Multiple Sclerosis

Question 1

What is the onset of MS?

Answer 1

Ages 20-50 years
Symptoms first appear 30 to 35 years
Disease more progressive when diagnosed at age 50 or older
Affects women 2 to 3 times more often than men

Question 2

What climate is MS often found in?

Answer 2

Temperate climates

Cause unknown

Question 2

What climate is MS often found in?

Answer 2

Temperate climates

Cause unknown

Question 3

What is gliosis?

Answer 3

Scarring in the CNS

Question 4

MS Pathophysiology

Answer 4

Activate T cells go to CNS, disrupting blood-brain barrier
May be the first event in development of MS
Subsequent antigen-antibody reaction leads to demyelination of axons

Question 5

What are some of the first symptoms of MS?

Answer 5

Blurred or double vision
Red-green color distortion
Blindness in one eye

Question 6

What are clinical manifestations of MS?

Answer 6

Motor problems
Sensory problems
Cerebellar problems
Emotional problems
Bladder issues

Question 7

Beta-1a interferon (Avonex)

Answer 7

Given IM
Report side effects
Perform self injection techniques
Treat flu-like symptoms with an NSAID or acetaminophen
Avoid pregnancy
No contact with large crowds and infectious people
Follow cancer screening guidelines
Could cause liver disease so monitor liver tests.

Question 8

Beta 1-a interferon (Rebif)

Answer 8

Given SubQ
Report side effects
Perform self injection techniques
Treat flu-like symptoms with an NSAID or acetaminophen
Avoid pregnancy
No contact with large crowds and infectious people
Follow cancer screening guidelines
Could cause liver disease so monitor liver tests.

Question 9

Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone)