Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a typical manifestation of hypoxia in brain injury?
Which of the following is NOT a typical manifestation of hypoxia in brain injury?
- Nuchal rigidity (correct)
- Impaired coordination
- Confusion
- Seizures
A patient presents with double vision and drooping eyelids. Which of the following is the MOST likely initial diagnosis?
A patient presents with double vision and drooping eyelids. Which of the following is the MOST likely initial diagnosis?
- Encephalitis
- Parkinson's disease
- Myasthenia gravis (correct)
- Cerebral hypoxia
Which medication is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease to enhance the effectiveness of levodopa by preventing its breakdown in the body?
Which medication is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease to enhance the effectiveness of levodopa by preventing its breakdown in the body?
- Entacapone (correct)
- Ropinirole
- Amantadine
- Benztropine
A patient with encephalitis presents with fever, headache, and altered level of consciousness. Which additional symptom would MOST strongly suggest a vector-borne etiology?
A patient with encephalitis presents with fever, headache, and altered level of consciousness. Which additional symptom would MOST strongly suggest a vector-borne etiology?
Which of the following is a NON-motor symptom commonly associated with Parkinson's Disease?
Which of the following is a NON-motor symptom commonly associated with Parkinson's Disease?
Flashcards
Encephalitis
Encephalitis
Brain tissue inflammation usually due to an infection. Can be caused by viruses (Herpes), vector-borne illness (West Nile), or fungal infections. Symptoms range from mild to severe, including fever, headache, confusion, altered mental status, and even rash with vector-borne cases.
Nuchal Rigidity
Nuchal Rigidity
A stiff neck, often a symptom of meningitis, which is an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Dystonia
Dystonia
Involuntary muscle contractions that cause repetitive or twisting movements. Seen in Parkinson's disease and cerebral hypoxia.
Ptosis
Ptosis
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Carbidopa / Levodopa
Carbidopa / Levodopa
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Study Notes
Treatment for Brain Tumors
- Surgery for symptom relief or removal, minimizing further damage
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
Factors Affecting Brain Tumors
- Genetics
- Radiation exposure
- Age
Hypoxia Manifestations in Brain Injury
- Confusion
- Difficulty speaking
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Impaired coordination
- Vision problems
- Changes in behavior
- Nuchal rigidity (stiff neck)
Symptoms of Meningitis
- Diplopia (double vision)
Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis
- Ptosis (drooping upper eyelid)
- Diplopia (double vision)
- Dystonia (involuntary muscle contractions, repetitive or twisting movements)
Encephalitis Causes
-
Viral infections (Herpes)
-
Vector-borne infections (West Nile)
-
Fungal infections
-
Can be spread by animals or insects
-
Symptoms range from mild to severe
-
Fever
-
Headaches (HA)
-
Confusion
-
Change in level of consciousness (LOC)
-
Rash
-
Treatment: Antifungal, antiviral, and supportive care
Parkinson's Disease Medications
- Carbidopa/levodopa—promotes dopamine
Dopamine Promoting Medications
- Ropinirole—promotes dopamine
- Amantadine—improves muscle control and reduces stiffness
- Increases dopamine and reduces dopamine reuptake
- MAOIs—improve motor and non-motor symptomspotentially delaying disease progression and protecting dopaminergic cells from death
- COMT Inhibitors (Entacapone)—enhances levodopa's effectiveness, preventing its body breakdown
Parkinson's Disease Signs and Symptoms
- Tremors
- Stiffness of extremities
- Bradykinesia (slow/difficult movements)
- Non-motor symptoms
- Loss of smell
- Constipation
- Depression, Dementia
Chronic vs. Acute Neurological Diseases
- Chronic: spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer's, ALS, brain tumors, Bell's palsy, seizures
- Acute: stroke, encephalitis, seizures, Guillain-Barre syndrome
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- AKA Lou Gehrig's disease
- Diagnosed between 40-70 years, average age 55
- More common in men
- "Stiff neurons" on spinal cord
- Progressive weakness and atrophy of brainstem and trunk muscles
- Amyotrophic: no nourishment, breakdown of muscles (atrophy)
Other Parkinson's Symptoms
- Dysarthria (slurred speech)
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- Drooling
- Respiratory complications (such as shortness of breath, SOB)
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