ALS first half

Question 1

What does MND refer to?

Answer 1

A heterogenous group of conditions characterised by degeneration of lower motor neurons and/or upper motor neurons

Question 2

Where are the upper motor neurons?

Answer 2

Cortex and brainstem

Question 3

Where are the lower motor neurons?

Answer 3

SC

Question 4

Which upper motor neurons can be affected by MND?

Answer 4

Ones that synapse with lower motor neurons

Question 5

Which diseases involve upper motor neuron defects?

Answer 5

Primary lateral sclerosis, pseudobulbar palsy

Question 6

Which diseases involve lower motor neuron diseases?

Answer 6

Progressive muscular atrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, progressive bulbar palsy, Kennedy disease

Question 7

What is a common symptom between all MNDs involving lower motor neurons?

Answer 7

Muscular atrophy/loss of muscle function

Question 8

Which disease is associated with upper and lower motor neuron dysfunction?

Answer 8

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Question 9

When was ALS first described in a publication?

Answer 9

1869

Question 10

ALS stands for?

Answer 10

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Question 11

Amyotrophic meaning?

Answer 11

No muscle nourishment

Question 12

Sclerosis meaning?

Answer 12

Scarring of muscle

Question 13

Main cause of death as a result of ALS?

Answer 13

Respiratory failure

Question 14

Signs that upper motor neurons are affected negatively?

Answer 14

Hyperreflexia, spasticity, slowing of movements

Question 15

What is hyperreflexia?

Answer 15

Reflexes are frequent and happen in an uncontrolled way

Question 16

Consequences of muscle spasticity?

Answer 16

Muscles become thinner and lose the stiffness

Question 17

Signs that lower motor neurons are affected?

Answer 17

Weakness, muscle atrophy, fasciculations

Question 18

What is fasiculations?

Answer 18

Uncontrolled, rapid movements

Question 19

Why is drooling seen in ALS?

Answer 19

Upper motor neurons (brainstem etc) is affected–> muscles that control saliva cannot be controlled correctly

Question 20

Established risk factors for ALS?

Answer 20

Family history and age

Question 21

What % of ALS patients have inherited a mutation associated with the disease from their parents?

Answer 21

10%

Question 22

Lifestyle choices which may be associated w/ ALS?

Answer 22

Manual labour, smoking, excessive exercise, exposure to toxic chemicals

Question 23

Why could heavy exercise contribute to ALS?

Answer 23

Overuse of muscles which could lead to muscle injuries and damage of neuons