Neurology — Flashcards

Flashcard 451: Bacterial meningitis classically presents with _____, sudden severe headache, & nuchal rigidity

Answer: high fever

Flashcard 452: For viral meningitis a CSF-_____ is gold-standard for identifying the underlying organism

Answer: PCR

Flashcard 453: 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 454: The Cushing reflex is a triad of _____ due to increased intracranial pressure

Answer: hypertension, bradycardia, and respiratory depression

Flashcard 455: What is the diagnostic investigation of choice for viral meningitis?\n_____

Answer: Lumbar puncture (CSF analysis)

Flashcard 456: 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 457: In a cervical or lumbar disc herniation, the disc typically herniates into the _____, affecting the inferior nerve

Answer: vertebral canal

Flashcard 458: 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

Flashcard 459: What is the management for fungal meningitis? Step1: _____ Step 2: Oral fluconazole for 8 weeks until -ve cultures

Answer: IV Amphotericin B & IV flucytosine infusion 2 weeks

Flashcard 460: _____ stain outlines the heavy capsule that surrounds Cryptococci fungi, giving it a unique "halo" appearance

Answer: India ink