multiple sclerosis Flashcards
what is MS
MS is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Characterised by dymelination, inflammation and neuronal loss.
what are the categories of MS
MS CATEGORIES
1. Relapsing remitting (70to80%)
- new or recurrent neurological symptoms consistent with MS, 24to 48Hrs, develop over days to weeks
2. primary progressive (15-20&)
- gradual deterioration from the onset, with absence of relapses
3. secondary preogressive – more gradual neurological deterioration after an initial RR course. Superimposed relapses can be a feature, although is not mandatory
4. progressive relapsing (5%)
- a gradual deterioration with superimposed relapses occurs.
what is the path of MS
- perivascular lymphocytic infiltrates and macrophages produce degradation of myelin sheeths that surround the neurons.
- Focal inflammation resulting in macroscopic plaques and injury to the blood-brain barrier (BBB)
- Neurodegeneration with microscopic injury involving different components of the CNS including axons, neurons, and synapse
what are the causes of MS
- Immune factors – Dysimmunity with an autoimmune attack on the CNS is the leading hypothesized etiology of MS
- Environmental – Lateal gradients in different countries, vitamin D deficiency, EBV VIRUS
- GENETIC associations – high risk with biological relatives with MS, heritability is estimated to between 35 and 75%
what are signs and symptoms of MS
- Vision symptom: includes vision loss(either monocular or homonymous), double vision, symptoms relating to optic neuritis.
- Vestibular symptoms: vertigo, gait imbalance
- Bulbar dysfunction: dysarthria, dysphagia
- Motor: weakness, tremor, spasticity, fatigue
-Sensory: loss of sensation, paresthesias, dysesthesias
- Urinary and bowel symptoms: incontinence, retention, urgency, constipation, diarrhea, reflux
- Cognitive symptoms: memory impairment, impairment of executive functions, trouble concentrating
