Neurology — Flashcards

Flashcard 531: "worst headache of my life" is suggestive of _____

Answer: subarachnoid hemorrhage

Flashcard 532: _____ is used to prevent cerebral vasospasm following a(n) subarachnoid haemorrhage

Answer: Nimodipine (Ca2+ channel blocker)

Flashcard 533: What is the most dangerous complication of a subarachnoid hemorrhage? _____

Answer: Rebleeding

Flashcard 534: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis typically presents with progressive muscle weakness & atrophy typically starting in _____

Answer: distal limbs (hands & feet)

Flashcard 535: What is the next step management of confirmed subarachnoid haemorrhage? _____

Answer: Refer to neurosurgery!!

Flashcard 536: The sudden onset of a "thunderclap" headache (worst headache of life) is the classic presentation for _____.

Answer: subarachnoid haemorrhage

Extra: - **Most common cause:** Rupture of a Berry aneurysm (usually at the anterior communicating artery). - **Clinical key:** "Worst headache of life", sudden onset (thunderclap), meningisms (nuchal rigidity), without focal neurological deficits usually. - **Investigation:** Non-contrast CT is the initial test of choice (sensitive in first 6-24h). - **If CT is negative but suspicion is high:** Perform a Lumbar Puncture to look for **xanthochromia**.

Flashcard 537: _____ haemorrhages are caused by tearing of bridging veins that lie between the dura & arachonid mater from trauma

Answer: Subdural

Flashcard 538: Primary lateral sclerosis predominantly affects _____ motor neurons typically affecting the lower limbs first

Answer: upper

Flashcard 539: _____ is an idiopathic neurological condition that causes upper and lower motor neuron signs

Answer: Motor neuron disease (MND)

Flashcard 540: A(n) _____ describes an intracerebral bleed into the subarachnoid space

Answer: subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH)