Neurology — Flashcards

Flashcard 671: What is the most accurate investigation for brain abscess? _____

Answer: Biopsy

Flashcard 672: Essential tremors are typically _____ tremors

Answer: action

Flashcard 673: The most helpful non-invasive imaging modality to differentiate a brain abscess from a necrotic tumor is _____.

Answer: Diffusion-Weighted MRI (DWI)

Extra: On MRI: - **Brain Abscess:** Shows **restricted diffusion** (bright on DWI, dark on ADC) due to the high viscosity of pus. - **Necrotic Tumor:** Typically shows **facilitated diffusion** (dark on DWI, bright on ADC).

Flashcard 674: In suspected encephalitis, a _____ should be performed prior to lumbar puncture if there are signs of increased intracranial pressure or focal neurological deficits.

Answer: CT scan

Extra: A CT scan is performed prior to Lumbar Puncture (LP) to rule out space-occupying lesions (SOL), midline shift, or obstructive hydrocephalus, which could lead to brain herniation during the procedure. Indicators for CT before LP include papilledema, focal neuro deficits, new-onset seizures, or significantly impaired consciousness.

Flashcard 675: The most common microorganisms that cause brain abscesses are _____ & Viridans streptococci

Answer: Staphylococcus aureus

Flashcard 676: Which anterior circulation stroke causes paralysis/sensory loss of the face and upper limb without cortical signs (e.g. aphasia, neglect)? _____

Answer: Lacunar stroke

Flashcard 677: What is the best investigation for suspected encephalitis? _____

Answer: LP & CSF analysis; cells, protein, glucose & virology PCR

Flashcard 678: TIAs are now described as brief neurological impairment from cerebral, spinal, or retinal ischaemia _____

Answer: WITHOUT acute infarction

Flashcard 679: Patients with encephalitis & travel history to rice fields in Asia may suggest an underlying cause of _____

Answer: Japanese encephalitis virus

Flashcard 680: The most common cause of cerebral abscesses in HIV patients is _____

Answer: toxoplasmosis (protozoa)