Common CNS Conditions

Question 1

Uncontrolled, involuntary muscle movement

Answer 1

Dyskinesia

Question 2

A degenerative disease involving the dopamine secreting neurons of the Substantia Nigra. LEWY BODIES may be seen in degenerating neurons

Answer 2

Parkinson’s disease

Question 3

4 cardinal signs/symptoms:

1. Resting tremor
2. Bradykinesia
3. Rigidity
4. Postural instability

Answer 3

Parkinson’s

Question 4

Loss of both UMNs (Betz cells) in the cerebral cortex and LMNs in the brain stem and spinal cord (gray matter housing GSE’s)

Answer 4

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Question 5

Signs/symptoms may include:

1. Speech difficulty or hoarseness
2. Difficulty swallowing
3. Progressive weakness or dyscoordination of the hands
4. Lower extremity paresis, foot drop

Answer 5

ALS

Question 6

An autosomal dominant condition (inherited) of the caudate nucleus w/two clinical manifestations:

1. Dementia
2. Choreiform (involuntary) movements

Answer 6

Huntington’s disease

Question 7

An autoimmune disease with anti-myelin antibodies

Answer 7

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Question 8

MS is more common in what gender?

Answer 8

Females (2:1)

Question 9

A demyelinating disease that can affect both motor and sensory systems. SSx’s: ataxia/coordination difficulty, paresthesia, fatigue (due to autoimmunity of disease)

Answer 9

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Question 10

What other disease (DDx) can present with VERY similar ssx’s to MS?

Answer 10

Lyme Neuroborreliosis

Question 11

What imaging/special tests should be done for suspicion of MS?

Answer 11

1. MRI

2. Lumbar puncture (Myelin Basic Protein in CSF)