Multiple sclerosis Flashcards
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
autoimmune condition – immune system attacks the myelin sheath in the CNS
* Degenerative neurological condition
* Sensory, motor, speech and cognitive impairments
What is the normal function of myelin?
- Fatty, insulating layer surrounding axons.
- Quicker, more efficient transmission of electrical impulses along the neuron.
What happens to the myelin cells when the Multiple Sclerosis disease process is active?
Immune system attacks these cells and causes damage.
Action potentials are transmitted less efficiently/ slower/ not at all.
How does formation of areas of sclerosis or plaques affect the normal function of
myelin
- Plaques = areas of myelin loss/demyelination within the CNS.
- Slower or loss of transmission of messages.
- Location of the plaque = resultant reduction to/loss of function in that region of the body
What is the progression of the disease in relapsing-
remitting MS?
Periods of “relapsing” where disease is present and progressive.
* Followed by a period where the is a reduction or absence of symptoms – i.e. remission.
What is the progression of the disease in secondary progressive
MS
Usually starts as RRMS. Over time the “remission” periods become
less finite and steady neurological decline is seen
What is the progression of the disease in primary progressive
MS
Following the onset of disease there are no periods of remission.
Progressive decline/ degeneration is seen over time
What evidence in the report supports a Diagnosis of MS
- Dysaesthesia – Abnormal sensation
- Ataxic Gait – Clumsy, staggering or uncoordinated gait
- Dysarthria – Unclear articulation of speech
- Multiple T2 hyperintense lesions –
T2 = type of MRI
Hyperintense = shows up bright
Lesions = areas where the myelin (oligodendrocytes) has
broken down. - Oligoclonal bands – Evidence of myelin (oligodendrocyte)
break down in CSF - Methylprednisolone – Steroids given to treat
dysphagia what is it and what structure in CNS does it affect
difficulty swollowing foods or liquids araising from throat or oesphagus
vagus, glossopharngeal
dysarthria
weakness in muscles used in speech
brocas
spasticity
stiffness or tightness in muscles
pre motor cortex, primary motor cortezx
postural instability
inability to maintain equilibrium of balance under both static and dynamic conditions
cerebrum, frontal lobe, basal ganglia
vertigo
senstations of spinning or movement
brainstem or cerebeullum
blurred vusion or pain on eyemovement occurs where
optic nerve occipital nerve
short term memory loss deficit
hippocampus, pre-frontal cortex
depression
disorders of mood resulting in feelings of saddness
assosiation bw depression and lesion in left inferior medial frontal regions
bladder and bowel issues
in crease frequency or retention of urine, incontinence or constripation
demyleination in the pons or decending motor tracts in the spinal cord
sexual difficulties
reduced senstaions, decreased libbo, erectile dysfunction and premature ejactulation
dymelination and axonal loss in areas that control sexual function
thermoregulation deficits
loss of body to maintain body temp in response to heat or cold
hypothalamus
