Multiple Sclerosis Flashcards
what is multiple sclerosis
chronic and progressive autoimmune condition involving demyelination in the central nervous system
brief pathophysiology of MS
loss of myelin (of oligodendrocytes) slows transmission of signals
causes symptoms
in early disease partial re-myelination can occur
scar tissue can form (plaques) which further interupts signalling
what are some predisposing factors for MS
genetic
EBV
smoking and obesity
F>M
<50
how might MS present
- motor (weakness, spacticity, tremor)
- sensory (trigeminal neuralgia, ataxia, pins and needles)
- bulbar
- visual (optic neuritis, diplopia, pain, internuclear opthalmoplegia)
- mood and cognition
what phenomenon may be seen in MS
Uhthoff phenomenon
deterioration of symptoms in higher temperature
time scale for a flare of MS
symptoms generally progress over 24 hours
may last days to week before improving
what are the different patterns of disease for MS
clinically isolated syndrome
relapsing and remitting
primary progressive
secondary progressive
what may be seen in lumbar puncture to support diagnosis of MS
oligoclonal bands
what can be used to manage acute flares of MS
high dose methylprednisolone for 5 days
shortens relapse but doesn’t improve recovery
what medications can be used to induce remission in MS
DMARDS
