Cluster Headache – aka – migranous neuralgia Account for <1% of all headaches This is a unilateral pain that typically wakes the patient during the night, so called, because attacks occur in ‘clusters’ –...
Comparison of Intracranial Haemorrhage
Comparison of Intracranial Haemorrhage Feature Subarachnoid Subdural Extradural Location The inner most layer around the brain tissue Between the dura mater and arachnoid mater The outermost layer, between the skull and dura mater Mechanism...
Confusion: AMTS and MMSE (Mini Mental State Exam)
AMTS – Abbreviated Mental Test Score AMTS is a (very) quick way to assess confusion. It is used as a quick screening tool, usually on the hospital ward. Patient is scored out of ten,...
Cranial Nerve Testing
Olfactory I Quick method – ask the patient if: They notice smells in the morning (e.g. coffee, toast) They notice smells that others do They think their sense of smell is poor If they...
Cranial Nerves
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CVA – Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke)
Introduction Stroke is a sudden onset of brain dysfunction, caused by an alteration in cerebrovascular blood supply. It is characterised by: Rapid, acute onset – within a few minutes Focal neurological defect – almost...
Dementia
Dementia is a progressive global decline cognitive function, without impairment of consciousness. It is typically defined as a syndrome secondary to one or more of multiple causes, rather than a diagnosis in its own right....
Descending (Motor) Pathways
Tract Location of Upper Motor Neurons Destination Site of Crossover Action CORTICOSPINAL Corticobulbar Primary Motor Cortex (pyramidal cells) Cranial Nerves III – XII Brainstem Conscious Motor control of skeletal muscles Anterior...
Encephalitis
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma that is usually caused by a viral infection. Aetiology Encephalitis is usually viral in origin. Causative organisms include: Echoviruses Coxsackie Mumps Herpes simplex – This often causes...
Epilepsy
Summary Definitions Seizure – spontaneous uncontrolled abnormal brain activity Epilepsy – a tendency to have seizures. Epilepsy is a symptom, and not a true condition. Epilepsy can be diagnosed after a minimum of 2...