Neurology: Key Clinical Conditions

What does the FAST acronym stand for in the context of rapid stroke assessment?

Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call emergency services.

What is the standard time window for administering intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) after ischemic stroke symptom onset?

Within 3 to 4.5 hours of the 'last known well' time.

A patient presents with contralateral hemiparesis and sensory loss primarily affecting the face and arm, along with aphasia. Which vascular territory is likely affected?

Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA).

Which stroke territory is characterized by contralateral motor and sensory deficits that are more pronounced in the leg and foot than the upper extremities?

Anterior Cerebral Artery (ACA).

What is the classic visual field defect associated with a Posterior Cerebral Artery (PCA) stroke?

Contralateral homonymous hemianopia, often with macular sparing.

How is a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) defined in modern clinical practice?

A transient episode of neurological dysfunction caused by focal brain, spinal cord, or retinal ischemia, without acute infarction on imaging.

What is the immediate imaging modality of choice to differentiate between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke?

Non-contrast Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the head.

Which medication is considered the first-line treatment for Absence (petit mal) seizures?

Ethosuximide.

What is the first-line pharmacological intervention for a patient in Status Epilepticus?

Benzodiazepines, typically Lorazepam (IV) or Diazepam.

Describe the typical clinical presentation of a cluster headache.

Severe, unilateral periorbital or temporal pain associated with autonomic symptoms like lacrimation, rhinorrhea, or Horner's syndrome.