Chronic Neuro Flashcards
What is multiple sclerosis?
A chronic, progressive, degenerative disease that involved demylenation of the nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord.
What is demyelination?
An interuption of transfer of impulses from nerve to muscle.
What is the cause of MS?
Unknown; may be an immune response from a virus.
What are signs and symptoms of MS?
A gradual onset of vision changes, fatigue, weakness, cognitive changes, paralysis, bowel and bladder dysfunction, tinnitus, dysphagia, and decreasing muscle movement.
How is MS diagnosed?
MRI will show lesions, CSF will show high lymphocytes, may need to diagnose by exclusion.
How is MS cared for?
Prevent exacerbations like stress and weather, prednisone, immunosuppressive meds, treat symptoms, care for bladder dysfunction, immobility care, nutrition, safety, aspiration.
What is Parkinsons disease?
A chronic, progressive, neurodegenerative disease with dopamine and acetylcholine imbalances because of the lack of dopamine producing neurons in the midbrain
What does dopamine help control?
Voluntary movements, posture, and support.
What are clinical symptoms of Parkinson’s?
Bradykinesia, muscle rigidity, tremors at rest, arms dont swing, changes in speech, mask like appearance.
What is the treatment of Parkinson’s?
Meds with dopamine (Carbidopa) and good timing to prevent symptoms, nutrition, safety, prevent complications.
What is Myasthenia Gravis?
An autoimmune disease of neuromuscular junction with fluctuating weakness of muscles and nerves; the body attacks acetylcholine receptors and the number of receptor sites decreases.
What is acetylcholine responsible for?
Muscle contraction
What are signs and symptoms of myasthenia gravis?
muscle weakness, slow onset, affects eyes, chewing, swallowing- occurs with exacerbations and remission
How is myasthenia gravis diagnosed?
With the Tensilon test- if injecting tensilon improves muscle contraction, then it is a dx.
What is tensilon?
An anticholinesterase- it blocks the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine
What is the treatment of myasthenia gravis?
Give anticholinestrase agents with good timing, prevent complications, thymectomy, plasmaphoresis
What can exacerbate symptoms of myasthenia gravis?
Beta blockers, alchohol, stress.
What is amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?
A rare, progressive loss of motor neurons with no cure.
What are signs and symptoms of ALS?
weakness, dysarthia, dysphagia, spacisity, death from respiratory depression.
What is Guillane’ Barre Syndrome?
Ascending symmetrical paralysis starting distal to proximal that is reversible.
What are the signs and symptoms of guillane barre syndrome?
Weakness, lack of reflexes, autonomic involvement leads to decreased HR and BP- main concern is respiratory depression
What is the treatment of guillane barre syndrome?
IV immunoglobulins and plasmapheresis
