Neurobiology

What is the overall aim of the history, examination, and investigation of a patient with neurological problems?

To establish the site of pathology, the nature of the abnormality, how to best investigate it, and how to best treat it.

What should a good patient history include?

Nature, onset, extent, duration of chief complaints, previous diseases, personal and family history, medication, occupation, substance use, and recent travel.

What are the components of a neurological examination?

Cognitive examination, cranial nerves evaluation, motor system examination of the limbs, sensory examination.

What does the Glasgow Coma Scale assess?

Levels of alertness and wakefulness, with a maximum score of 15 indicating full alertness.

What are the functions of the frontal lobe?

Verbal fluency, planning, and concentration.

What is dyspraxia?

Inability to form, copy, or mime gestures and common tasks.

How is anterograde memory assessed?

By recalling a name and address given to the patient 5 minutes prior.

What does a score of 24/30 indicate on the Mini-Mental State Examination?

Normal cognition.

What does the trigeminal nerve assess?

Sensory and motor function of the face.

What is the purpose of using a tuning fork in sensory examination?

To assess vibration perception threshold.

What techniques are used in laboratory and imaging tests for neurobiology?

Blood tests, imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI, MRA/MRV, PET, SPECT), electrophysiological tests, CSF analysis, and biopsies.

What imaging technique utilizes radioactive tracers to visualize brain activity?

Positron emission tomography (PET).

What does the Babinski reflex indicate when elicited?

It indicates upper motor neuron lesions when the toes point up.

Which imaging technique is best for assessing blood flow in the brain?

CT angiography.

What is a lumbar puncture performed for?

To obtain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for analysis.

What neurological condition is most commonly diagnosed using EEG?

Epilepsy.

What is the main component not included in the Glasgow Coma Scale?

Reflex response.