Spinal Cord Compression
Physiology and anatomy The spinal cord runs from C1 (junction with the medulla), to about L1, where it becomes the cauda equina. Note that it terminates lower down in children…
Status Epilepticus
Definition Tonic Clonic Seizure lasting > 5 minutes, OR Two or more seizures without full recovery (GCS = 15) in between (over any time period, usually within an hour or so)…
Subarachnoid haemorrhage on seen on CT scan. Hyperdense material is seen filling the subarachnoid space - most commonly - as in this example - around the circle of Willis. This is the white-ish area in the centre of the image in a star-like shape.
Subarachnoid Haemorrhage – SAH
Introduction A subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) describes bleeding in the brain into the subarachnoid space. A subarachnoid haemorrhage is considered a type of hemorrhagic stroke. The bleeding occurs as the result…
Subdural Haematoma
Introduction A subdural haematoma is a collection of blood between the arachnoid and dura mater. It can be acute, chronic, or acute on chronic. Most cases are chronic, and occur…
Summary of Headaches
Headache Characteristics Duration Fequency Mechanism Treatment Tension Tight band feeling, stress, low mood -Diffuse, ache,dull - Worse on touching scalp, agg by noise -Associated with tension - Depression…
Tension Headache
Introduction Tension headaches are thought to account for about 40% of all headaches. They are also sometimes referred to as muscle contraction headaches. They typically last for several hours, and often recur…
Testing the Nerves in the Hand
Median Nerve Carpal tunnel syndrome Thenar eminence o Abduction of the thumb o Abductor policis brevis Sensory of palmar surface of the lateral (radial) 3 ½ digits Ulnar Nerve…
Todd’s Paresis
Overview Todd's paresis, (aka postictal paresis or postictal paralysis) is a temporary neurological disorder that presents with a focal neurological deficit after a seizure - for example - limb weakness.…
Hands tremor
Tremor
Introduction A tremor is an involuntary repetitive movement of part of the body - most commonly the hands. Tremor is a common presenting complaint to general practice. Defining the features…
Upper Limb Examination
The key aim is to identify the anatomical site of the lesion: central (UMN - brain and spinal cord)versus peripheral (LMN - nerve roots and peripheral nerves). • NB –…