Demyelinating diseases Flashcards
Multiple sclerosis?
A chronic, inflammatory disease of the CNS
Cause of MS?
Occurs when the myelin and neurons & axons are destroyed
What happens when myelin is lost in several areas?
Plaques (inflammation and sclerosis) occur
MS results in?
Periodic loss of neurological function and often progressive disability
Uhthoff’s phenomena?
MS symptoms that worsen during an increase in body temperature
What is MS relapse?
A new neurological disability that lasts greater than 24 hours
Can a MS relapse be a recurrence of an old symptom, a new symptom, or both?
Both
Onset of MS relapse is usually?
Subacute
How can MS plaques be visualized?
MRI
What is elevated in CSF of a patient with MS?
IgG index
What is seen in CSF but not plasma of a MS pt?
Oligoclonal bands
Expected age range of a MS pt?
18-50 years
Where is the MS plaque found?
Periventricular white matter
What stain do you use to distinguish between normal myelin and damaged myelin? What color does normal myelin stain?
Luxol Fast Blue Stain
Blue
What inflammatory cell is not found in MS plaques?
Neutrophils
Which inflammatory cells attack myelin antigens?
T-Cells, B-Cells, Macrophages
Most MS pts are?
Women
Types of MS?
Relapsing
Progressive
Relapsing form of MS?
Exacerbations followed by complete or incomplete recovery
Slow, inconsistent accumulation of disability occurs in the majority of patients
Progressive form of MS?
Steady progression of disability with few or no exacerbations
Typical symptoms of pts with progressive form of MS?
Corticospinal tract dysfunction, sensory disturbances, and urinary symptoms
How is MS dx?
MRI
Neurologic dysfunction in MS reflects what?
Conduction impairment alon partially or completely demyelinated segments of myelinated fibers
Transverse myelitis?
Acute neurologic condition that reflects FOCAL inflammation of the spinal cord
Presentation of transverse myelitis?
Acute or subacutely developing motor,sensory, and sphincter disturbance. Usually asymmetrical
How often is transverse myelitis the first sign of MS?
30%
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) mechanism?
Antibody mediated demylination, axonal injury, and necrosis
