Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a heterogeneous group of conditions characterised by immune-mediated destruction of peripheral nerves (cranial nerves can be involved as well). Acute paralysis and diminished tendon reflexes are hallmarks of the condition. GBS is a…
Parkinson Disease Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that results in abnormalities in movement, autonomic function and cognition. It is caused by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, a nucleus that is involved in the…
Overview Major regions of stroke Region Area supplied Function MCA Lateral frontal lobes, temporal lobes, lateral anterior parietal lobes Upper body, language ACA Mesial and anterior frontal lobes, medial parietal lobes Lower body, pelvic floor musculature, sensory integration Ophthalmic artery…
Transient Ischemic Attack A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is defined as neurological deficits that completely resolve within 24 hours. 80% of TIAs are due to thromboemboli and they occur almost exclusively in patients with symptomatic large vessel disease e.g. carotid…
Status Epilepticus This is a protracted seizure. By definition, status epilepticus is a seizure that has lasted for > 30 minutes without intervening consciousness (but in reality, it is considered if a seizure lasts > 5 minutes). The most common…
Febrile Seizures Febrile seizures are common in children aged 6 months – 5 years old. It peaks at 12 – 18 months. It is associated with temperatures higher than 38 C and is NOT the result of CNS infection or…
Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) AEDs should only be commenced by a specialist after the diagnosis of epilepsy has been confirmed. The choice of AEDs depends on seizure types, comorbidities, lifestyle and the patient’s preference. All AEDs are teratogenic. Valproate is the…
Epilepsy Epilepsy is characterized by chronic seizures. It is characterized by Idiopathic (75%), Recurrent (2 or more), unexplained seizures. Epilepsy is the chronic condition of recurrent seizures (a single seizure does not diagnose epilepsy, not drug/substance/infection induced). The choice of…
Overview This is an infection of the kidney parenchyma that can be organ and/or life threatening and leads to scarring of the kidney. Complicated infection occurs in the following situations: Etiology Infection may have either: Clinical Presentation History The classic…
Nephrotic Syndrome Nephrotic syndrome is a collection of signs and symptoms indicating damage to the glomerular basement membrane and the podocytes. With most of the injury focusing on the podocytes. It is characterised: The causes of nephrotic syndrome can be…