Neurology — Flashcards

Flashcard 121: What can a CN6 palsy be the first sign of?

Answer: Brain metastasis (due to increased intracranial pressure)

Extra: The abducens nerve (CN VI) is the thinnest cranial nerve and has the longest intracranial course. Because of this long course, it is highly susceptible to stretch or compression when intracranial pressure rises (e.g., from space-occupying lesions like metastases), making it a 'false localizing sign'.

Flashcard 122: Which nerve root does the tricep reflex correspond to?

Answer: C7-C8

Flashcard 123: What Cranial Nerve compression may be inferred from a medially diverted eye, and horizontal diplopia?

Answer: • CNVI palsy • Abducens Nerve innervated the lateral rectus, so medial rectus overpowers it

Flashcard 124: What is the first-line investigation for suspected brain metastases? _____

Answer: MRI with contrast

Flashcard 125: A 75-year-old patient with known lung cancer presents with first-time seizure & focal neurological deficits upon examination. What is the likely diagnosis? _____

Answer: Brain metastases

Flashcard 126: What primary tumours most commonly metastasise to the brain? _____

Answer: "Large Brain Metastases Rarely Come" Lung Breast Melanoma Renal cell carcinoma Colorectal

Flashcard 127: Brain metastasis typically present with _____, well-circumscribed lesions at the grey-white junction

Answer: multiple

Flashcard 128: Are primary brain tumours or brain metastases more common? _____

Answer: Brain metastases

Flashcard 129: What is the first-line investigation in all patients with features suggestive of SAH?

Answer: • Urgent CT head without contrast

Flashcard 130: What is the best description of a stroke with: - Unilateral hemiparesis and/or hemisensory loss of the face, arm & leg - homonymous hemianopia - higher cognitive dysfunction e.g. dysphasia

Answer: Total Anterior Circulation Infarcts [Total = All 3 above criteria met]