Multiple Sclerosis Flashcards
Week 2
What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
A chronic, inflammatory, immune-mediated disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS), leading to demyelination and axonal damage.
What cells are primarily affected in MS?
Oligodendrocytes, responsible for myelination in the CNS.
What happens when myelin is damaged in MS?
Neural transmission slows down or becomes incomplete, leading to functional impairments.
What is the role of the immune system in MS?
The immune system attacks myelin, causing inflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration.
What are common neuroanatomical structures affected in MS?
Optic nerve, corticospinal tracts, cerebellar peduncles, posterior columns, periventricular white matter.
What is the function of the optic nerve?
The optic nerve (CN II) transmits visual information from the retina to the brain, allowing for sight
What is the function of the corticospinal tracts?
The corticospinal tracts control voluntary motor movements, particularly skilled movements of the limbs
What is the function of the cerebellar peduncles?
The cerebellar peduncles connect the cerebellum to the brainstem and are responsible for coordinating movement, balance, and posture
What is the function of the posterior columns?
The posterior columns (dorsal columns) carry sensory information for fine touch, vibration, and proprioception (body position sense)
What is the function of periventricular white matter?
Periventricular white matter contains myelinated nerve fibers that facilitate communication between brain regions
What is the female-to-male ratio for MS?
3:1, with women being more affected.
At what age is MS most commonly diagnosed?
Between ages 20-50, but can occur as young as 2 years old.
What environmental factors may contribute to MS?
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), vitamin D deficiency, smoking, and geographic latitude.
What percentage of MS cases have a genetic link?
Approximately 15% have a family history of MS.
What are common symptoms of MS?
Fatigue, weakness, visual disturbances, gait impairment, spasticity, cognitive decline, pain, bladder/bowel dysfunction.
What is the most common early symptom of MS?
Sensory disturbances, such as numbness, tingling, or burning pain.
What percentage of PwMS experience fatigue?
Up to 95%, making it one of the most disabling symptoms.
What is Lhermitte’s Sign?
An electric shock-like sensation down the spine when flexing the neck, indicating spinal cord involvement.
What is the MS ‘Hug’?
A sensation of tightness or squeezing around the chest due to spasticity in intercostal muscles.
How does heat impact MS symptoms?
Increased body temperature can temporarily worsen symptoms, known as a ‘pseudoexacerbation’.
What are the four types of MS?
Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS), Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS), Primary Progressive MS (PPMS), Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS).
What is Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS)?
A first neurologic episode lasting at least 24 hours, which may or may not progress to MS.
What percentage of CIS patients progress to MS?
60-80%.
What is the most common type of MS?
Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS), accounting for 85% of cases.