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
2 main 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
- *MUSCLE WEAKNESS WORSENED W USE
Management of TIA
- FIRST LINE: Aspirin +/- dipyridamole or plavix
* *Thrombolytics contraindicated!!
* *avoid lowering BP unless >220/120 - Management of RF:
- carotid endartectomy if ICA stenosis > 70%
- oral anticoagulation for a-fib or LV thrombus
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
- Iron supplementation in those w/ serum ferritin lower than 75mcg/L
- Alpha-2-delta calcium channel ligands ex. Gabapentin
Valproic acid and Depakote 4 ADRs
pancreatitis, hepatotoxicity, TERATOGEN (neural tube defect), tremor
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
what is 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 sxs
contralateral sensory and motor deficits greater in leg/foot
urinary incontinence
personality/cognitive deficits
What is Cushings reflex and what disease state is it typically seen in?
- irregular respirations
- hypertension
- bradycardia
**TBI and epidural hematoma
4 Indications for Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- tonic-clonic and focal Seizure disorders
- bipolar
- Trigeminal neuralgia (Drug of choice)
- central diabetes insipidus
what is Central cord syndrome and presentation
MC type of incomplete spinal cord injury
CP: loss of motor function that is more severe in the UE than LE (more severe in hands); hyperesthesia over the shoulders and arms
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
4 SE of Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Hyponatremia (causes SIADH)
SJS,
blood dyscrasias
hepatotoxicity
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? what functions are spared in these disease?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis “aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease”
-Necrosis of BOTH upper and lower motor neurons–> PROGRESSIVE MOTOR DEGENERATION
**sensation, voluntary eye movement, bowel/bladder, sexual function are SPARED
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 and what disease state is it common to see this in?
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
**MS
Management of Migraine HA
- Symptomatic/Abortive: NSAIDS/ASA/TYL first line if mild, Triptans or Ergotamines (mod to severe with no response to first line): Serotonin 5HT-1 agonists
- Dopamine blockers (metoclopramide, prochlorperazine)+ Diphenhydramine (to prevent EPS, dystonic reactions)
- IV fluids
Prophylactic: anti-HTN meds (BB, Ca+ channel blockers) TCAs, Anticonvulsants
What spinal nerve root is most likely affect in a patient with triceps, elbow extension, wrist flexion weakness and paresthesias in the middle finger and diminished triceps 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 shaped
SAH
Epidural hemorrhage Location: MOI: SX: Dx: Tx:
Location: Arterial bleed, btwn skull and dura
MOI: temporal bone fx and middle meningeal artery disruption
SX: LOC followed by lucid interval, then neuro degeneration
Dx by noncontrast CT: Lens shape, does NOT cross suture lines, temporal bone fx
Tx: hematoma evacuation or craniotomy TOC in most
if small, close observation without surgery
**remember methods to reduce ICP
What is Alzheimer Disease and what is it usually due to?
MC type of dementia
hypotheses on causes: amyloid deposition (senile plaques) in brain, neurofibrillary tangles (caused by abnormal tau proteins), ACh deficiency
**see temporal atrophy
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 brachioradialis reflex?
C6
Indications for close contacts of a patient with bacterial meningitis to be treated
*unique to N. meningitidis
Rifampin (600 mg q 12 for 2 days) OR Ciprofloxacin (500 mg oral)
>8 hrs of exposure or direct exposure to respiratory secretions
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
stabilizes neuronal membranes by blocking Na+ channels in CNS
SE: gingival hyperplasia, SJS, rash, hirsutism, hypotension, TERATOGEN
- 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, small bilateral pupils that accommodate but poorly react 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
what is a Lacunar infarct? biggest risk factor? MC presentation? how to dx? tx?
- small vessel disease of cerebral artery penetrating branches in pons and basal ganglia (usually NON cortical)
- RF: HTN (80%)
- MC presentation is PURE MOTOR DEFICIT (hemiparesis or hemiplegia)
- Dx made by CT: small punched out hypodense areas (usually centrally or noncortical areas- BG)
- Tx: ASA, control risk factors (good prognosis)
Most CNS lymphomas are ____ and a big risk factor is
large B cell lymphoma (secondary)
EBV 90% of time
What is a TIA? what is the classic CP sign?
TRANSIENT episode of neurological deficits WITHOUT acute infarction. often lasting <24hr
*MC cause embolus
CP sign: amaurosis fugax (transient monocular vision loss)
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? when is typical onset?
idiopathic movement disorder (maybe basal ganglia disorder) characterized by vocal and motor tics
**onset usually in childhood
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 the 4 upper motor neuron signs and 4 examples of conditions
- Spasticity (strong tone)
- Stiffness (posturing)
- HYPERreflexia (increased DTR)
- UPward babinski
*CVA, MS, cerebral palsy, spinal cord/brain damage
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
**also usually hyporeflexia in LE syndrome whereas MG doesn’t affect reflexes
What are some dopamine antagonists?
(blocks dopamine)
- Typical antipsychotics: Haloperidol
- Atypical antispychotics: Clozapine, risperidone
- Antiemetics: Promethazine
Management of ischemic CVA
1) . Thrombolytics w/in 3 hrs of onset
* * rTPA (alteplase) if no contraindications: recent bleed, bleeding disorder, recent trauma, BP over 185/110
2) . Mechanical thrombectomy within 24 hrs (can be done in combo with TPA)
3) . GRADUAL BP control: only lower if greater than 185/110 if TPA used or >220/120 if no TPA
If onset of sxs > 3 hrs: Long-term management
1) . Antiplatelet: ASA or Plavix therapy (no ASA within 24 hrs of TPA)
2) . Statin therapy
3) . NPO, HOB 30 degrees, no hypotonic fluids, DVT proph
Sx of middle cerebral artery stroke
contralateral sensory and motor deficits of FACE and ARM (only lower half of face) dominant (usually left) hemisphere: aphasia, math comprehension probs non dominant (usually right): spatial deficits, flat affect, impaired judgement, impulsivity
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 with gadolinium: hyperintense white matter plaques
**use in combo with clinical
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, usually normal protein
- Fungal or TV Meningitis: Decreased glucose, high WBCs (lymphoctyes), increased protein
- Pseudotumor Cerebri: increased CSF pressure otherwise nl
- SAH: xanthocromia, blood in CSF
What are the Clinical manifestations of an Essential Familial Tremor
BILATERAL and SYMMETRIC
- 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)
Clinical Manifestations of ALS and PE findings
MC sxs: ASYMMETRIC Limb weakness
- loss of ability to initiate and control motor movements due to muscle weakness
- Bulbar sxs: dysphagia, dysarthria, resp problems
- cognitive impairment
PE signs: Mixed upper and lower motor neuron signs**
difference in sxs between Viral meningitis and Encephalitis
Both present with meningeal sxs and signs on exam
BUT encephalitis will have profound lethargy/AMS, changes in personality, speech, and movement PLUS FOCAL neuro deficits
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
strong clinical suspicion
- CSF shows high protein w normal WBC
- Electrophysiologic studies most specific: 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 type of spinal cord injury causes loss of proprioception and vibratory sense only
Posterior cord syndrome (rare)
What are 5 lower motor neuron signs and 4 conditions
- Bilateral FASCICULATIONS
- Muscle ATROPHY and WEAKNESS
- HYPOreflexia (Decreased DTR)
- Flaccidity/HYPOtonia (loss of muscle tone)
- DOWNward Babinski
**GBS, botulism, cauda equina, bell palsy
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
Flexion teardrop fracture may cause ____.
Extension teardrop fracture may cause ___.
anterior cervical cord syndrome
central cord syndrome
What is the difference between meningitis and encephalitis
Meningitis: inflammation of MENINGES that can be infectious (bacterial)
Encephalitis: infection of BRAIN PARENCHYMA
You have just stuck yourself with a sharp needle. In order for you to be able to interpret this sensation, which of the following areas must be intact?
Lateral spinothalamic tract, thalamus, and sensory cortex
*Sensory impulses reach the sensory cortex from the spinothalamic tract or the posterior columns. Fibers transmit this to the thalamus which sends impulses to the sensory cortex of the brain
What are the functions of the Midbrain
- Relays audio/visual info
2. Eye movement
What term is given to an ocular examination finding where small, irregular pupils are seen that react with near vision but not to light?
Argyll-Robertson
What is a flexion teardrop fracture and its MOI
anterior displacement of a wedge shaped fracture gragment of the anterio-inferior portion of the superior vertebra
MOI: severe flexion and compression
How to manage Huntington’s Disease?
- *No cure– usually fatal w/in 15-20 yrs after presentation
- *No medication stops the progression
Chorea management: tetrabenazine
mood: antipsychotics
what disease causes localized brain degeneration of the frontotemporal lobes? common CP? what is seen on histology?
Frontotemporal Dementia (Picks Disease)
CP: marked personality, social behavior, and language changes (preserved visuospatial), this progresses to dementia
**socially inappropriate behavior, HYPERORALITY
Histology: PICK bodies (aggregates of Tau proteins)
What is Bell’s Palsy? common sxs/signs
idiopathic, unilateral CN7 palsy (FACIAL WEAKNESS ONLY)
- Strong association w/ HSV reactiviation**
- sxs/signs: ipsilateral hyperacusis followed by unilateral facial weakness WITH forehead involvement, taste probs, dec lacrimation, inability to fully close eyelid)
What seizure medication is associated with gingival hyperplasia?
Phenytoin
*Also associated w/ anemia and hirsutism
Sudden, repetitive NONRHYTHMIC movements or vocals using specific muscle groups
Tics
CN III: ____ (S/M/B?)
Test by: ___
Abnormalities could mean: ___
CN3: oculomotor: M
Test: inferior rectus, ciliary body, EOM
Abnormalities: Oculomotor, dilated pupil
How do you diagnose Multiple Sclerosis
- mainly clinical- at least 2 discrete episodes of exacerbations
- MRI w/ gadolinium (test of choice to confirm MS)– white matter plaques (hyperdensities)
- LP w./ increased IgG (Oligoclonal bands) in CSF
Spinous process avulsion fx MC at the lower cervical C6 or C7
Clay-Shoverlers fracture
What is Unthoffs Phenomenon
MS sx worse in heat
How to dx and manage ALS? most common cause of death?
Dx: electromyography (loss of neural innervation and reinnervation in muscle groups)
Riluzole: reduces glutamate (excitatory) buildup in neurons, decreases progression for up to 6 months
*usually fatal w/in 3-5 yrs after onset
MC cause of death: respiratory failure
Dx and Management of Bell Palsy
Dx: clinical
TX: no tx is required and typically resolves in 1 month
**supportive with artificial tears
-severe cases: Acyclovir w or wo steroids