Cheatography
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Brain stem lesions (BSL) + presentation
This is a draft cheat sheet. It is a work in progress and is not finished yet.
Causes of BSL
Vascular syndromes |
Arterial occlusion , Arterial haemorrhage |
Posterior fossa tumours |
Can affect any age group - primary children + elderly - mets from lung, breast, skin |
MS |
MLF, trigeminal, glossopharyngeal |
Metabolic BS dysfunction |
Sensitive to drugs/toxins due to high metabolism |
Vascular = focal area damage in vascular territory
If lesion presents patchy/bilaterally, vascular lesion is LESS likely
Comparison of tumour to vascular lesions
Vascular |
Tumour |
Focal, defined in a vascular territory |
Focal, defined not in a vascular territory - patchy/bilateral presentation |
Sudden/abrupt |
insidious & gradual |
Does not usually progress unless secondary complications |
Gradual + progressive - worsening/increase in symptoms over time |
"On/off" symptoms - you either have it or you don't |
Constant/comes and goes |
S&S
Nuclear CN deficits + limb weakness/sensory deficity |
CN deficits ipsilateral to BSL - limb weakness/sensory deficits contralateral |
Cerebellar deficits - ipsilateral to BSL |
5Ds, And 3Ns |
Diplopia, Dizziness, Dysarthria, Dysphagia, Drop Attacks |
Ataxia |
Numbness, Nausea, Nystagmus |
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