MS, AVM, CJD and Cerebral Palsy

Question 1

What is MS

Answer 1

Multiple Sclerosis - type IV hypersensitivity reaction

Autoimmune disease against myelin sheath of white matter, mainly in the spinal cord and brain -> targets oligodendrocytes more than Schwann cells

Results in slowing and disruption of nerve transmission

Question 2

Name some symptoms of MS

Answer 2

Nystagmus

Optic neuritis

Diplopia

Dysphagia

Fatigue

Cognitive impairment, Anxiety and Depression

Weakness, spasms and ataxia

Paraesthesia

Urinary/bowel incontinence

Question 3

What is AVM

Answer 3

Arteriovenous malformations - tangle of poorly formed blood vessels that can occur anywhere but commonly affects brain and spine

Blood passes quickly from artery to vein, bypasssing the normal capillary network

Have a higher rate of bleeding than normal blood vessels

Have a higher risk of haemorrhage

Question 4

Name some symptoms of AVM

Answer 4

Asymptomatic until AVM ruptures

Seizures

Headache

Haemorrhage

Nausea and vomiting

Neurological problems

Loss of consciousness

Stroke-like symptoms

Question 5

What is cerebral palsy

Answer 5

Cerebral palsy is a neurodevelopmental disorder where there is impaired development or damage to the brain leading to motor dysfunction

Symptoms usually noticable during first 2-3yrs of life, not after birth

Question 6

What are the types of cerebral palsy

Answer 6

Spasticity - stiff mucles. Damage to cerebral cortex

Dyskinesia - uncontrolled movements. Damage to basal ganglia

Ataxia - poor balance and coordination. Damage to cerebellum

Mixed - combination of two or more types. Damage to multiple areas of the brain

Question 7

Name some symptoms of cerebral palsy

Answer 7

Muscle spasms, tremors

Weakness

Delays reaching normal milestones, e.g. not sitting up by 8mths, not walking by 18mths

Stiff or floppy posture

Drooling, feeding or swallowing difficulties

Problems speaking

Incontinence

Learning disability and behavioural problems

Balance and coordination problems

Visual/hearing problems

Question 8

What is CJD

Answer 8

Creutzfeldt jakob disease - degenerative brain disease caused by prions in the brain

Prions cause neurodegradation if abnormal -> cause spongiform encephalopathy

Four types: sporadic, variant, familial, iatrogenic

Question 9

Name some signs and symptoms of CJD

Answer 9

Cognitive impairment

Memory loss

Ataxia

Myoclonus

Parkinsonism

Psychiatric symptoms

Visual changes