• Shuffle
    Toggle On
    Toggle Off
  • Alphabetize
    Toggle On
    Toggle Off
  • Front First
    Toggle On
    Toggle Off
  • Both Sides
    Toggle On
    Toggle Off
  • Read
    Toggle On
    Toggle Off
Reading...
Front

Card Range To Study

through

image

Play button

image

Play button

image

Progress

1/169

Click to flip

Use LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to navigate between flashcards;

Use UP and DOWN arrow keys to flip the card;

H to show hint;

A reads text to speech;

169 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back
Label the Circle of Willis
see above, also pg 170
Label the Circle of Willis, intracranial view
see above, also pg 170
Magnetic resonance arteriography illustrating the circle of Willis and its branches
see labels above
What do you see?
Lateral common carotid arteriogram in a patient with a neck bruit. Note the focal narrowing of the proximal internal carotid artery (arrow). In severe cases, the kink may require carotid artery reconstruction.

DIT says that you need to be able to recognize a stenosis vs aneurysm
What do you see?
Left oblique cerebral angiogram in a patient with multiple intracranial aneurysms shows an anterior communicating aneurysm and a middle cerebral artery aneurysm. The patient underwent a frontotemporoparietal craniotomy, during which surgical clips were placed in both lesions in one setting.

DIT says that you need to be able to recognize the difference btw an aneurysm and arterial stenosis on an angiogram
what do you see?
(from Medscape): Left oblique cerebral angiogram in a patient with a proximal intracranial internal carotid artery aneurysm. The surgical approach to this aneurysm requires a craniotomy with an orbitotomy and drilling of the anterior clinoid process; however, this aneurysm has a favorable neck-to-fundus ratio for endovascular coil placement.

DIT says that you need to be able to recognize the difference btw aneurysm & stenosis on angiogram imaging
A 49yo, presents with sudden onset of vertigo, nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, hoarseness, and nystagmus in addition to ipsilateral Horner syndrome, limb ataxia, and impairment of all sensory modalities over the face. There is also impairment of pinprick and temperature appreciation in the contralateral limbs.
This case illustrates the development of the lateral medullary syndrome (Wallenberg's syndrome) as a result of occlusion of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA).

-Loss of pain & temp over contralateral body
-Loss of pain & temp over ipsilateral face
-Cerebellar defects
- Involvement of the sympathetic pathways may lead to Horner's syndrome
- Vertigo results from involvement of the vestibular nuclei and hemiataxia from involvement of the inferior cerebellar peduncle.
What viruses preferentially infect the ventral horn of spinal cord, leading to a flaccid paralysis?
polio & west nile
Which spinal tract carries touch, vibration, and pressure sensation?
Dorsal columns:
Fasciculus gracilis & cuneatus
Which spinal tract carries voluntary motor commands from motor cortex to body?
Lateral & ventral corticospinal tracts
Which spinal tract carries voluntary motor commands from motor cortex to head/neck?
Corticobulbar tract
Which spinal tract carries pain & temp sensation?
Lateral spinothalamic tract
Which spinal tract is important for postural adjustments & head mvmts?
Vestibulospinal tract
Which CN is responsible for Eyelid opening?

How do you differentiate between benign & serious cause of deficit of this nerve?
CN 3 (oculomoter)

Benign cause (ie HTN or Diabetes) of CNIII palsy - the pupil will be normal in size & reactive - no treatment is needed

Serious causes (ie aneurysm, tumor, or uncal herniation) - pupil will be dilated & nonreactive ("blown") - urgent CT/MRI is needed
Which CN is responsible for
Taste from ant 2/3 of tongue?

What other sxs would you look for to distinguish whether the damage to this nerve was UMN or LMN?
CN 7 (Facial)

UMN lesion of Facial nerve = forehead is spared on the affected side, cause is usually stroke or tumor

LMN lesion of Facial nerve = forehead is involved, and cause is usually Bell's palsy or tumor
Which CN is responsible for
Head turning?

How do you know which side the lesion is located?
CN 11 (spinal accessory)

Patients with CN 11 lesions have trouble turning their head to the side OPPOSITE the lesion & have ipsilateral shoulder droop (due to loss of innervation to SCM & trapezius)
Which CN is responsible for
Tongue movement?

How do you know which side the lesion is located?
CN 12 (hypoglossal)

protruded tongue will deviate to the SAME side of the lesion
Which CN is responsible for
Muscles of Mastication?

What pathological condition of this nerve is provoked by chewing?
CN 5 (trigeminal) - also innervates facial sensation

Trigeminal Neuralgia ("Tic doulourex") = unilateral shooting pains in the face & often triggered by chewing, brushing the teeth - tx with Carbamazepine
Which CN is responsible for balance?

Kids with balance probs - likely cause is?
Adults with balance probs - likely cause?
CN 8 (Vestibulocochlear) - needed for hearing & balance

Lesions of CN 8 can cause deafness, tinnitus, and/or vertigo -

in kids, think of meningitis as a cause
in adults - think of medications (aspirin, aminoglycosides, loop diuretics, cisplatin), infection (labyrinthitis, tumor, or stroke
Which CN is responsible for monitoring carotid body & sinus chemoreceptors & baroreceptors?
CN 9 (glossopharyngeal)
What are the 2 most common locations of aneurysms in the Circle of Willis?
Anterior communicating artery
Posterior communicating artery
Where is the brain lesion if pt presents with:
contralateral hemiballismus
subthalamic nucleus
Where is the brain lesion if pt presents with:
eyes look toward the side of the lesion
frontal eye fields (Prefrontal cortex)
Where is the brain lesion if pt presents with:
eyes looking away from the side of the lesion
PPRF
Where is the brain lesion if pt presents with:
paralysis of upward gaze
Superior colliculi (Parinaud syndrome)

Also known as dorsal midbrain syndrome, this is a distinct supranuclear vertical gaze disorder caused by damage to the posterior commissure. It is a classic sign of hydrocephalus from aqueductal stenosis.

Pineal region tumors, cysticercosis, and stroke also cause Parinaud's syndrome.

Features include loss of upgaze (and sometimes downgaze), convergence-retraction nystagmus on attempted upgaze, downward ocular deviation ("setting sun" sign), lid retraction (Collier's sign), skew deviation, pseudoabducens palsy, and light-near dissociation of the pupils.
Where is the brain lesion if pt presents with:
hemispatial neglect syndrome
non-dominant parietal lobe
Where is the brain lesion if pt presents with:
coma
reticular activating system (RAS) - in the ventral pons

likely a/w Basilar Artery occlusion
Where is the brain lesion if pt presents with:
poor repetition
arcuate fasciculus
Where is the brain lesion if pt presents with:
poor comprehension
Wernicke's area
Where is the brain lesion if pt presents with:
poor vocal expression
Broca's area
Where is the brain lesion if pt presents with:
resting tremor - think of the classic "pill rolling" tremor that disappears with movement or sleep

What conditions cause a resting tremor?
basal ganglia (↓ dopamine)- think Parkinson's Disease

Other conditions other than Parkinson's disease that can cause resting tremors:
- hyperthyroidism, anxiety - tx with Beta blockers
- Drug withdrawal or intoxication (MPTP found in designer drugs)
Or Antipsychotics used to treat Schizophrenia - treat this side-effect with anticholinergics (benztropine, trihexyphenidyl) or antihistamines (diphenhydramine)
- benign hereditary tremor - usually Aut Dom (look for fam hx)


Also beware of:
Wilson's disease (hepatolenticular degeneration) - causes chore-like movements
Liver failure - causes asterixis (slow, involuntary flapping of outstretched hands
Where is the brain lesion if pt presents with:
intention tremor
cerebellar hemisphere

this is why alcoholics will have INTENTION tremors
Where is the brain lesion if pt presents with:
hypororality, hypersexuality, disinhibited behavior
bilateral amygdala (Kluver-Bucy)
Where is the brain lesion if pt presents with:
Personality changes - apathy, inattention, disinhibition, labile affect
frontal lobe
Where is the brain lesion if pt presents with:
dysarthria (trouble articulating words - slurred speech)
cerebellar vermis - this is why alcoholics have slurred speech
Where is the brain lesion if pt presents with:
agraphia & acalculia
inability to read, write, name or do math
dominant (left) parietal lobe
Where do the dorsal columns decussate?
medulla

recall the dorsal columns carry touch, vibration, pressure sensation
where does the lateral corticospinal tract decussate?
medullary pyramids
Where does the spinothalamic tract decussate (crossover)?
Anterior white commissure at the spinal cord level

spinothalamic carries pain & temperature sensation

correlation: syringomyelia, in which there is central cavitation of the spinal cord (usually in cervical or upper thoracic region) presents with loss of pain & temp sensation in a "cape" distribution b/c damage to the lateral spinothalamic tracts
MRI is best test to diagnose, tx with surgical creation of a shunt
fill out this chart - 4star topic!!

what are the common organisms and empiric IV antibiotic choices for bacterial meningitis based on age of the patient?
see above
What is the rational for dosing dexamethasone prior to or along with the first dose of antibiotics for empiric treatment of bacterial meningitis?
Dexamethasone when given with or prior to the first dose of antibiotic reduces the risk of neurologic sequelae (ie hearing loss) in children with meningitis, esp in the cases of H. influenza Type B or Tuberculosis (TB) meningitis
In adults with bacterial mengingitis, dexamethasone reduces both morbidity and mortality esp in the case of pneumococcal meningitis
Do you always need to get a CT scan (prior to an LP) if you suspect meningitis?
No – you do not have to get a CT scan in a patient you suspect of having meningitis
In which situations do you need to get a CT scan prior to an LP?
Focal neurologic defects
Papilledema
Pupil asymmetry
Suspect hematoma
Suspect brain tumor
What is the treatment for viral meningitis?
Acetominophen for pain
IV fluids as needed
Empiric antibiotics until bacterial meningitis can be excluded
if younger than 3 yrs, severely ill, or immunocompromised, continue empiric antibiotics until bacterial culture results confirm nonbacterial etiology
*** Give empiric Acyclovir if suspicion of HSV or signs of encephalitis such as focal neurologic findings
d/c if HSV PCR and cultures are negative or alternative diagnosis is made
An infant is brought to the ER. The parents say that over the last day the infant has developed a fever, refused to eat, vomited, and is lethargic. The PE reveals petechiae and confirms the fever. WBC is elevated, and CSF results show a ↓ glucose and ↑ neutrophils. On which medications should this patient be started?
Cover: E. coli, Listeria, Group B Strep (GBS)
Tx: Ampicillin + cefotaxime
Ampicillin + gentamicin
What other drug should be given just before or along with the first dose of antibiotics in a pt suspected of having bacterial meningitis?
Dexamethasone
Fill in the table of CSF findings in cases of meningitis caused by different types of pathogens:
Think: Bacterial eat sugar, viruses increase protein a little but noting else, TB/fungis same as bacteria
When should a CT scan be performed as a next step instead of an LP in a pt suspected of having meningitis?
When there are signs of ↑ ICP or other comorbidity
Focal neurologic defect
Papilledema
Focal seizure
Suspicion of mass effect
Soft tissue infection at site of LP
Bleeding diathesis
Cardiopulmonary instability
You suspect an AIDS pt may have meningitis. What specific CSF preparation should be ordered in addition to the usual CSF analysis, gram stain, and culture?
India Ink stain to look for Cryptococcus meningitis
When would you suspect West Nile Viral infection? How would you make the dx? what's the tx?
Birds are the resevoir, and mosquitoes are the vectors. Human, horses, and dogs are incidental hosts
S/S: usually only headache, malaise, back pain, myalgia, and anorexia for 3-6 days (“flu like”)
Severe S/S in 1/150: meningitis +/- encephalitis including muscle weakness and flaccid paralysis (via anterior-horn involvement), alteration in consciousness, possibly death
Dx: serology – check for IgM Abs against West Nile Virus
Tx: supportive
What is the treatment for Reye's syndrome?
d/c salicyclate (ie Aspirin)
Hospitalization (usually ICU) for cardiorespiratory monitoring (+/- mechanical ventilation), supportive care, fluid & electrolyte management
Maintain euglycemia: accuchecks, IV dextrose or insulin as needed
Maintain isovolemia: IVF or Lasix as needed, Foley catheter for strict I/Os
Reduce brain swelling: avoid hypo-osmotic fluids, elevate head of bed, +/- corticosteroids, +/- ICP monitor
If seizures: phenytoin
How should you treat a pt that has been bitten by an animal suspected of having rabies, or an animal that cannot be observed for 10 days?
Clean the wound with iodine
Administer rabies immunoglobulin & rabies vaccine
Tetanus prophylaxis
A pt is brought into the ED with progressive muscle weakness, intact sensation, headache, vomiting, neck pain, and fever. CSF analysis shows ↑ lymphocytes and normal glucose and protein. What life-threatening complication can result in this disease process?
Dx: Polio (muscle weakness is key to dx)
Complication: respiratory muscle paralysis
What other term should you remember when considering Reye’s syndrome?
Hepatoencephalitis
A pt is recovering in the ICU after suffering a subdural hematoma that occurred b/c of a MVC. The neurosurgery team performed a craniotomy and drain placement to evacuate the clot. For the past few days the drainage in the collection bulb was serous. Now however, the drainage is thick and yellow. Along with this, the pt’s neurological exam has deteriorated. What is the likely cause of this clinical picture?
Dx: abscess within subdural space
Likely etiology: Staph aureus
Tx: cover for MRSA, gram (+) and Gram negs with Vancomycin and Ceftazidime
What are the differences in the acute treatment of tension headaches, cluster headaches, and migraine headaches?
see above
What agents can be used for prophylaxis of migraine headaches?
Ca2+ channel blockers: verapamil (often first-line b/c safe and well tolerated)

β-blockers: propanolol, metoprolol (good choice if comorbid HTN)

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA): amitriptyline, nortriptyline (good choice if comorbid depression, incsomnia, pain syndrome)
Note – nortriptyline has fewer side effects

NSAIDs: naproxen (good choice if menstrual migraine or comorbid osteoarthritis or other pain that could benefit from NSAIDs)

Anticonvulsants: valproic acid (good if h/o Bipolar disorder), topiramate, gabapentin
What is the most likely cause of a pt's headache if:
Made worse by foods containing tyramine
migraine
What is the most likely cause of a pt's headache if:
Obese female with papilledema
pseudotumor cerebri
What is the most likely cause of a pt's headache if:
Jaw muscle pain when chewing
Giant cell (temporal) arteritis
What is the most likely cause of a pt's headache if:
Periorbital pain with ptosis and miosis
cluster headache
What is the most likely cause of a pt's headache if:
Photophobia, Phonophobia
migraine
What is the most likely cause of a pt's headache if:
Bilateral frontal/ occipital pressure
tension headache
What is the most likely cause of a pt's headache if:
Lacrimation and/or rhinorrhea
cluster headache
What is the most likely cause of a pt's headache if:
Elevated ESR
Giant cell (temporal) arteritis
What is the most likely cause of a pt's headache if pt states:
“Worst headache of my life”
Subarachnoid hemorrhage
What is the most likely cause of a pt's headache if:
Headache + extraocular muscle palsies
Cavernous sinus thrombosis
What is the most likely cause of a pt's headache if:
Scintillating scotomas prior to headache
Migraine with aura
What is the most likely cause of a pt's headache if:
Headache occurring either before or after orgasm
Post-coital cephalgia
What is the most likely cause of a pt's headache if:
Responsive to 100% Oxygen supplementation
cluster headache
What is the most likely cause of a pt's headache if:
Trauma to the head → headache begins days after the event, persists for over a week and does not go away
Subdural hematoma
What headache symptoms would lead you to suspect a brain tumor as a cause of a headache?
mild headache which progressively worsens over days to weeks
new onset after age 50
Papilledema: worsened by a bending, lifting, cough, or Valsalva maneuver (= ↑ in ICP)
Associated seizures, confusion, altered mental status (AMS)
Abnormal neurologic signs and symptoms (ie focal numbness or weakness)
Disturbs sleep or present immediately upon awakening
Vomiting precedes headache
Known systemic illness (ie cancer, HIV, or collagen-vascular disorder)
What are the characteristic features of pseudotumor cerebri?
Young, obese female
Headaches – daily (worse in the morning), pulsatile, possible nausea/vomiting, possible retroocular pain worsened by eye movement
Papilledema
Most worrisome sequela is vision loss
CT Scan: (normal) no ventricular dilation, no mass
CSF pressure elevated > 200 mmH2O in non-obese, >250 in obese pt)
What treatment options are available for managing pseudotumor cerebri?
Confirm absence of other pathology with CT and MRI of the head (r/o central venous thrombosis)
d/c any inciting agents (ie Vit A excess, tetracyclines, withdrawal from corticosteroids)
Weight loss in obese pts
Acetozolamide – first line (start 250mg qid or 00mg bid → increase to 500mg qid to 1000mg qid)

Invasive treament options:
Serial lumbar punctures
Optic nerve sheath decompression
Lumboperitoneal shunting (CSF shunt)
A 25 yo M is seen in the ER with a severe headache. He tells you that the headache always occurs at around the same time of day, and that the pain is localized around the right eye. On exam his pupils are unequal and his right eye is tearing. While he waits for a CT scan of the head, what treatment should he receive?
Dx: cluster headache
Tx: 100% O2, Sumitriptan or IV ergotamines
30 yo F is in the office with a complaint of facial pain. She describes that whenever her face is lightly touches that she experiences incredible electricity-like pain. What is the 1st line therapy for this condition?
Dx: Trigeminal neuralgia
Tx: Carbamazepine or Baclofen
27 yo M comes to the clinic b/c of progressively worsening headache. He denies a prior h/o headaches. He adds that this one was easy to ignore at first, but over the last few weeks has never let up and is increasing in severity. What should be next for this pt?
next step: MRI of brain (if it’s getting worse, be worried!)
What are the demographic characteristics of a typical pseudotumor cerebri patient?
obese female in 20's-30's
A pt with longstanding poorly-controlled diabetes has tension headaches. What should you check before recommending pharmacologic treatment?
Kidney function (Creatinine, BUN, GFR) – because NSAIDs are treatment for Tension Headaches
Which spinal cord lesion matches the following description?
Fasciculations but also spastic paralysis
ALS
Which spinal cord lesion matches the following description?
Impaired proprioception + pupils do not react to light
Syphilis (Tabes Dorsalis & Argyll Robinson pupils)
Which spinal cord lesion matches the following description?
Bilateral loss of pain and temp below lesion + hand weakness
Syringomyelia
Which spinal cord lesion matches the following description?
Bilateral loss of vibration sense + spastic paralysis of legs then arms
Vit B12 Deficiency
Which spinal cord lesion matches the following description?
Bilateral loss of pain/temp below lesion + bilateral spastic paralysis below lesion + bilateral flaccid paralysis at level of lesion
Occlusion of Anterior Spinal Artery
What are the characteristic features of Brown-Sequard syndrome?
Ipsilateral vibration & discrimination below lesion
Ipsilateral spastic paralysis (below lesion)
Ipsilateral flaccid paralysis (level of lesion)
Contralateral pain & temp (below lesion)
HYQ: most likely cause of headache in a 40yo woman with frontal headache that is made worse by bending over?
Sinus headache
HYQ: What would be the preferred antihypertensive in a pt with chronic hypertension and recurrent migraines?
β-blockers or Ca2+ channel blockers
HYQ: What medication should be given to close contacts of those with either meningococcal or HIB meningitis?
Rifampin or Ciprofloxacin
HYQ: What are the four most common sequelae of meningitis in children?
Hearing loss
Mental retardation
Seizure disorder
Spastic paralysis
What is the treatment for fungal meningitis?
Amphotericin B
What medications are used in combination in the treatment of TB meningitis?
RIPE – Rifampin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol
What cerebral artery infarct can cause aphasia?
MCA infarction
What organism is responsible for bacterial meningitis given the following findings on CSF examination?
Gram (+) diplococci
Streptococcus pneumoniae
What organism is responsible for bacterial meningitis given the following findings on CSF examination?
Gram neg diplococci
Neisseria meningitis
What organism is responsible for bacterial meningitis given the following findings on CSF examination?
Small pleomorphic gram neg coccobacilli
Haemophilus influenza
What organism is responsible for bacterial meningitis given the following findings on CSF examination?
Gram (+) rods and coccobacilli
Listeria
What is the anticoagulant of choice in a pt with a h/o stroke or TIA?
First TIA ➔ Aspirin
TIA/stroke due to Atrial Fibrillation ➔ Warfarin
TIA/Stroke + coronary artery disease ➔ Clopidogrel (Plavix)
Repeat TIA/stroke while on aspirin ➔ Clopidogrel (Plavix)
What are the classic signs and symptoms of carotid artery stenosis?
Carotid bruit
Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)
Reversible ischemic neurologic deficits lasting up to 3 days
Amaurosis fugax (transient unilateral blindness)
Cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs)
(Vertigo & Syncope are NOT caused by carotid artery stenosis)
What are the surgical indications for carotid endarterectomy?
Symptomatic carotid stenosis 70-99%: strong benefit
Symptomatic carotid stenosis 50-69%: marginal benefit (more benefit in men and if performed w/in 2 wks of stroke/TIA)
Asymptomatic pts with 80-99% stenosis who are expected to live longer than 5 yrs by a surgeon with a perioperative complication rate of less than 3% (some books will mention a blanket >60% and asymptomatic rule, but this varies by surgeon and patient)
What are the important nonsurgical treatments for carotid artery stenosis?
HTN control to < 140/90
Dyslipidemia control to LDL < 100mg/dL, HDL >35, TGs <200
Lipid control with statin reduces stroke while other lipid lowering drugs do not
Niacin reduces carotid artery intima thickness
ADA diet
DM control to fasting glucose <126 and HgA1c <7%
Smoking avoidance, consider varenicline (Chantix)
↑ physical activity to at least 30-60 minutes 4x weekly
alcohol consumption up to 2 drinks daily is beneficial. Avoidance of heavy drinking
Evaluation for CAD and PAD
Aspirin Anticoagulation if history of TIA/stroke while on aspirin → use Aggrenox or clopidogrel instead
What are some major signs and symptoms of a TIA?
Amaurosis fugax (brief unilateral blindness)
Weakness
Slurred speech
Impaired coordination
Impaired sensation/ paresthesias
What anticoagulant would you give a pt who has just had their first TIA? What if the pt had another TIA while on ASA, what would you add?
First TIA: Aspirin
Second TIA, while on Aspirin: add Clopidogrel (Plavix) or combination of Aspirin + dipyridamole
What is the maximum amt of time a TIA may last?
24 hrs or less
What medication should be taken by a pt with atherosclerotic disease and risk of stroke?
Statin & Aspirin
What are the indications for carotid endarterectomy?
Asymptomatic men with narrowing of 80-99%
Symptomatic men with narrowing of 50-69%
Symptomatic women with narrowing of 70-99%
What are the 5 main lacunar syndromes that may arise from a lacunar infarct?
1) Pure motor hemiparesis: (most common, about 50% of lacunar strokes) – weakness of the face, arm, and leg on one side of the body + absent sensory or cortical signs (aphasia, neglect, apraxia, hemianopsia)
2) Pure sensory: sensory defect (numbness) of the face, arm, and leg on one side of the body + absent motor or cortical signs
3) Ataxic hemiparesis: ipsilateral weakness and limb ataxia out of proportion to the motor defect, possible gait deviation to the affected side + absent cortical signs
4) Sensory motor stroke: weakness and numbness of the face, arm, and leg on one side of the body + absent cortical signs
5) Dysarthria – Clumsy Hand Syndrome: (least common) – facial weakness, dysarthria, dysphagia, and slight weakness and clumsiness of one hand + absent sensory or cortical signs
A stroke, by definition, must last how long?
> 24 hrs
What thrombolytics are used in the treatment of an acute ischemic stroke?
tPA, streptokinase (streptase)
What long-term medications should be started within 2-3 days of ischemic stroke?
Antiplatelet (aspirin) + statin
What would be the most likely initial imaging for a pt suspected to have a stroke?
Noncontrast CT scan

then, If the above study did not yield useful information, then what study might you get?
MRI of the head
What is the next step in management of a pt with ischemic stroke symptoms after a hemorrhagic stroke has been ruled out by noncontrast CT?
Thrombolytic therapy
To maintain cerebral perfusion during the acute treatment of ischemic stroke, hypertension is generally not actively treated. At what blood pressure does treatment become necessary?
BP > 220/120
Hemorrhagic stroke requires the following treatment:
Reversal of any anticoagulation
Control of intracranial pressure (ICP)
Control of blood pressure
Surgical decompression may be needed
What is the treatment for a subarachnoid hemorrhage?
d/c all anticoagulants and reverse and anticoagulation
systolic BP < 150 only if cognitive function is intact (adequate cerebral perfusion pressure) until the aneursm is clipped or coiled to prevent rebleeding. If the cerebral perfusion pressure is not adequate then lowering the BP will increase the risk of infarction
Labetalol preferred
Avoid Nitroprusside & Nitroglycerin which can ↑ ICP
Nimodipine (a CCB) to prevent vasospasm
Prevent physiologic derangements that may worsen brain injury
Avoid hypoxia and hyperglycemia
Maintain a normal pH, euvolemia, and normothermia
(Phenytoin for seizure prophylaxis is controversial and generally avoided due to poorer outcomes)
Ventriculostomy to monitor ICP in select patients
Surgical clipping or metal coil into aneurysm
Are patients with parenchymal hemorrhage at an increased risk of seizures?
yes
In which scenario is seizure prophylaxis with anticonvulsants recommended? Parenchymal hemorrhage or subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)?
Parenchymal → always start prophylaxis
SAH → only if seizures develop
How can AVMs and/or aneurysms be treated?
Coil or clip
What diseases are associated with berry aneurysms?
Polycystic Kidney Disease
Marfan’s Syndrome
What are 3 feared complications of parenchymal hemorrhage?
Uncal herniation
CSF flow obstruction
Death
How may a pt describe the symptom of a subarachnoid hemorrhage?
"worst headache of my life"
What 2 studies must be performed to rule out SAH?
Noncontrast CT scan of the head
Lumbar puncture
How does one differentiate between SAH and a traumatic LP as a cause of bloody CSF?
collect several tubes of CSF, if blood decreases then more likely due to traumatic LP than SAH
What are the most common causes of an epidural hematoma and subdural hematoma?
Epidural hematoma: rupture of middle meningeal artery
Subdural hematoma: rupture of bridging veins
Commonly a pt with an epidural hematoma will have the typical three part history of:
(1) head trauma with brief LOC
(2) Lucid interval
(3) Deterioration (expansion of epidural hematoma)
What is the definitive treatment of an epidural hematoma?
Evacuation of hematoma
Where is the bleeding in a subdural hematoma? What shape would be expected on a head CT of a pt with subdural hematoma?
Bleeding is btw dura & arachnoid
Classic finding: crescent shape on CT scan
If you suspect a pt has an epidural or subdural hematoma, should you perform a LP to confirm the diagnosis?
NO! can ↑ risk of brain herniation
Describe the differences between Broca’s aphasia and Wernicke’s aphasia?
Broca’s: expressive
Wernicke’s: receptive
What are the three Ws that help diagnose normal pressure hydrocephalus?
Wacky – cognitive impairment
Wet – incontinence
Wobbly – gait disturbance
Which medications or medication withdrawal are known for causing seizures?
Medications that ↓ seizure threshold:
Buproprione
Buspirone
Enflurane


Medication withdrawals that can cause seizures:
Barbiturates
Alcohol
Anticonvulsants
Benzodiazepines - choose the short acting (Alprazolam, Lorazepam) if given more than one to choose from
What medications are used for prevention of grand mal (tonic-clonic) seizures?
Valproate, carbamazepine, phenytoin, lamotrigine, topiramate
What medications are used for prevention of partial seizures?
(same as prevention of grand mal seizures)
Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Lamotrigine > Valproate, Topiramate
What medications are used for prevention of absence seizures?
Ethosuximide
What seizure medications are used for prevention of myoclonic seizures?
Valproic Acid
Which seizure medication matches the following description?
Gingival hyperplasia
phenytoin (Dilantin)
Which seizure medication matches the following description?
DOC for absence seizures
Ethosuximide (Zarontin)
Which seizure medication matches the following description?
2nd choice for absence seizures
Valproic Acid (Depakene)
Which seizure medication matches the following description?
DOC for Trigeminal Neuralgia
carbamazepine
Which drugs are known for causing Stevens-Johnson syndrome?
“sulfa, -cillin & seizure”
most commonly lamotrigine (lamictal)
Which drugs are known for inducing the cytochrome P450 system thereby speeding up the metabolism of other drugs such as OCPs and warfarin?
“BCG PQRS”
Barbiturates
Carbamazepine
Griseofulvin
Phenytoin
Quinidine
Rifampin
St John’s Wort
what is Arnold-Chiari Malformation?
Downward displacement of the cerebellar tonsils and medulla thru the foramen magnum
Type I is the most common type and is often asymptomatic. Manifestations may include headaches and/or cerebellar symptoms
Type II (of IV severity) is usually accompanied by other neurologic anomalies
What other neurologic anomalies are associated with an Arnold-Chiari malformation?
Hydrocephalus
Syringomyelia
Myelomeningocele
What are some of the possible presenting features of cerebral palsy?
Spastic features: spastic paresis of any or all limbs, clonus present
Athetosis features: slow, writhing movements in distal muscles
Chorea features: rapid, irregular, unpredictable contractions of muscles in face or extremities
Dystonic features: uncontrollable jerking, writhing, or posturing
Infants have persistence of primitive reflexes, involuntary grimacing, tendency to drool, and delayed psychomotor development
Ataxia: difficulty coordinating purposeful movements
Atonic features: severe hypotonia present at birth with no future ability to stand or walk
Neonates: may show signs of encephalopathy including lethargy, ↓ spontaneous movement, hypotonia, and suppressed primitive reflexes
Associated disorders: mental retardation, epilepsy, sensory impairment (speech, hearing, vision)
What type of seizure fits each description?
Focal sensory or motor deficit with no loss of consciousness
simple partial
What type of seizure fits each description?
Focal sensory or motor deficit, with impaired consciousness (commonly localized to temporal lobe on EEG)
Complex partial
What type of seizure fits each description?
Involves both hemispheres of brain with a pattern of neuromuscular activation: tonic, clonic, toni-clonic, myoclonic, or atonic. Loss of consciousness present with postictal period
Generalized
What type of seizure fits each description?
Characterized by a brief (few second) impairment of consciousness often with automatisms such as blinking or picking at shirt. No postictal period. Spike and wave pattern on EEG
Absence
What is status epilepticus?
Uninterrupted seizure > 20min
What is the initial treatment for a pt in status epilepticus?
Monitor ABCs
Once ABCs are under control, what is the treatment for a pt in status epilepticus?
IV Benzos - Lorazepam
What is the DOC for absence seizures?
Ethosuximide
A 45yo M is brought to the ER for new-onset status epilepticus. What are some of the components of the workup to determine epilepsy?
Hx & PE (ask about trauma, drugs, illness)
CBC
Fasting blood glucose
BMP & LFTs
Toxic drug screen
CT head (if not actively seizing… )
LP for CSF infection (r/o meningitis)
How long must a focal neurologic deficit last to qualify as a stroke?
> 24 hrs
In what timeframe must thrombolytic therapy be instituted in cases of ischemic stroke?
Within 3 hrs
HYQ: What is the treatment for an epidural hematoma or subdural hematoma?
Evacuation of the hematoma via surgical drainage
HYQ: Most common predisposing consition for an intracranial hemorrhage?
hypertension
HYQ: What is the principle cause of a lacunar infarct?
hypertension
HYQ: CT Scan of the head shows a cresent shaped lesion. What event most likely caused this lesion?
Subdural hematoma → blunt head trauma, rupture of bridging veins
HYQ: What is the preferred treatment for febrile seizures?
Acetominophen or ibuprofen (No Aspirin)
Reassure parents
HYQ: A patient with a DVT develops a stroke. What study would most would most likely identify the underlying etiology of the stroke?
Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
What neurologic defects would be seen with an infarction of anterior cerebral artery
Contralateral loss of sensory and/or motor information
Legs, feet, trunk
What neurologic defects would be seen with an infarction of middle cerebral artery (MCA)
Loss of sensory and/or motor info in hands, face, arms
Aphasia: Broca’s, Wernicke’s, Conduction, global
What neurologic defects would be seen with an infarction of posterior cerebral artery
Visual defects: unilateral hemaniopia, macular sparing
What neurologic defects would be seen with an infarction of lacunar arteries?
one of the lacunar syndromes:

Pure motor hemiparesis
Pure sensory stroke
Ataxic hemiparesis
Sensorimotor stroke
Dysarthria – Clumsy hand syndrome
What neurologic defects would be seen with an infarction of the basilar artery?
Cranial nerve abnormalities
What are the 5 main lacunar syndromes that may arise from a lacunar infarct?
Pure motor hemiparesis
Pure sensory stroke
Ataxic hemiparesis
Sensorimotor stroke
Dysarthria – Clumsy hand syndrome
An aphasic patient has great trouble producing words but understands everything you say. What type of aphasia does he most likely have?
Broca’s aphasia
Although benzodiazepines are used to end a seizure in status epilepticus, what is of more concern in the initial treatment?
Monitor ABCs
What is the treatment for subarachnoid hemorrhage?
Stop anticoagulants
BP < 150 (Labetalol)
Avoid nitroprusside/ nitroglycerin
etc