PANCE Prep- Neuro Flashcards
Management of Normal pressure Hydrocephalus
- Ventriculoperitoneal shunt
What is the term for impaired performance of rapidly alternating movements and what does it mean
dysdiadochokinesia
*cerebellar pathology
CN VII: ____ (S/M/B?)
Test by: ___
Abnormalities could mean: ___
CN 7: facial: B
Test: M: facial expression, S: taste anterior 2/3 of tongue
Abnormalities: Bells palsy, CN 7 palsy, Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
Tx of Tension Headache
- tx like migraines- 1st NSAIDS, ASA, acetaminophen
2. Anti-migraine meds
What are the following associated with:
1. Lewy bodies
- Lewy bodies= Parkinson disease
The ability to put three words together, feed oneself well with a spoon and build a tower of seven cubes are milestones for what age?
24 months
Clinical manifestations of Myasthenia Gravis
- Ocular Weakness (usually 1st presenting sx and more severe)
- EOM involvement, Diplopia***, ptosis (more prominent w/ upward gaze)
- Pupils are spared - Generalized muscle weakness w/ repeated muscle use– relieved w/ rest
- Bulbar (oropharyngeal) weakness w/ prolonged chewing
- Respiratory muscle weakness may lead to resp. failure= myasthenic crisis
*MC in young women
Management of TIA
- Aspirin +/- dipyridamole or plavix
* *Thrombolytics contraindicated!!
* *avoid lowering BP unless >220/120 - Manage RF: DM, HTN, and Afib
Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome (Willis-Ekbom Disease)
- uncomfortable itching, burning, paresthesias in the leg that creates an urge to move
- worse at night and prolonged period of rest/inactivity
- improved with movement
What is Myerson’s sign
tapping the bridge of nose repetitively causes a sustained blink
*often seen in Parkinson Disease
What is the most common and most aggressive of all the primary CNS tumors in adults
Glioblastoma (glioblastoma multiform) = Grade 4 astrocytoma
What is Lhermittes sign
Neck flexion causing lightening shock type pain radiating from the spine down the leg
*seen in MS
What makes up the diencephalon and where is it?
- Thalamus: deep in forebrain
2. Hypothalamus: below and ventral to thalamus
Management of Restless Leg Syndrome (Willis-Ekbom Disease)
- Dopamine agonist (TX OF CHOICE) ex. Pramipexole, Ropinirole
- Alpha-2-delta calcium channel ligands ex. Gabapentin
- Benzos
- Iron supplementation in those w/ serum ferritin lower than 75mcg/L
Valproic acid and Depakote SE
pancreatitis, hepatotoxicity
SE of Levodopa/Carbidopa
- NV
- Hypotension
- Somnolence
- Dyskinesia and wearing off bradykinesia associated with LT use
CN VI: ____ (S/M/B?)
Test by: ___
CN6: Abducens: M
Test: lateral rectus (lateral gaze), EOM
Seizures that develop during adolescence and adult life are predominantly due to:
tumor, trauma, drug use, or alcohol withdrawal.
This type of tremor is shortly relieved with alcohol ingestion
Essential Familial Tremor
benign intentional tremor
Progressive, chronic intellectual deterioration: memory loss, loss of impulse control
Dementia
CN X: ____ (S/M/B?)
Test by: ___
CN10, vagus, B
Test: M: voice, soft palate, gag
Anterior CVA sx on right hemisphere and on left hemisphere
Right: apatial/time deficits, impulsivity, flat affect, apraxia
Left: aphasia, agraphia, decreased math comprehension
What is Cushings reflex
- irregular respirations
- hypertension
- bradycardia
Indications for Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- Seizure disorders
- bipolar
- Trigeminal neuralgia (Drug of choice)
- central diabetes insipidus
Describe the presentation of Central cord syndrome
- loss of motor function that is more severe in the UE than LE (more severe in hands)
- hyperesthesia over the shoulders and arms
Etiologies of LMN lesions
- Guillain Barre syndrome
- Botulism
- Poliomyelitis
- Cauda Equina syndrome
- Bell Palsy
s/s of Reye syndrome
- post-influenza or URI
- The patient develops lethargy, drowsiness, and vomiting. Babinski reflex is positive and hyperreflexia is noted. The liver is normal or enlarged.
On finger to nose testing, tremor increases as the target is approached
Intentional tremor (essential familial tremor)– benign
With Myasthenia Gravis, how can you tell if the weakness and respiratory failure is from myasthenic crisis or cholinergic crisis (too much acetylcholine)?
- If flaccid paralysis improves w/ Tensilon–> myasthenic crisis
- If flaccid paralysis worsens w/ Tensilon–> Cholinergic crisis
What type of intracranial hemorrhage?
CT: convex lens, shaped
*does not cross suture lines
Epidural
What causes Parkinson’s disease?
IDIOPATHIC loss of dopamine producing cells of the substantia nigra (in the basal ganglia)
*failure to inhibit acetylcholine in the basal ganglia (Ach is an excitatory CNS neurotransmitter and dopamine is inhibitory)
Cluster HA is diagnosed by:
Severe unilateral periorbital pain accompanied by one for more of the following:
ipsilateral. ..
1. nasal congestion
2. rhinorrhea
3. Lacrimation
4. redness of the eye
*Horners Syndrome: ptosis, miosis, anhydrosis
SE of Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Hyponatremia (causes SIADH)
SJS,
blood dyscrasias
Phenytoin is the drug of choice for ___
seizure prophylaxis *does not cause CNS depresssion
When are anticholinergics indicated and CI for Parkinson Disease
Indicated: less than 70y/o w/ tremor predominance (doesn’t improve bradykinesia)
CI: BPH, glaucoma
What is ALS
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis “aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease”
-Necrosis of BOTH upper and lower motor neurons–> PROGRESSIVE MOTOR DEGENERATION
Management of Cluster HA
- 100% Oxygen (6-10L)
- Anti-migraine meds: SQ sumatriptan
Prophylaxis: Verapamil (1st line**)
CN II: ____ (S/M/B?)
Test by: ___
Abnormalities could mean: ___
CN2: optic: S
Test: visual acuity, visual fields, pupillary light reflex
Abnormalities: optic neuritis, marcus Gunn
What are the functions of the Parietal Lobe
- Perception/recognition of stimuli
- Orientation
- Movement
* body sensation and somatosensory
What type of intracranial hemorrhage?
CT: concave, crescent shape
*can cross suture lines
Subdural
What are the functions of the Medulla oblongata
- Regulates vital body function (HR, breathing, autonomic fxn)
What is Marcus- Gunn pupil
During swinging flashlight test from the unaffected eye into the affected eye, pupils appear to dilate (due to less than normal pupillary constriction). The response is due to the brain perceiving the delayed conduction of affected optic nerve as if light was reduced
Management of Migraine HA
- Symptomatic/Abortive: Triptans or Ergotamines: Serotonin 5HT-1 agonists
- Dopamine blockers + Diphenhydramine (to prevent EPS, dystonic reactions)
- IV fluids
Prophylactic: anti-HTN meds (BB, Ca+ channel blockers) TCAs, Anticonvulsants
What spinal nerve root is most likley affect in a patient with triceps weakness and paresthesias in the middle finger and diminished brachioradialis reflex
C7
___ are suppressible while ___ are not suppressible
Tics- suppressible
Myoclonus- not suppressible
Berry Aneurysm MC occurs where?
DX by ___
Circle of Willis (asymptomatic until SAH)
DX: angiography gold standard
___ presents w/ ptosis of the eyelid, meiosis or constriction of the pupil, and anhidrosis or reduced sweat secretion
-pupillary response to light and accommodation is preserved
Horner Syndrome
What type of intracranial hemorrhage?
CT: star shapped
SAH
Epidural hemorrhage Location: MOI: SX: CT:
Location: Arterial bleed, btwn skull and dura
MOI: temporal bone fx and middle meningeal artery disruption
SX: LOC w. lucid interval
CT: Lens shape, does not cross suture lines, temporal bone fx
What is Alzheimer Disease
MC type of dementia
- loss of brain cells, amyloid deposition (senile plaques) in brain, neurofibrillary tangles (tau protein)
- Cholinergic deficiency
How do you manage an Essential Familial Tremor
- Tx not usually needed
1. Propranolol may help if severe or situational
2. Second line: Primidone (barbiturate)
3. Third line: Alprazolam (benzo)
What spinal nerve root is most likely affected in a patient with weak wrist extension, thumb and index finger paresthesias and diminished triceps reflex?
C6
Household contacts of a patient with bacterial meningitis are best treated with which of the following?
Rifampin, Cipro, Levaquin, Zithromax and Rocephin are the drugs of choice.
What is the cause of cerebral palsy
CNS disorder associated w/ muscle tone and postural abnormalities due to brain injury during perinatal or prenatal periods
What is the drug of choice for insomnia in the elderly
benzos
MC type of astrocytoma in children/young adults vs adults
Kids/young adults: Grade I Pilocytic astrocytoma (most benign)
Adults: Grade 4 Glioblastoma multiforme
Suspect ____ in younger patients with Trigeminal Neuralgia
Multiple Sclerosis
How does Phenytoin (Dilantin) help w/ seizures and what are its SE
-blocks Na+ channels in CNS
SE: gingival hyperplasia, SJS, rash, hirsutism, hypotension
- osteomalacia or demineralization w. LT use
Describe the following pupil findings:
- Horner Syndrome
- Adie pupil
- Argyll Robertson pupil
- Marcus Gunn pupil
- Light-Near dissociation
- Horner Syndrome: unilateral small pupil w/ mild ptosis +/- ipsilateral anhydrosis w/ preserved pupillary response to light and accommodation
- Adie pupil: unilateral-dilated pupil that is sluggish to direct light stimuli
- Argyll Robertson pupil: usually affects both eyes, irregular in shpae and poorly reactive to light
- Marcus Gunn pupil: constricts slower to direct light stimulation than to the consensual stimulation
- Light-Near dissociation: bilateral and consists of preserved constriction to accommodation but impaired to response to light
Describe the Lacunar infarcts
- small vessel disease
1. MC pure motor deficit
2. Hx of HTN 80%
3. CT: small punched out hypodense areas
Most CNS lymphomas are ____ and a big risk factor is
large B cell lymphoma (secondary)
EBV 90% of time
What is a TIA
TRANSIENT episode of neurological deficits WIHTOUT acute infarction. often lasting <24hr
*MC cause embolus
An 18 year-old male is involved in a motor vehicle accident with a question of cervical spine fracture. What is the imaging test of choice to initially evaluate this patient and clear his cervical c-spine?
Lateral radiograph
*MRI and CT of the spine may be performed in the setting of acute cervical spine injury when a major fracture or dislocation is identified.
When do the following reflexes disappear in infants:
- Moro:
- Grasp:
- Parachute:
- Tonic Neck:
- Moro: 3-6 months
- Grasp: 2 months
- Parachute: Remains throughout life
- Tonic Neck: 6-7 months
What is Tourette Syndrome?
Unknown exact etiology but may in part be to basal ganglia disorder (behavior/impulse control)
What is the most common cause of subclavian steal syndrome and how do they present
atherosclerosis
- most are asymptomatic
- sx of arm arterial insufficiency- BP difference between arms >15mmhg in affected arm
What are upper motor neuron signs
- Spasticity
- Stiffness
- HYPERreflexia (increased DTR)
- UPward babinski
Acute relapses of MS are treated with
a short course of IV methylprednisolone followed by oral prednisone.
Most abundant excitatory NT in CNS:
Most abundant inhibitory NT in CNS:
Most abundant excitatory NT in CNS: Glutamate
Most abundant inhibitory NT in CNS: GABA
How can you tell the difference btwn Myasthenia Gravis and Myasthenic syndrome (Lambert-Eaton)
Weakness improves w/ repeated use in Lambert Eaton
What are some dopamine antagonists?
(blocks dopamine)
- Typical antipsychotics: Haloperidol
- Atypical antispychotics: Clozapine, risperidone
- Antiemetics: Promethazine
Management of CVA
- Thrombolytics w/in 3 hrs of onset
- rTPA (alteplase) if no hemorrhage– only effective in ISCHEMIC stroke
- Antiplatelet: ASA, Plavix
- Lower BP if 185/110+ for thrombolytics or 220/120+ if no thrombolytics use
Sx of anterior cerebral artery stroke
- contralateral sensory/motor/hemiparesis: LE>UE**
- face spared
- imparied judgement/personality changes (flat affect)
- Urinary incontinence*
Management of Multiple Sclerosis
Acute exacerbation: IV corticosteroids*** and plasmapheresis if not responsive
Relapse-remitting disease: B interferon** or Glatiramer acetate
-Amantadine is helpful for the fatigue in MS
What is the diagnostic test of choice for MS
MRI (use McDonald diagnostic criteria)
Describe the CSF findings for:
- MS:
- Guillain Barre Syndrome:
- Bacterial Meningitis:
- Viral Meningitis:
- Fungal or TV Mengitis
- Pseudotumor Cerebri
- SAH
- MS: High IgG/Oligoclonal bands
- Guillain Barre Syndrome: high protein w/ normal WBC/cell count
- Bacterial Meningitis: high protein, high WBC (PMNs), decreased glucose
- Viral Meningitis: high WBCs (lymphocytes), normal glucose
- Fungal or TV Mengitis: Decreased glucose, high WBCs (lymphoctyes)
- Pseudotumor Cerebri: increased CSF pressure otherwise nl
- SAH: xanthocromia, blood in CSF
What are the Clinical manifestations of an Essential Familial Tremor
- Intentional Tremor: postural, bilateral ACTION tremor of the hands, forearms, head, neck or voice–> MC in UE and head (titubation) (usually spares legs)
- Tremor worsens w/ emotional stress and intentional movement
- No other sign. neuro findings
Describe what CN control what eye movements
CN 3 (Oculomotor): superior rectus, inferior rectus, and medial rectus CN 4 (Trochlear): Superior oblique CN 6 (Abducens): Lateral rectus
SO4, LR6 and the remainder 3
(Superior oblique: CN 4– Lateral rectus: CN 6)
Management of CP
- Multidisciplinary approach
2. Improving Spasticity: Daclofen, diazepam
Clinical Manifestations of ALS
- Muscle weakness: loss of ability to initiate and control motor movements
- Mixed upper and lower motor neuron signs**
- Bulbar sx: dysphagia, dysarthria, speech problems, resp. problems
- Sensation, urinary sphincter and voluntary eye movements are spared*****
S/S of epidural hematoma
- brief LOC followed by lucid interval
- HA, vomiting, lethary,
- ipsilateral anisocoria and contralateral hemiparesis
**Associated w/ temporal bone fracture w/ a laceration to the middle meningeal artery or vein
SX of
- Viral Meningitis
- Encephalitis
- Viral Meningitis: meningeal Sx, normal cerebral fxn, no focal deficits
- Encephalitis: profound lethargy, AMS, abnormal cerebral fxn, focal deficits (ex. CN), seizures
CN V: ____ (S/M/B?)
Test by: ___
Abnormalities could mean: ___
CN 5: Trigeminal:B
Test: M: muscles of mastication, S: light touch of face
Abnormalities: trigeminal neuralgia
How do you diagnose Guillain Barre Syndrome
- CSF: high protein w normal WBC**– albuminocytological dissociation
- Electrophysiologic studies: decreased motor nerve conduction velocities and amplitude
What are the functions of the Frontal Lobe
- Reasoning
- Problem solving
- Parts of speech
- Movement
- Emotion
What makes up the Cortex and what is its fxn
Frontal, parietal, tempora, occipital lobes
- fxns in higher brain processes such as thought and action.
- Controls all voluntary activity (w/ help of cerebellum)
What cord injury causes loss of proprioception and vibratory sense only
Posterior cord syndrome (rare)
What are lower motor neuron signs
- Bilateral FASCICULATIONS
- Muscle ATROPHY and WEAKNESS
- HYPOreflexia (Decreased DTR)
- Flaccidity/HYPOtonia
- DOWNward Babinski
What types of hemorrhages are associated with:
- head trauma w/ brief LOC followed by a lucid interval
- worst HA/thunderclap HA
- epidermal hematoma
2. subarachnoid hemorrhage
Twisting of the body, abnormal posturing (ex. torticollis, writers cramp)
Dystonia
What s/s occur in order of prevalence for an impending cerebral aneurysm rupture
- HA (MC 48%)
- Dizziness (10%)
- Orbital pain (7%)
- Sensory and motor disturbance (6%)
- diplopia (4%)
What is the most appropriate initial disease-modifying treatment for a patient diagnosed with MS
- Beta-interferon
Inhibition of acetylcholine release is sween w/
botulism
Describe the presentation of Brown-Sequard Syndrome
- Weakness and loss of posterior column fxn on one side of the body distal to the lesion w/ contralateral loss of lateral spinothalamic fxn one to two levels below the lesion