CLINICAL QUESTIONS

Rapid, high-yield Q→A for rounds, the OR, and specialty clinics.

  • ≤4.5 hours from last known well.

  • BP must be <185/110 before giving tPA.

  • MCA is a direct continuation of the ICA.

  • To reduce risk of hemorrhagic transformation.

  • Post-tPA goal is <180/105.

  • Hypertension - Basal ganglia most common site.

  • Up to 24 hours for large vessel occlusion.

  • Think ICA or proximal MCA occlusion.

  • Medullary compression:

  • To maintain perfusion to ischemic penumbra.

  • Lowering BP too fast worsens infarct.

  • Minimal drug interactions, no hepatic metabolism.

  • Safe in polypharmacy.

  • Carbamazepine.

  • Avoid narrow-spectrum drugs in generalized epilepsy.

  • Cellular swelling → neuronal excitability.

  • Check sodium in new-onset seizure.

  • GABA downregulation + glutamate upregulation.

  • Treat with benzo’s/

  • Parasympathetic fibers are superficial → compressed first.

  • Dilated pupil = compressive aneurysm.

  • To minimize vertical diplopia from superior oblique weakness.

  • Head tilt away from lesion.

  • Early hippocampal degeneration.

  • Medial Temporal lobe first.

  • Periventricular white matter compression affecting frontal gait pathways.

  • Gait is earliest symptom.

  • Severe neuroleptic sensitivity.

  • Can worsen rigidity dramatically.

  • CO₂ vasoconstriction decreases cerebral blood flow.

  • Bridge only — not long-term solution.

  • Increases cerebral metabolic demand.

  • Aggressive normothermia.

  • CPP = MAP − ICP.

  • Goal CPP ≥ 60–70 mmHg.

  • Apnea test.

  • Must normalize temperature and BP first.

  • Sacral segments are located centrally at the conus.

  • Early symmetric deficits = conus.

  • Lesion at cervical cord damages anterior horn cells at that level and corticospinal tracts below.