Neurology — Flashcards

Flashcard 501: Management for confirmed viral meningitis is primarily _____, but Aciclovir should be used if HSV or VZV is suspected.

Answer: supportive (analgesia, fluids, antipyretics)

Flashcard 502: What is the initial step in management for suspected bacterial meningitis in a primary care setting? \n_____ (and administration of pre-hospital antibiotics if delayed)

Answer: Emergency transfer to hospital

Extra: In suspected meningococcal disease in the community, the UK NICE guidelines and other international protocols recommend immediate IM/IV Benzylpenicillin if there's a non-blanching rash and a delay in hospital admission, but the absolute first step is calling for an emergency ambulance.

Flashcard 503: 85% of spontaneous SAH are caused by _____

Answer: berry (saccular) aneurysm rupture

Flashcard 504: Subdural haemorrhage is most commonly seen among: _____ alcoholics infants (shaken baby) Patients on anticoagulants

Answer: elderly

Flashcard 505: Motor neuron disease is diagnosed clinically, but _____ can identify denervation & fibrillation

Answer: electromyography (EMG)

Flashcard 506: A _____ classically presents with a sudden-onset "thunderclap headache"

Answer: subarachnoid haemorrhage

Flashcard 507: ALS presents with asymmetric flaccid paralysis in the _____ limbs

Answer: upper

Flashcard 508: What is the management for subdural haemorrhages? Small/incidental cases are managed _____ Large/symptomatic/↑ ICP/midline shift cases are managed surgically (burr hole or craniotomy & clot evacuation)

Answer: conservatively (control ICP)

Flashcard 509: Nerve conduction studies for motor neuron disease are _____

Answer: normal (helps exclude neuropathy)

Flashcard 510: What features are almost always spared in motor neuron disease? _____

Answer: sensory symptoms are unaffected, bladder & bowel function is unaffected, occular muscles are unaffected