DCAS Neurological Emergencies 2

Question 1

Which type of stroke is caused by a ruptured blood vessel in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Haemorrhagic stroke

Answer

A haemorrhagic stroke results from rupture of a cerebral blood vessel, causing bleeding into or around the brain tissue.

Question 2

A patient presents with severe headache, neck stiffness (nuchal rigidity), and photophobia. Which condition should be immediately suspected?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial meningitis

Answer

The classic triad of severe headache, neck stiffness, and photophobia in a febrile patient strongly suggests bacterial meningitis, a life-threatening neurological emergency.

Question 3

A patient opens their eyes to voice, makes confused verbal responses, and localises to pain. What is their GCS score?

Accepted Answer

11

Answer

Eyes to voice = 3, confused verbal = 4, localises to pain (motor) = 5; total GCS = 3+4+5 = 11 (E3V4M5).

Question 4

The AEIOU-TIPS mnemonic is used to assess causes of altered consciousness. What does the letter 'T' represent?

Accepted Answer

Trauma or Toxins

Answer

In AEIOU-TIPS, 'T' stands for Trauma or Toxins (including drugs and poisoning), both of which are common reversible causes of altered level of consciousness.

Question 5

A patient suddenly loses consciousness, recovers spontaneously within 1-2 minutes, and reports no confusion afterward. Which condition is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Vasovagal syncope

Answer

Vasovagal syncope typically presents as a brief, self-resolving loss of consciousness with rapid full recovery and no postictal confusion, distinguishing it from seizure.

DCAS Practice Test

DCAS Practice Test

DCAS Neurological Emergencies 2