Diseases of Human Systems - Neurology: Degenerative Brain Disease Flashcards
What is MS?
Demyelination of axons due to inflammatory changes which lead to permanent loss of function.
Who is affected by MS?
Disorder of the young
What causes MS?
Genetic link
Environmental triggers - the further away from the equator the higher the incidence
What are the signs of MS?
muscle weakness/spasticity visual disturbances Paraesthesia autonomic dysfunction dysarthria pain balance/hearing loss
What are the types of MS?
Relapsing and remitting - patient will eventually become disabled from the accumulation of all the damage during acute episodes
Primary progressive - slow, steady degeneration
What are the dental implications of MS?
Limited mobility
Orofacial motor and sensory disturbances
Chronic orofacial pain
Enhanced risk of trigeminal neuralgia
What is motor neurone disease?
degeneration of motor nerves in the anterior horn of the corticospinal tracts in the spinal chord and the motor nuclei in the brain stem.
What do most patients with MND die of?
Type 2 respiratory failure
or
aspiration pneumonia
What are the effects of MND?
Progressive loss of motor function in the limbs, intercostal muscles, diaphragm and motor cranial nerves
= hypoxia
What are the symptoms of MND?
Weakness in the legs - hard to climb stairs
slurred speech and trouble swallowing
weak grip
muscle cramps and twitches
Emotional liability
What are the dental implications of MND?
Limited mobility - problems with access and tooth brushing
Difficulty in maintaining head posture
Drooling - dentist may be asked to prescribe anticholinergics and administer botox in order to reduce the saliva
What patients are at risk of MDN? age + sex
Commonly males (females can develop too) from 30-60 y/o
What age range of patients are more at risk of developing Parkinson’s disease?
> 50 y/o’s
However some forms can affect younger people
What is Parkinson’s?
Progressive and disabling disorder cause by a lack of the neurotransmitter domaine in the substance nigra basal ganglia of the brain
What are the signs of Parkinson’s? (5)
Bradykinesia - slow movement, slow initiation of movement
Rigidity - from increased muscle tone
Tremor at rest which disappears when making a conscious muscle movement
Unsteady/unusual walking
Mask like facial expression