MS Flashcards
what is MS?
chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder
potentially disabling disease of brain and spinal cord
Characteristics of MS
inflammation
demyelination
Gliosis (scar formation)
what is the cause of MS?
unknown
autoimmune my be triggered by infection
genetic
risk factors for MS
age- 20-40 women mod. cool climate Caucasian family history
possible other risk factors for MS
smoking
vitamin d deficiency
obesity
epstein-barr virus
pathogenesis of MS
autoimmune attack against myelin sheath T lymphocytes migrate to CNS and cross BBB creates inflammatory response axons are demyelinated and plaques form axons destroyed
early MS
nerve fiber not affected
impulses still transmitted
may notice weakness
late MS
axons destroyed
impulses are totally blocked
permanent loss of function
benign MS
no disability with return to normal between attacks
relapsing-remitting MS
unpredictable attacks may leave permanent deficits follow by periods of remission
primary-progressive MS
steady increase in disability without attacks
secondary-progressive MS
initial relapsing-remitting MS that suddenly begins to decline without remission
progressive-relapsing MS
steady decline since disease onset with superimposed attacks
clinical manifestations of MS
Cog Fog visual problems depression fatigue pain (chronic or acute, burning or stabbing) bowel, bladder weakness sexual issues muscle stiffness/spasms walking/balance
goals of pharm for MS
slow disability
reduce frequency of relapse
reduce new brain lesions
drugs are used to modify disease process, treat acute relapse, manage symptoms
