N6637 week 8 Neuro|Headache, Vertigo, and Cranial
Nerve Disorders: Migraine, Tension, Cluster, Sinus,
Meningitis, Cerebral Lesion, Bell’s Palsy, Trigeminal
Neuralgia, Vertigo (BPPV, Meniere’s, Vestibular), Syncope,
Presyncope, Disequilibrium, Delirium, Neuroimaging (CT,
MRI, MRA, MRV), Lumbar Puncture, ESR, SNOOP Criteria,
HA Pharmacologic and Nonpharmacologic Management
Exam Questions Verified and Provided with Complete A+
Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
Migraine
unilateral pain
Tension ha
band-like pain
cluster ha
unilateral, occurs in clusters
sinusitis
frontal ha, accompanied with sinus pain
meningitis
nuchal rigidity
,cerebral lesion
new onset, possible neurological changes (depending on location)
infectious source
fever, systemic signs of illness
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, sed rate)
This is something ordered when there is suspicion of an infectious process going on. It is a marker to
detect inflammation anywhere in the body
Lumbar puncture (LP)
May be performed inpatient in patient's in which a subarachnoid hemorrhage is a possibility. Cerebral
spinal fluid (CSF) will be spun to evaluate for any presence of RBCs. Also, if there is question of an
infectious process, CSF will also be obtained to evaluate the presence of glucose & protein. Glucose &
protein are normal findings, however when there is low glucose and high protein there is suspicion for
infection (Note: bacteria (bugs) will eat glucose and poop protein). WBCs are also looked at in CSF. It is
difficult to base an infectious process on WBC alone as there can be an elevation with contamination;
that is why glucose, protein & a culture is evaluated as well.
Catscan CT
Indicated with trauma with a loss of consciousness, neurological changes, or intractable vomiting.
Contrast versus non-contrast: Contrast is typically barium or iodine-based. Check for allergies. Contrast
will appear white on CT film as will blood. If CT is being performed due to trauma, non-contrast would
be indicated. CT Brain can detect densities within brain, cerebral lesion, & cerebral edema as well as
fractures in skull
, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Brain: Looks at detailed cuts through brain & brain stem. Contrast with MRIs is called gadolinium which
is a metal ion, not iodine based.
Magnetic resonance arteriogram MRA
Looks at detailed cuts through brain & brain stem, as well as evaluating the blood vessels and blood
flow. MRA is able to detect cerebral aneurysms
Magnetic resonance venography MRV
Visualizes veins & blood flow. MRV (along with MRA) is able to detect arteriovenous malformations
(AVMs)
Benign Postitional Vertigo
Movement of head (position) is a provoking factor
Last seconds to minutes
Tinnitus not common
Rotatory nystagmus
headache not common
fullness to ears not common
Meniere's disease
no provoking factors
Can last up to 24 hours
tinnitus unilateral or bilateral
horizontal nystagmus
increased headache
Nerve Disorders: Migraine, Tension, Cluster, Sinus,
Meningitis, Cerebral Lesion, Bell’s Palsy, Trigeminal
Neuralgia, Vertigo (BPPV, Meniere’s, Vestibular), Syncope,
Presyncope, Disequilibrium, Delirium, Neuroimaging (CT,
MRI, MRA, MRV), Lumbar Puncture, ESR, SNOOP Criteria,
HA Pharmacologic and Nonpharmacologic Management
Exam Questions Verified and Provided with Complete A+
Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
Migraine
unilateral pain
Tension ha
band-like pain
cluster ha
unilateral, occurs in clusters
sinusitis
frontal ha, accompanied with sinus pain
meningitis
nuchal rigidity
,cerebral lesion
new onset, possible neurological changes (depending on location)
infectious source
fever, systemic signs of illness
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, sed rate)
This is something ordered when there is suspicion of an infectious process going on. It is a marker to
detect inflammation anywhere in the body
Lumbar puncture (LP)
May be performed inpatient in patient's in which a subarachnoid hemorrhage is a possibility. Cerebral
spinal fluid (CSF) will be spun to evaluate for any presence of RBCs. Also, if there is question of an
infectious process, CSF will also be obtained to evaluate the presence of glucose & protein. Glucose &
protein are normal findings, however when there is low glucose and high protein there is suspicion for
infection (Note: bacteria (bugs) will eat glucose and poop protein). WBCs are also looked at in CSF. It is
difficult to base an infectious process on WBC alone as there can be an elevation with contamination;
that is why glucose, protein & a culture is evaluated as well.
Catscan CT
Indicated with trauma with a loss of consciousness, neurological changes, or intractable vomiting.
Contrast versus non-contrast: Contrast is typically barium or iodine-based. Check for allergies. Contrast
will appear white on CT film as will blood. If CT is being performed due to trauma, non-contrast would
be indicated. CT Brain can detect densities within brain, cerebral lesion, & cerebral edema as well as
fractures in skull
, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Brain: Looks at detailed cuts through brain & brain stem. Contrast with MRIs is called gadolinium which
is a metal ion, not iodine based.
Magnetic resonance arteriogram MRA
Looks at detailed cuts through brain & brain stem, as well as evaluating the blood vessels and blood
flow. MRA is able to detect cerebral aneurysms
Magnetic resonance venography MRV
Visualizes veins & blood flow. MRV (along with MRA) is able to detect arteriovenous malformations
(AVMs)
Benign Postitional Vertigo
Movement of head (position) is a provoking factor
Last seconds to minutes
Tinnitus not common
Rotatory nystagmus
headache not common
fullness to ears not common
Meniere's disease
no provoking factors
Can last up to 24 hours
tinnitus unilateral or bilateral
horizontal nystagmus
increased headache
