Misc Neuro Dx Flashcards
What are triggers for a seizure? (7)
- Photosensitivity
- Loud noises
- Stress
- Hormonal changes
- Alcohol/drug use
- Sleep disturbance
- Not taking meds correctly
General OT Tx for epilepsy (5)
- Safety
- Enviro modification
- Adaptive equipment
- Activity analysis
- Coping skills
OT Tx Examples for Epilepsy: Bathing/Toileting (6)
- Water temps in house not over 120 degrees
- Non-skid surfaces
- Pad all corners
- Use plastic containers, no glass
- Don’t shower when home alone
- Shower seats, grab bars, etc.
OT Tx Examples for Epilepsy: Hygiene/grooming (5)
- Shatter-proof mirrors
- No curling iron alone
- Mirror at correct height to avoid climbing to see
- Electric razors only
- Use vanity & sit while applying makeup
OT Tx Examples for Epilepsy: Dressing (3)
- Avoid jewelry w/ sharp edges
- Store clothing at easy to read height - no climbing
- Dress small children on the floor (whether they have seizures or the adult does)
OT Tx Examples for Epilepsy: Feeding/eating (8)
- Educate family/friends for choking hazard
- Don’t eat while lying down
- Avoid hot temp foods/liquids
- Commuter cup for drinking warm liquids
- Non-skid mats
- Check infant’s mouth periodically for stored food
- Secure infant/toddler in highchair
- Use chairs with armrests
OT Tx Examples for Epilepsy: Mobility/traveling (8)
- Use stroller
- Wear helmet if needed
- Pillows/mat next to bed if possibility of falling out
- Possible bedrail if falling is frequent
- Alert neighbors what to do if wandering occurs
- Drive only when cleared by MD/DMV
- Padded clothes, knee/elbow pads if falling is frequent
- Carry important names/numbers in bag/medical necklace
OT Tx Examples for Epilepsy: Home safety (6)
- Keep home free of clutter/wires/cords/throw rugs
- Use carpeting whenever possible
- Use plastic dishes/cups
- W/ oven, use long mits & rack pulls to avoid reaching into oven
- Store items you use at accessible heights
- Food processors for chopping
What is Huntington’s disease?
An inherited chronic degenerative disorder that leads to progressive physical & mental degeneration over time, & is fatal
Signs & Symptoms of Huntington’s Disease (4)
- Reduced voluntary motor control
- Involuntary mvmts (Chorea)
- Loss of cognition
- Emotional & behavioral problems
Cognitive impairments due to Huntington’s Disease (8)
- Dementia/psychiatric disturbances
- Depression
- Apathy
- Irritability
- Anhedonia
- Antisocial behavior
- Bipolar behavior
- Schizopheniform behavior
What is chorea? How does it progress in Huntington’s disease?
Quick, irregular mvmts. First develops in hands.
Stages of Huntington’s Disease: I = Early (5)
- Subtle changes in coordinaiton
- Some involuntary mvmts (chorea)
- Difficulty thinking through probs/concentrating
- Decreased mood, irritability
- May have decrease in ADL/IADL function
Stages of Huntington’s Disease: II = Middle (8)
- Mvmt disorder more pronounced (rx may begin)
- Difficulty w/ speech/swallowing *Need to consume 3,000-5,000 calories due to excessive mvmt
- Dysarthria
- ADL/IADL more difficult
- Memory deficits
- Unable to maintain employment
- Probs w/ task performance (e.g. sequencing hard)
- Suicidal risk
Stages of Huntington’s Disease: III = Late (5)
- Dependent in ADL/IADL
- Chorea either severe or cease
- Unable to walk or speak
- Still generally comprehends language, has awareness of family/friends
- Death due to medical complications
OT Interventions for Huntington’s Disease (15)
- Daily routine development - checklists (early stage)
- Worksite eval, modifications - planners, organizers, reminders, quiet enviro (early stage)
- Coping skills to address depression
- Community support groups, community involvement, internet access (early stage)
- Caregiver education & training
- ADL training - dressing, feeding - modifications include no more small buttons, velcro, adaptive equipment, possible bed railings (Middle stage)
- Home eval & modifications
- Adaptive equipment eval, order, & training
- Leisure exploration - very important as worker role is lost
- Tai chi (improve balance)
- Fall prevention
- Fatigue mgmt - schedule breaks throughout day* Need to be scheduled bc person with HD may not recognize fatigue
- Splinting/ROM (Late stage)
- Visual prompts to help ct complete ADLs (middle stage) - lay out clothes as prompt to change, toothbrush by sink, etc.
- Perform ADLs while seated (middle stage)
Mobility devices for Huntington’s disease
- Rollator (wheels) preferred over walker
- When wc is indicated - firm seat, padded armrests for chorea
- Better able to move wc with feet - height should be adjusted accordingly
What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
Chronic, progressive demyelinating disease where the loss of myelin is confined to the CNS.
Two criteria: A) 2 attacks & clinical evidence of 2 separate lesion sites OR B) 2 attacks, clinical evidence of 1 lesion with specialized diagnostic evidence of 1 other lesion site (e.g. perimetry test of visual field)
Characteristics of an MS attack (3)
- Lasts at least 24-48hrs
- 30 days must separate the 1st attack from the 2nd attack to differentiate two separate episodes
- An attack can occur anywhere in the CNS (Cerebral hemispheres, cerebellum, brainstem, or SC)
Symptoms of MS (9)
- Dysmetria
- Ataxia
- Dysarthria
- Adiadochokinesia
- Intention tremor
- Wide-based gait
- Hypotonia
- Jerky conjugate gaze
- Cognitive dysfunction
Name the types of MS (4)
- Relapsing Remitting MS
- Secondary Progressive MS
- Primary Progressive MS
- Progressive-Relapsing MS
Types of MS - Describe: Relapsing Remitting MS
*Classic MS
Clearly defined periods of acute attacks (with or without residual deficit upon recovery) followed by periods of remission & no disease progression.
Types of MS - Describe: Secondary Progressive MS
Begins with Relapsing-Remitting MS followed by progressive loss of function at variable rate
Types of MS - Describe: Primary Progressive MS
Progression of disability from onset with or without plateaus - steady progression seen with no distinct relapses/attacks where new symptoms appear.
Types of MS - Describe: Progressive-Relapsing MS
Always progressive with distinct periods of more severe symptoms
Clinical manifestation of MS (9)
- Dependent on site of the lesion
1. Localized weakness
2. Numbness
3. Tingling
4. Difficulty with coordination
5. Blurring of vision
6. Diplopia
7. Bladder dysfunction
8. Possible cognitive dysfunction (50-75%)
9. Possible sleep disruption
MS Precautions (2 primary)
AVOID HEAT - No hot tubs!
Avoid INTENSIVE exercise - don’t over do it!
What’s the most common symptom of MS?
Fatigue
What worsens fatigue in MS? (4)
- Mod/Vigorous exercise
- Stress
- Prolonged physical activity
- Heat