CT versus MRI choice, classic imaging findings, lumbar puncture CSF patterns, EMG and nerve conduction, and EEG basics.
35 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- Which imaging modality is first-line when a patient presents with acute stroke symptoms?
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Noncontrast head CT, to rule out hemorrhage before possible thrombolysis- What is the imaging study of choice in acute head trauma?
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Noncontrast CT of the head- Which MRI sequence is most sensitive for detecting ischemic stroke within minutes to hours of onset?
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Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)- Why is MRI generally preferred over CT for evaluating posterior fossa and brainstem lesions?
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CT images of that region are degraded by bone artifact, while MRI is not- What is the imaging modality of choice for suspected spinal cord compression?
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MRI of the spine- What is an absolute contraindication to MRI scanning?
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A non-MRI-compatible pacemaker or ferromagnetic implant/foreign body- What serious complication can gadolinium contrast cause in patients with severe renal failure?
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Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis- What CT finding indicates a thrombus within the middle cerebral artery?
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The hyperdense MCA sign- What is the classic CT shape of an epidural hematoma, and does it cross suture lines?
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Biconvex (lentiform) shape; does not cross suture lines- What is the classic CT shape of a subdural hematoma, and does it cross suture lines?
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Crescent-shaped; crosses suture lines- Where does hyperdensity classically appear on CT in subarachnoid hemorrhage?
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In the basal cisterns and cerebral sulci- What is the classic MRI finding of multiple sclerosis plaques on T2/FLAIR imaging?
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Periventricular ovoid lesions oriented perpendicular to the ventricles, called Dawson fingers- What MRI finding on diffusion-weighted imaging is characteristic of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease?
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Cortical ribboning and the pulvinar sign- What MRI pontine finding is classically described in multiple system atrophy?
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The hot cross bun sign- What term describes a glioblastoma that spreads across the corpus callosum to the opposite hemisphere?
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Butterfly glioma
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