSURGERY INTRACEREBRAL HEMORRHAGE What is the associated diagnostic study? P736
CT scan
VASCULAR NEUROSURGERY INTRACEREBRAL HEMORRHAGE What are the surgical indications? P736
CN III palsy, progressive alteration of
consciousness
VASCULAR NEUROSURGERY
INTRACEREBRAL HEMORRHAGE
What is the prognosis?
P736
Poor, especially with ventricular or
diencephalons involvement
SPINE
LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION
What is it?
P736
Extrusion of the inner portion of the intervertebral disc (nucleus pulposus) through the outer annulus fibrosis, causing impingement on nerve roots exiting the spinal canal
SPINE
LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION
Which nerve is affected?
P736
Nerve exiting at the level below (e.g., an
L4–L5 disc impinges on the L5 nerve
exiting between L5–S1)
SPINE
LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION
Who is affected?
P736
Middle-aged and older individuals
SPINE
LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION
What is the usual cause?
P736
Loss of elasticity of the posterior
longitudinal ligaments and annulus
fibrosis as a result of aging
SPINE LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION What are the most common sites? P736
L5–S1 (45%)
L4–L5 (40%)
SPINE LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION What is the usual presenting symptom? P736
Low back pain
SPINE LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION What are the signs: L5–S1? P737
Decreased ankle jerk reflex Weakness of plantar flexors in foot Pain in back/midgluteal region to posterior calf to lateral foot Ipsilateral radiculopathy on straight leg raise
SPINE LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION What are the signs: L4–L5? P737
Decreased biceps femoris reflex
Weak extensors of foot
SPINE LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION What are the signs: L3–L4? P737
Decrease or absence of knee jerks, weakness of the quadriceps femoris, pain in lower back/buttock, pain in lateral thigh and anterior thigh Pain in hip/groin region to posterolateral thigh, lateral leg, and medial toes
SPINE
LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION
How is the diagnosis made?
P737
CT scan, CT myelogram, or MRI
SPINE
LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION
What is the treatment?
P737
Conservative—bed rest and analgesics
Surgical—partial hemilaminectomy and
discectomy (removal of herniated disc)
SPINE LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION What are the indications for emergent surgery? P737
- Cauda equina syndrome
2. Progressive motor deficits
SPINE LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION What is cauda equina syndrome? P737
Herniated disc compressing multiple S1, S2, S3, S4 nerve roots, resulting in bowel/bladder incontinence, “saddle anesthesia” over buttocks/perineum, low back pain, sciatica
SPINE
LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION
What is “sciatica”?
P737
Radicular or nerve root pain
SPINE
CERVICAL DISC DISEASE
What is it?
P737
Basically the same pathology as lumbar disc herniation, except in the cervical region; the disc impinges on the nerve exiting the canal at the same level of the disease (e.g., a C6–C7 disc impinges on the C7 nerve root exiting at the C6–C7 foramen)
SPINE CERVICAL DISC DISEASE What are the most common sites? P738
C6–C7 (70%)
C5–C6 (20%)
C7–T1 (10%)
SPINE CERVICAL DISC DISEASE What are the signs/symptoms: C7? P738
Decreased triceps reflex/strength,
weakness of forearm extension
Pain from neck, through triceps and into
index and middle finger
SPINE CERVICAL DISC DISEASE What are the signs/symptoms: C6? P738
Decreased biceps and brachioradialis
reflex
Weakness in forearm flexion
Pain in neck, radial forearm, and thumb
SPINE CERVICAL DISC DISEASE What are the signs/symptoms: C8? P738
Weakness in intrinsic hand muscles, pain
in fourth/fifth fingers
SPINE
CERVICAL DISC DISEASE
How is the diagnosis made?
P738
CT scan or MRI
SPINE
CERVICAL DISC DISEASE
What is the treatment?
P738
Anterior or posterior discectomy with
fusion PRN
SPINE CERVICAL DISC DISEASE What are the symptoms of central cervical cord compression from disc fragments? P738
Myelopathic syndrome with LMN signs
at level of compression and UMN signs
distally; e.g., C7 compression may cause
bilateral loss of triceps reflex and bilateral
hyperreflexia, clonus, and Babinski signs
in lower extremities
SPINE
CERVICAL DISC DISEASE
What is Spurling’s sign?
P738
Reproduction of radicular pain by having
the patient turn his head to the affected
side and applying axial pressure to the
top of the head
SPINE
SPINAL EPIDURAL ABSCESS
What is the etiology?
P738
Hematogenous spread from skin infections
is most common; also, distant abscesses/
infections, UTIs, postoperative infections,
spinal surgery, epidural anesthesia
SPINE SPINAL EPIDURAL ABSCESS What is the commonly associated medical condition? P738
Diabetes mellitus
SPINE SPINAL EPIDURAL ABSCESS What are the three most common sites? P739
- Thoracic
- Lumbar
- Cervical
SPINE SPINAL EPIDURAL ABSCESS What is the most common organism? P739
Staphylococcus aureus
SPINE SPINAL EPIDURAL ABSCESS What are the signs/ symptoms? P739
Fever; severe pain over affected area and with flexion/extension of spine; weakness can develop, ultimately leading to paraplegia; 15% of patients have a back furuncle
SPINE
SPINAL EPIDURAL ABSCESS
How is the diagnosis made?
P739
MRI = test of choice
SPINE SPINAL EPIDURAL ABSCESS Which test is contraindicated? P739
LP, because of the risk of seeding CSF
with bacteria, causing meningitis
SPINE
SPINAL EPIDURAL ABSCESS
What is the treatment?
P739
Surgical drainage and appropriate
antibiotic coverage
SPINE
SPINAL EPIDURAL ABSCESS
What is the prognosis?
P739
Depends on preop condition; severe
neurologic deficits (e.g., paraplegia) show
little recovery; 15% to 20% of cases are
fatal
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY
HYDROCEPHALUS
What is it?
P739
Abnormal condition consisting of an
increased volume of CSF along with
distension of CSF spaces
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY HYDROCEPHALUS What are the three general causes? P739
- Increased production of CSF
- Decreased absorption of CSF
- Obstruction of normal flow of CSF
(90% of cases)
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY HYDROCEPHALUS What is the normal daily CSF production? P739
≈500 mL
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY HYDROCEPHALUS What is the normal volume of CSF? P739
≈150 mL in the average adult
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY HYDROCEPHALUS Define “communicating” versus “noncommunicating” hydrocephalus. P740
Communicating—unimpaired connection
of CSF pathway from lateral ventricle
to subarachnoid space
Noncommunicating—complete or
incomplete obstruction of CSF flow
within or at the exit of the ventricular
system
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY HYDROCEPHALUS What are the specific causes of hydrocephalus? P740
Congenital malformation Aqueductal stenosis Myelomeningocele Tumors obstructing CSF flow Inflammation causing impaired absorption of fluid Subarachnoid hemorrhage Meningitis Choroid plexus papilloma causing ↑ production of CSF
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY HYDROCEPHALUS What are the signs/ symptoms? P740
Signs of increased ICP: HA, nausea,
vomiting, ataxia, increasing head
circumference exceeding norms for age
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY
HYDROCEPHALUS
How is the diagnosis made?
P740
CT scan, MRI, measurement of head
circumference
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY
HYDROCEPHALUS
What is the treatment?
P740
- Remove obvious offenders
- Perform bypass obstruction with
ventriculoperitoneal shunt or
ventriculoatrial shunt
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY HYDROCEPHALUS What is the prognosis if untreated? P740
50% mortality; survivors show decreased
IQ (mean = 69); neurologic sequelae:
ataxia, paraparesis, visual deficits
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY HYDROCEPHALUS What are the possible complications of treatment? P740
- Blockage/shunt malfunction
2. Infection
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY HYDROCEPHALUS What is hydrocephalus ex vacuo? P740
Increased volume of CSF spaces from
brain atrophy, not from any pathology
in the amount of CSF absorbed or
produced
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY
HYDROCEPHALUS
What is a “shunt series”?
P740
Series of x-rays covering the entire shunt
length—looking for shunt disruption/
kinking to explain malfunction of shunt
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY
SPINAL DYSRAPHISM/NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS
What is the incidence?
P741
≈1/1000 live births in the United
States
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY SPINAL DYSRAPHISM/NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS What are the race/gender demographics? P741
More common in white patients and
female patients
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY
SPINAL DYSRAPHISM/NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS
Define spina bifida occulta.
P741
Defect in the development of the
posterior portion of the vertebrae
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY SPINAL DYSRAPHISM/NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS What are the signs/ symptoms? P741
Usually asymptomatic, though it may be
associated with other spinal abnormalities;
usually found incidentally on x-rays
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY SPINAL DYSRAPHISM/NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS What is the most common clinically significant defect? P741
Myelomeningocele: herniation of nerve
roots and spinal cord through a defect in
the posterior elements of the vertebra(e);
the sac surrounding the neural tissue may
be intact, but more commonly is ruptured
and therefore exposes the CNS to the
external environment
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY SPINAL DYSRAPHISM/NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS What are the three most common anatomic sites? P741
- Lumbar region
- Lower thoracic region
- Upper sacral region
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY SPINAL DYSRAPHISM/NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS What are the signs/ symptoms? P741
Variable from mild skeletal deformities to
a complete motor/sensory loss; bowel/
bladder function is difficult to evaluate,
but often is affected and can adversely
affect survival
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY
SPINAL DYSRAPHISM/NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS
What is the treatment?
P741
With open myelomeningoceles, patients
are operated on immediately to prevent
infection
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY
SPINAL DYSRAPHISM/NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS
What is the prognosis?
P741
≈95% survival for the first 2 years,
compared with 25% in patients not
undergoing surgical procedures
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY SPINAL DYSRAPHISM/NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS Which vitamin is thought to lower the rate of neural tube defects in utero? P741
Folic acid
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY
CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS
What is it?
P742
Premature closure of one or more of the
sutures between the skull plates
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY
CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS
What is the incidence?
P742
1/200 live births in the United States
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY
CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS
What are the types?
P742
Named for the suture that is fused (e.g.,
sagittal, coronal, lambdoid); sagittal
craniosynostosis accounts for 50% of all
cases; more than one suture can be
fused, and all or part of a suture may be
affected
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY
CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS
How is the diagnosis made?
P742
Physical examination can reveal ridges along fused sutures and lessened suture mobility; plain x-rays can show a lack of lucency along the fused suture, but are rarely required
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS What are the indications for surgery? P742
Most often the reasons are cosmetic, as the cranial vault will continue to deform with growth; occasionally, a child will present with increased ICP secondary to restricted brain growth
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS What is the timing of surgery? P742
Usually 3 to 4 months of age; earlier
surgery increases the risk of anesthesia;
later surgeries are more difficult because
of the worsening deformities and
decreasing malleability of the skull
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS What is the operative mortality? P742
<1%
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY MISCELLANEOUS What is the most common bacteria causing postneurosurgery meningitis? P742
Staphylococcus aureus (skin flora)
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY MISCELLANEOUS What classically presents as the “worst headache of my life”? P742
Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY MISCELLANEOUS What classically has a “lucid interval”? P742
Epidural hemorrhage
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY MISCELLANEOUS What is the most common location of a hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage? P743
Putamen
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY
MISCELLANEOUS
What is Horner’s syndrome?
P743
Cervical sympathetic chain lesion; Think: “MAP”: Miosis Anhydrosis of ipsilateral face Ptosis
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY
MISCELLANEOUS
What is a third-nerve palsy?
P743
Think: Third nerve does three things:
1. Diplopia 2. Ptosis 3. Mydriasis
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY MISCELLANEOUS What is Millard-Gubler syndrome? P743
Pons infarction:
1. VI nerve palsy 2. VII nerve palsy 3. Contralateral hemiplegia
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY
MISCELLANEOUS
What is syringomyelia?
P743
Central pathologic cavitations of the
spinal cord