Multiple Sclerosis Flashcards
What is MS?
chronic disease of the CNS
-hits the brain and spinal cord
Which sex is impacted by MS the most?
women ~ 3:1
-males tend to have a more severe course
What is the leading cause of non-traumatic disability in young adults?
MS
Describe the pathophysiology of MS.
inflammation <–> demyelination <–> axonal degeneration in the CNS
Describe the distribution of MS.
highest prevalence in North America
-less sunlight = less vit D??
-3rd world countries = poor health care = under identified??
Describe the etiology of MS.
immunological
genetic
-not entirely, one twin may develop while the other may not
environmental
-nothing identified as causative
infectious
-Epstein Barr = 32x more likely to develop MS
etiology is unknown, interplay of genetics + triggers
What are some of the many potential symptoms of MS?
numbness, tingling
vision problems
dizziness
cognitive dysfunction
depression
fatigue
muscle spasms
weakness
walking difficulty
pain
bladder dysfunction
bowel dysfunction
unique:
-Lhermitte’s Sign
-Uhtohoff’s Phenomena
-MS Hug
What are the different types of MS?
relapsing-remitting
-most common type
-fine –> episode –> repeat
primary progressive
-no episodes
-continual increasing disability over time
secondary progressive
-not returning to baseline, permanent disability
-most ppl with relapsing-remitting develop this type
clinically isolated syndrome
-episode of sx and then never having another attack
What is key to recognize regarding inflammation and the different types of MS?
inflammation is high during active relapses but inflammation actually decreases with time
-many drugs work on inflammation, over time they may have nothing to work on
How is progression measured in MS?
Expanded Disability Status Scale
-focuses mainly on mobility
-doesnt capture cognition or upper limb mobility
What is the EDSS score that signifies the person with MS can no longer mobilize?
6
-we dont know how drugs work on people with a score of 6 or higher
What is the non-pharmacological management of MS?
exercise
-old thoughts were take it easy = no longer the case
diet
-just overall healthy eating
complementary/alternative medicine
What are the 3 approaches to pharmacological management of MS?
treat acute relapses
treat/manage symptoms
prevent disease activity and progression
What is an MS relapse?
new or worsening symptoms
lasts 24 hours or longer
absence of fever (infection) or other causes
separated from previous relapse by 30 days or more
What is the treatment for an MS relapse?
high-dose steroids
-methylprednisolone 500-1000 mg IV x 3-5 days
-oral prednisone 1250 mg = 1000 mg IV MP
What is the therapy for a MS relapse non-responsive to high dose steroids?
may consider plasma exchange
True or false: all MS relapses are treated
false
Differentiate primary and secondary fatigue.
primary - caused by MS
-more energy needed because of damaged CNS
secondary - caused because of living with MS
-depression, pain, spasms, sleep disturbances
What is the non-pharm management for fatigue?
OT/PT
-helping focus where to use energy
sleep hygiene
avoid excessive heat
exercise and diet
What are the pharmacological options for fatigue?
amantadine
-insomnia
modafinil
-HA, insomnia, SJS, fetal abnormalities
methylphenidate
-insomnia, anxiety, dizziness
these dont work very well, limited evidence
What are the non-pharm options for gait?
OT/PT
bracing/walking aids
exercise
What is the pharmacological option for gait in MS?
fampridine
-indicated to increase walking speed (?benefit)
What are the adverse effects of fampridine?
UTI
insomnia
headache
dizziness
seizure risk (dose-dependent)
Can fampridine be used in pregnancy?
pregnancy and breastfeeding risk unknown
What are the non-pharmacological options for spasticity in MS?
exercise
stretching
What are the pharmacological options for spasticity in MS?
baclofen 5-10 mg TID
-GI issues, drowsiness
gabapentin 900 mg TID
-drowsiness, nausea, blurred vision
botulinum toxins q3-6 mo
-pain, bruising
Which cannabis product is used in MS?
Sativex
-indicated as add-on treatment of spasticity and pain in MS
-lack of evidence for use in any other MS symptoms
What are the potential ADRs of Sativex?
dizziness
blurred vision
tachycardia
falls
fatigue
long-term cognition effects
What are the current challenges with cannabis in MS?
dosage/ratio unknown
type of cannabinoid(s) to use
varying quality/quantity if street cannabis
finding cannabis “naive” study participants
What are the potential benefits of disease-modifying therapies?
attempt to slow the inflammatory process
decrease frequency and severity of relapses
decrease lesions on MRI
reduce accumulation of neurological impairment and disability over time (?)
When is it best to start disease-modifying therapies?
earlier is better
Which DMTs are injectable?
interferon beta-1b
glatiramer acetate
interferon beta-1a
peginterferon beta-1a
oftatumumab
Which DMTs are oral?
fingolimod
dimethyl fumarate
teriflunomide
cladribine
siponimod
ozanimod
ponesimod
Which DMTs are infused?
natalizumab
alemtuzumab
ocrelizumab
rituximab