Neurology — Flashcards

Flashcard 441: A patient with raised ICP should be positioned _____

Answer: with head elevation of 30°

Flashcard 442: If ICP >_____mmHg then further management may be needed to ↓ ICP

Answer: 20

Flashcard 443: Lumbar puncture for bacterial meningitis is contraindicated if _____, focal neurology, & signs of severe shock/sepsis

Answer: signs of ↑ ICP

Flashcard 444: What blood investigations are done for suspected meningitis? _____

Answer: Blood cultures

Flashcard 445: What is the first-line pharmacological agent for raised intracranial pressure? _____

Answer: IV mannitol

Extra: - **Mechanism**: Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that reduces ICP by withdrawing water from the brain parenchyma into the intravascular compartment. - **Alternatives**: Hypertonic saline (3%) is also considered a first-line agent and is increasingly preferred in some protocols. - **Contraindications**: Anuria, severe pulmonary edema, or active intracranial bleeding (except during craniotomy).

Flashcard 446: _____ are a primary headache marked by unilateral, severe, throbbing pain lasting 4-72 hours

Answer: Migraines

Flashcard 447: Bacterial meningitis classically presents with _____, sudden severe headache, & nuchal rigidity

Answer: high fever

Flashcard 448: What is the management for suspected viral meningitis? _____

Answer: Treat as bacterial meningitis until diagnosis is excluded/deemed unlikely

Flashcard 449: What is the investigation for herniated discs if a clinical diagnosis cannot be made? _____

Answer: MRI spine

Flashcard 450: Brain _____ of Cryptococcus infection appears as "soap-bubble" lesions in the basal ganglia of the brain

Answer: MRI