Neurology — Flashcards

Flashcard 701: What factor best predicts the outcome in encephalitis? _____

Answer: Early initiation of IV aciclovir; mortality is ~10-20% if treated promptly, ~70-80% if left untreated

Flashcard 702: What is the most accurate investigation for brain abscess? _____

Answer: Biopsy

Flashcard 703: If nausea & vomiting is caused by cortical mechanisms then a short-acting _____ may be used

Answer: benzodiazepine (e.g. lorazepam)

Flashcard 704: Nausea and vomiting in palliative patients mediated by _____ may be caused by activation of acetylcholine and H1, opioids or base of skull tumours

Answer: Vestibular mechanisms

Flashcard 705: Nausea and vomiting in palliative patients mediated by cortical mechanisms can be related to _____ receptors in the cerebral cortex

Answer: GABA and H1

Flashcard 706: _____ can be used to treat nausea & vomiting caused by vestibular mechanisms

Answer: cyclizine

Flashcard 707: Nausea and vomiting in palliative patients mediated by raised ICP may be caused by _____

Answer: Cerebral metastases

Flashcard 708: Stroke patients with a 'hyperdense artery' on CT head are likely to have a _____ in this region

Answer: clot

Flashcard 709: Initial management of ischaemic stroke within 4.5 hours: 1. Priority intervention: _____ 2. Antiplatelet: Aspirin 300mg (delayed for 24 hours if thrombolysed) 3. Secondary prevention: High-intensity statin (after 48 hours)

Answer: Thrombolysis (e.g., Alteplase)

Extra: If thrombolysis is administered, aspirin must be withheld for 24 hours until a follow-up scan excludes intracranial hemorrhage. If the patient is not a candidate for thrombolysis, Aspirin 300mg should be given immediately.

Flashcard 710: Management of haemorrhagic stroke with no comorbidities: _____ and referral to stroke unit

Answer: Stabilisation