Immunity Flashcards
What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
chronic neurological disease due to the demyelination of sheath in the brain + spinal cord; ESPECIALLY in the white matter around ventricles.
demyelination of sheath in the brain + spinal cord; mainly in the white matter around ventricles
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS)
multiple sclerosis (MS) attributes
inflammatory, progressive, degenerative
what causes the inflammatory process of MS?
the inflammatory response is caused by the auto-antibodies produced, causing you to be allergic to your own cells
what parts of the body are affected my MS?
the affected areas, areas showing S/S, depends on what nerves are being affected by the demyelination.
what part of the body will be affected if the cerebellum is attacked?
the cerebellum controls movements, gait, walking, so if this area is attacked, the patient may have issues walking
what causes MS?
the cause is unknown, but it is known to run in the family.
what is a PRIMARY event of MS
this occurs in the CNS (central nervous system), which then leads to the secondary immune response. The primary event is the actual attack on the CNS.
what causes a primary event of MS?
the onset of MS is unknown, but infections, such as Epstein Barr virus (EBV) are known to increase the risk of MS. Another risk factor is a vitamin D deficiency.
when does MS onset in patients?
onset of MS usually occurs between ages 20 - 50; and occurs more often in women.
what causes ACUTE attacks of MS?
INFLAMMATION; the inflammation of nerves leads to the acute attacks.
what causes CHRONIC attacks of MS?
SCARRING; scarring of nerves, ventricles, etc., lead to chronic attacks.
MS: relapsing & remitting
during this type of MS, there are clearly defined relapses followed by FULL recovery.
which type of MS effects 85% of MS patients?
RELAPSING + REMITTING
MS: primary & progressive
during this type of MS, the patient has slowly worsening neurological function from the beginning w/ NO distinct relapses/remissions.
which type of MS effects 10% of MS patients?
PRIMARY + PROGRESSIVE
MS: secondary & progressive
originally this patient is in relapsing & remitting stage, this is followed by progression w/ or w/o occasional relapses, MINOR remissions + plateaus. (there is a new treatment that slows progression)
MS: secondary & progressive (transition)
50% of patients with relapsing & remitting develop this within 10 years!
MS: progressive & relapsing
this type is progressive from the onset, clear ACUTE relapses, w/ OR w/o full recovery. BUT the periods between the relapses are characterized by continuing progression.
What percentage of patients does progressive & relapsing effect?
5%
MS & Fatigue
Fatigue is the most PROMINENT symptom - even if/when other S/S occur.
MS & Weakness
Weakness results from the deconditioning of unused muscles + damage to the nerves that stimulate those muscles. **This is managed by rehabilitation stimulation.
MS & Ataxia
walking/gait difficulties occur when the cerebellum is affected/attacked; the cerebellum provides graceful movements, these movements become less graceful when the cerebellum is affected.
MS & Paresthesia
Paresthesia is often the first symptom; followed/accompanied by loss of sensation, proprioception & vibration.
