Misc Neurological Disorders

Question 1

Drugs used for progressive MS:

Answer 1

Immunosuppressants:
Methotrexate (Rheumatrex) 
Cyclophosphomide (Cytoxan)
Mitoxantrone (Novantrone) 
Azathioprine (Imuran)  

IV Methylprednisone for acute exacerbation

Question 2

Cerebral Palsy

Answer 2

NOT caused by problems in the muscles or nerves.
IS caused by abnormalities in parts of the brain that control muscle movements.
Majority of children with cerebral palsy are born with it, although it may not be detected until months or years later.

Question 3

Spastic CP

Answer 3

Most common type of CP, occurring in 70% of all cases.

Presentation:
Damage to corticospinal tract, motor cortex or pyramidal tract.
Spastic hemiplegias (one side being affected).
Spastic diplegia (lower extremities are affected than upper body).
Spastic quadriplebia (all 4 limbs affected equally).

Question 4

Athetoid or Dyskinetic CP

Answer 4

Mixed muscle tone (hypertonia, hypotonia)
~20% of all cases.

Presentation:
have trouble holding themselves in an upright, steady position for sitting or walking.
may not be able to hold onto things (like a toothbrush or fork or pencil).

Question 5

Ataxia CP

Answer 5

Problems with balance, especially while walking
Damage to the cerebellum
10% of cases (rarest form)

Presentation:
Hypotonia and tremors
Motor skills like writing, typing, or using scissors might be difficult.

Question 6

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)Lou Gehrig’s Disease

Answer 6

incurable fatal neuromuscular disease characterized by progressive muscle weakness, resulting in paralysis.
Attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Motor neurons, which control the movement of voluntary muscles, deteriorate and eventually die.
Diaphragm and intercostal muscles weaken, forced vital capacity and inspiratory pressure diminish.

Question 7

ALS The earliest symptoms :

Answer 7

Obvious weakness or muscle atrophy
Other presenting symptoms include:
muscle fasciculation (twitching), cramping, or stiffness of affected muscles; muscle weakness affecting an arm or a leg; and/or slurred and nasal speech.

Question 8

The (FDA) has approved only one drug treatment of ALS

Answer 8

Riluzole (Rilutek)

Slowing progression

Question 9

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

Answer 9

Results from chronic alcoholism
Caused by:
Deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1)
Characterized by:
Confusion
Amnesia
Confabulation (most distinguishing feature)