Multiple Sclerosis Flashcards
what is the average age of MS onset?
20 - 40 years old
what sex does MS affect more?
2x more likely in females
what is the etiology of MS?
Unknown, thought to be an autoimmune disease triggered by a viral infection in genetically susceptible individuals
what causes MS?
Build-up of white matter plaques in the brain and spinal cord (CNS)
Disrupts neuronal transmission
Recent evidence of axonal damage
how common is MS?
Most Common non-traumatic neurologic illness affecting young and middle aged adults
1 of most common causes of Neurologic DISABILITY in young adults
how does MS get its name?
demyelination is often followed by sclerosis, or hardening of nervous system tissue, usually at multiple sites
gliosis = result of scar tissue forming in the central nervous system
what is the genetic component of MS?
Risk increases with 1 effected first degree relative
identified genes associated with risk of getting MS appear to involve immune system functions
what are the factors affecting MS?
Pregnancy decreases exacerbations
Postpartum risk increases for 3 months
Infections increase symptoms and may trigger new lesions
what are the disease courses?
relapsing remitting
secondary progressive
primary progressive
what are the MS Symptoms at Onset?
CNS fx can be effected
1/3 start with sensory changes, visual symptoms, and motor changes
Vague transient symptoms may lead to a delay in diagnosis
what is Optic neuritis?
Impaired vision due to optic nerve which is Myelinated by oligodendrocytes
what is Internuclear Ophthalmoplegia?
extraocular muscle weakness
what is Partial myelitis?
involving spinal cord inflammation
what is Neurogenic bladder?
overactive or underactive bladder
what does Trigeminal neuralgia cause?
sensory and motor deficits of the face
how are MS patients heat sensitive?
worsening of sxs with increased body core temp (extreme heat)
Cooling may help
Very cold temperatures may aggravate spasticity
what happens to mobility in MS?
Impaired mobility can occur due to weakness, spasticity, cerebellar or sensory ataxia, visual, fatigue, or usually a combo of factors
how can mobility tools be beneficial for MS?
Rollators with seats
Standard wheelchairs are a back-up
Power mobility should be considered
how does bladder and bowel issues affect MS?
Mobility can have great effects in these areas
Constipation or UTI problems can aggravate spasticity
what is the cycle of sxs of MS?
decrease in exercise spasticity + constipation bladder problems decrease sleep decrease cognitive fx fatigue + depression
how does depression affect MS?
effect all aspects of life especially compliance with tx
how is cognitive fxing affected in MS?
Attention deficits Deficits in info processing speed Deficits in working memory Deficits in executive control Perceptual processing deficits Deficits in memory fxing
what do MS patients complain about cognitively?
I can’t remember things
I feel “foggy”, “cloudy”
I’m just “different” now
why is the age of MS onset significant?
Age of onset -> career productivity
Career development -> slows or stops
Physical and cognitive impairments -> early retirement
what are the biggest Obstacles to maintaining employment?
info processing deficits
memory deficits
Cognitive Fatigue
how does early retirement occur?
Inability to keep up with work Reinforces depression and leads to leaving situation instead of adapting environment
