MS - Diagnosis Flashcards
How is MS diagnosed and it it easy to diagnose
Diagnosis is difficult and largely clinical.
Requires a very accurate history that may reveal vague complaints that have gone on for years without being diagnosed
MRI with gadolinium – picks up new lesion
Evoked potentials – measures conduction velocity along visual/auditory/sensory pathways to detect demyelinization
CSF – ↑ gamma globulin & WBCs - from lumbar puncture
Give a summary of MS
MS is an autoimmune disorder attack. It attacks the oligodendrocytes and myelin sheath causing breakdown of those components within the CNS. Those components are replaced with glial scars. Those glial scars limit saltatory conduction. This causes the ability for the impulse to travel along the axon to be impaired and overtime it is lost completely.
What are three questions you can ask if you are thinking MS?
Where do you live?
Exposed to viruses?
What are the genetics?
