Neurology — Flashcards

Flashcard 471: Classically herniated discs are caused by _____

Answer: lifting a heavy object

Flashcard 472: Bacterial meningitis in infants can present with _____ because of ↑ ICP & inflammation

Answer: bulging fontanelle

Flashcard 473: 95% of herniated discs are incidental findings, only 5% are _____!

Answer: symptomatic

Flashcard 474: For viral meningitis a CSF-_____ is gold-standard for identifying the underlying organism

Answer: PCR

Flashcard 475: Initial antibiotics for meningococcal meningitis are _____ (3rd-gen cephalosporins).

Answer: ceftriaxone or cefotaxime

Extra: In clinical practice, Ceftriaxone or Cefotaxime are preferred for initial management. Benzylpenicillin is used for confirmed penicillin-sensitive Neisseria meningitidis or as a pre-hospital dose if meningitis is suspected and a hospital is distant.

Flashcard 476: The Cushing reflex is a triad of _____ due to increased intracranial pressure

Answer: hypertension, bradycardia, and respiratory depression

Flashcard 477: What is the diagnostic investigation of choice for viral meningitis?\n_____

Answer: Lumbar puncture (CSF analysis)

Flashcard 478: What is the management for bacterial meningitis with non-blanching rash/septicaemia in primary care? _____

Answer: IM/IV ceftriaxone or benzylpenicillin at the earliest opportunity; do not delay emergency transfer to hospital though

Flashcard 479: In a cervical or lumbar disc herniation, the disc typically herniates into the _____, affecting the inferior nerve

Answer: vertebral canal

Flashcard 480: A patient with spinal cord compression symptoms should be screened for cauda equina symptoms: _____

Answer: Bladder/bowel incontinence Saddle anaesthesia Bilateral leg weakness or pain