degenerative brain disease Flashcards
what lesion causes muscle spasticity?
damage to upper motor neuron
what function is affected by MS?
any where nerves are involved - cognitive, motor, sensory, autonomic
what causes multiple sclerosis?
changes to myelin sheath around nerve axons connecting different parts of brain
DEMYELINATION OF AXONS
what is the most common CNS disorder of the young?
multiple sclerosis
How does multiple sclerosis distribute?
Patchy distribution of CNS lesions - areas of body affected change from time to time - CT scan will show different areas of inflammation
Describe the aetiology of multiple sclerosis
Background genetic/immune factors
Susceptibility acquired during childhood
More common in identical twins and among immediate family members
What are the symptoms of MS?
Muscle weakness
Visual disturbance
Paraesthesia
Autonomic dysfunction
Dysarthria
Pain
Balance/hearing loss
What are the signs of MS?
Muscle weakness
Spasticity
Altered reflexes
Tremor
Optic atrophy
Proprioceptive loss
Loss of touch
how does MS affect IgG protein levels?
increased IgG in MS patients
how does MS affect lymphocyte?
reduced lymphocytes
what will an MRI of an MS patient show?
shows areas of plaques within the brain where there has been previous damage
How do you investigate MS?
History and examination
CSF analysis – reduced lymphocytes and increased IgG production
MRI
Visual evoked potentials – always reduced after optic neuritis
What are the two types of MS?
Relapsing and remitting type
Primary progressive type
Describe the features of relapsing and remitting MS
Damage builds up with each episode - episodes of active disease and periods of stability
Acute exacerbations
Many develop progressive form
How do you treat relapsing and remitting MS?
Disease modifying therapies e.g. cladribine