Degenerative Neurologic Disorders and Dementia

Question 1

Muscular Dystrophy

Answer 1

a group of genetic diseases / characterized by progressive muscle weakness and degeneration of the skeletal or voluntary muscle fibers

Question 2

Multiple Sclerosis (autoimmune attack against myelin)

Answer 2

unpredictable disease of the CNS / inflammation of certain nerve cells followed by demyelination, or destruction of the myelin sheath (fatty insulation surrounding nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord) / myelin sheath damage results in poor conduction of impulse across the nerves / signs and symptoms - weakness of one or more limbs, sensory loss, paresthesias, and changes in vision

Question 3

Dystonias

Answer 3

characterized by muscle contractions that cause twisting and repetitive movements, abnormal postures, or freezing in the middle of an action - movements are involuntary and sometimes painful - may affect a single muscle or a group of muscles or the entire body / early symptoms - deterioration in handwriting, foot cramps, or a tendency of one foot to drag after walking or running

Question 4

Central Pain Syndrome

Answer 4

results from damage or injury to the brain, brainstem, or spinal cord / characterized by intense, steady pain described as boring, aching, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation / may develop in weeks, months, or years after an injury to the CNS / occurs in patient’s who have suffered strokes, MS, limb amputations, or spinal cord injuries

Question 5

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Answer 5

progressive degeneration of specific nerve cells that control voluntary movement / characterized by weakness, loss of motor control, difficulty speaking, and cramping, the disease eventually weakens the diaphragm

Question 6

Poliomyelitis (polio)

Answer 6

infectious, inflammatory viral disease of the central nervous system that sometimes results in permanent paralysis / characterized by fatigue, headache, fever, vomiting, stiffness of the neck, and pain to the hands and feet