MS

Question 1

What are the classic symptoms of optic neuritis, a common first presentation of multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Answer 1

Unilateral eye pain (worsens with movement).
Decreased visual acuity (blurry vision).
Optic disc edema on fundoscopic exam.

Question 2

What type of incontinence is seen in multiple sclerosis?

Answer 2

Overflow incontinence due to neurogenic bladder from autonomic nervous system dysfunction.

Question 3

What phenomenon in multiple sclerosis explains the worsening of symptoms after exposure to heat?

Answer 3

Uhthoff’s phenomenon — Heat (like showers, fever, exercise) impairs demyelinated nerve conduction.

Question 4

What is the most sensitive test to diagnose multiple sclerosis?

Answer 4

MRI of the brain and spine showing periventricular white matter lesions (Dawson’s fingers).

Question 5

What is the treatment for an acute flare of multiple sclerosis, such as optic neuritis?

Answer 5

IV methylprednisolone to reduce inflammation and speed up recovery.

Question 6

What is the treatment for chronic multiple sclerosis?

Answer 6

Long-term management involves disease-modifying agents (e.g., interferon-beta, glatiramer acetate) to prevent relapses.