Principles in Neurology_2 Flashcards
how does hydrocephalus ex vacuo look on imaging?
apparent increase in CSF observed on imaging is actually result of ↓ neural tissue due to neuronal atrophy
what type of hydrocephalus is obstructive?
noncommunicating hydrocephalus
noncommunicating hydrocephalus is caused by what?
a structural blockage of CSF circulation within the ventricular system (e.g. stenosis of the aqueduct of Sylvius)
how many spinal nerves are there?
31 spinal nerves: • 8 cervical • 12 thoracic • 5 lumbar • 5 sacral • 1 coccygeal
Nerves C1-C7 exit where?
above the corresponding vertebrae
all nerves other than C1-C7 exit where?
below the corresponding vertebrae
what happens in vertebral disc herniation?
nucleus pulposus (soft central disc) herniates through anulus fibrosus (outer ring)
vertebral disc herniation usually occurs where?
posterolaterally at L4-L5 or L5-S1
in adults, spinal cord extends to where?
lower border of L1-L2 vertebrae
in adults, subarachnoid space extends to where?
lower border of S2
lumbar puncture is usually performed at what level?
between L3-L4 or L4-L5 (level of cauda equina)
how do you obtain sample of CSF without damaging spinal cord?
to keep the cord alive, keep the spinal needle between L3 and L5
what info is carried by the dorsal columns?
pressure, vibration, touch, proprioception
the dorsal columns comprise which structures?
Fasciculus cuneatus • Fasciculus gracilis
fasciculus cuneatus conveys what info?
pressure, vibration, touch, proprioception from the upper body, extremities
fasciculus gracilis conveys what info?
pressure, vibration, touch, proprioception from the lower body, extremities
lateral spinothalamic tract conveys what info?
pain, temperature
anterior spinothalamic tract conveys what info?
crude touch , pressure
lateral corticospinal tract conveys what info?
voluntary motor
intermediate horn sympathetics emerge at what levels?
T1-L2/L3
what is important to remember as a general rule about spinal tract anatomy and functions?
ascending tracts synapse then cross
the dorsal column contributes to which tract?
medial lemniscal pathway
what is the function of the medial lemniscal pathway of the dorsal column?
ascending pressure, vibration, fine touch, and propioception
what is the 1st order neuron in the doral column medial lemniscal pathway?
sensory nerve ending→ cell body in dorsal root ganglion→ enters spinal cord, ascends ipsilaterally in dorsal column