Multiple sclerosis Flashcards
MS is a disorder of what branch of the nervous system
Central
MS is characterized by ___ and ___
relapses (exacerbations) and remissions
MS pathophys
loss of nerve tract insulation (myelin) at multiple sites in the CNS over time
MS patient presentation
with almost any neurologic symptom most common are parasthesias gait disturbances weakness visual loss - optic neuritis urinary difficulty (flaccid or irritable) dysarthria hemiparesis
Most ms pts are dx’d in their
20s and 30s
what confimrs the dx of ms
no sincle test can confirm the dx of ms, however multiple studies can be used to make the dx
MS has an interesting____distribution
geographic. 40 degrees of latitiutde
MS markers
oligoclonal bands and increased IgG synthesis rate (IgG in CSF compared to in te blood)
MS is diagnosed by
multiple lesions over space and time
MRI of ms shows
ovoid lesions in the periventricular white matter and spinal cord. lesions may enhance
What does “maintenance drugs” mean
drugs used to decrease the frequency and severity of exacerbations and slow the progression of the disease
what are the maintanence druges
interferons -zumab, monoclonal antibodies
Tysabri, gilenya, avonex,
Medications used to treat an acute exacerbation in MS
prednisone, high dose corticosteroids.
generally reduce the length of the exacerbation but not change the overall outcome of it
Differential dx. the first time someone presents with MS symptoms
can’t diagnose them, has to be multiple lesions over time. ADEM.
other differentials for MS
autoimmune disease. devic’s disease. B12 deficiency. lymphoma or leukemia. spinocerebellar ataxias. AVMs, infections, granulomatous dz.
