Multiple Sclerosis Flashcards
Decribe the pathophysiology of MS
There is inflammation of the myelin sheath which leads to demyleination, which exposes the axon and leads to axonal degeneration in the CNS.
Although the cause of MS is unknown, what are some potential causes (etiology)? (4)
- Immunological
- Genetic
- Environmental
- Infectious
What are some symptoms of MS? (4)
- Numbness, tingling
- Vision problems
- Walking difficulty
- Brain fog
What are 3 unique symptoms of MS?
- Lhermitte’s sign
- Uhtohoff’s phenomena (heat intolerance)
- MS hug - feels a tightness around the midsection
What are the 4 types of MS?
- Relapsing-remitting
- Primary progressive
- Secondary progressive
- Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)
What are the 2 most common types of MS?
- Relapsing-remitting
- Secondary progressive
Describe relapsing-remitting MS
Cycles of remitting where there are no symptoms then relapse where the symptoms flare up. Cannot predict when relapses occur, it can be years in between or multiple per year.
Describe secondary progressive MS
Eventually, after relapsing and remitting for a long period of time, the person goes on to develop this type of MS where the person does not return back to their baseline after a relapse. Axon damage can only be repaired so many times - the majority of RR MS will turn into this.
Describe primary progressive MS
Individuals who have progressive disease right from the start. Never cycles, just has symptoms all the time. Mostly men who are diagnosed with this
Describe clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)
Someone has an episode of clinical symptoms, it resolves, then they never go on for a 2nd attack
Men vs. Women: Who is more affected by MS?
Women ~3:1
Remember the “Natural History of MS” chart. What is happening with brain volume, axonal loss, disability, and inflammation over time?
- Brain volume - shrinks over time at a higher rate with MS compared to normal
- Axonal loss - linear line over time
- Disability - RR cycles see disability go up and down until it progresses to secondary progressive, where the line only goes up
- Inflammation - with active relapses, inflammation is high. Eventually the inflammation goes down with time because the axons are already damaged, at that point the patient is going to be in secondary progressive MS.
The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) is a way of trying to classify the level of disability from MS. What number is the magic threshold? Why?
6
At this point, no longer able to walk 100m without some kind of assistance. A lot of studies focus on EDSS <6 so there is not much evidence at 6+. Also, formularies only approve drugs for people <6
What are 3 non-pharmacological ways to manage MS?
- Exercise
- Diet (just eating healthy, no specific diet)
- Complementary/alternative medicine
What are 3 pharmacological ways to manage MS?
- Treat acute relapses
- Treat/manage symptoms
- Prevent disease activity and progression
Define an MS relapse
New or worsening symptoms, last greater than or equal to 24 hrs, absence of fever (infection) or other causes, and be separated from previous relapse by greater than or equal to 30 days
How are MS relapses managed? (3)
- High-dose corticosteroids
- Methylprednisone IV (500mg-1000mg x3-5 days) - may or may not have oral taper
- Oral option = 1250mg prednisone = 1000mg IVMP - Non-responders may consider plasma exchange
- Not all relapses are treated
The #1 reason why people leave the workforce due to MS is because of what symptom?
Fatigue
Primary fatigue is caused by MS. Why?
More energy needed b/c of damaged CNS
Secondary fatigue is caused b/c of living with MS. Why? (4)
- Depression
- Pain
- Spasms
- Sleep disturbances
What are 4 non-pharmacological ways to manage MS fatigue?
- OT/PT
- Sleep hygiene
- Avoid excessive heat
- Exercise and diet
What are 3 pharmacological ways to manage MS fatigue?
- Amantadine
- Modafinil
- Methylphenidate
What are the drawbacks of amantadine, modafinil, and methylphenidate in MS use?
- Amantadine - insomnia/sleep disturbances
- Modafinil - headache, insomnia, SJS - also fetal abnormalities
- MPH - insomnia, anxiety, dizziness
Also, in general none of these work particularly well, can try, but success varies
What are 3 non-pharmacological ways to manage poor gait in MS?
- OT/PT
- Bracing/walking aids
- Exercise
What is the drug used to treat poor gait in MS? How do we feel about it?
Fampridine - we don’t really like it. Increases walking speed is all, doesn’t help walk better.
What are the side effects of fampridine? (5)
- UTI
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Seizure risk (dose-dependent)
(Pregnancy and breastfeeding risk unknown)
What are the 2 non-pharm management methods for MS spasticity?
- Exercise
- Stretching
What are 3 drugs used to treat MS spasticity?
- Baclofen - GI issues, drowsiness
- Gabapentin - drowsiness, nausea, blurred vision
- Botulinum toxins - pain, bruising