Viral Infections
Viral Infections After viral multiplication in extraneural tissues, dissemination to CNS occurs by hematogenous route or spread along nerve fibers. General Comments CNS Viral Syndromes Meningitis: headache, photophobia, stiff neck;…
Focal Infections
Focal Infections Malignant External Otitis Infection in external auditory canal; spreads to soft tissues to cause cellulitis and abscess. Risk factors: diabetes in almost all patients; also advanced age, HIV…
Bacterial Infections and Aseptic Meningitis
Bacterial Infections and Aseptic Meningitis Acute Purulent Meningitis Progression for hours. Polymorphonuclear pleocytosis usually present in CSF. General Considerations Routes of meningeal infection: (a) blood (septicemia or spread from distant…
DNA Diagnosis
DNA Diagnosis Several hundred diseases amenable to DNA diagnosis. List is rapidly expanding. Examples provided in chapters on specific inherited conditions. For further information: http://www.genetests.org serves as an online textbook…
Neuropsychological Evaluation
Neuropsychological Evaluation Tests designed to assess cognition, behavior. Helpful in diagnosing and characterizing dementia. Characteristic patterns of performance support diagnosis of some specific conditions. Factors that may affect test performance:…
Muscle and Nerve Biopsy
Muscle and Nerve Biopsy Helps in differentiating neurogenic and myopathic causes of limb weakness as well as specific causes of myopathy, peripheral neuropathy. Indications: syndromes of limb weakness with cause…
Lumbar Puncture and CSF Examination
Lumbar Puncture and CSF Examination Lumbar Puncture (LP) Indications See Table 18.1. Table 18.1 Indications for Lumbar Puncture Essential for diagnosis: Infections: meningitis (bacterial, fungal, Whipple, Lyme) Tumor of meninges…
Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology
Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology Treatment of cerebrovascular disease with minimally invasive intravascular techniques, i.e., introduction of microcatheter via femoral artery. Cerebral Aneurysms Catheter used to place detachable coil (usually platinum wire)…
Neurovascular Imaging
Neurovascular Imaging CT, MRI See Chapter 13. Catheter Angiography Intra-arterial injection of iodinated contrast agent. Real-time images of contrast-filled vessels obtained via fluoroscopy. Unsurpassed for detection of stenosis, occlusion, recanalization,…
Nerve Conduction Studies, Electromyography, and Magnetic Stimulation
Nerve Conduction Studies, Electromyography, and Magnetic Stimulation Nerve Conduction Studies Measure speed and strength of electrical impulse conducted along motor or sensory peripheral nerve. SNAP: sensory nerve action potential. Electrical…
