Multiple Sclerosis Flashcards
1
Q
What is optic neuritis?
A
- Inflammation of optic nerve
- Pain & loss of vision
- High dose steroids speed recovery
- 50% develop MS within 10 years
2
Q
What is transverse myelitis?
A
- Inflammation inside spinal cord
- Mild with good prognosis
- Pure sensory
- May affect bladder
- Lhermittes phenomenon
- 50% develop MS
3
Q
What is MS?
A
- CNS disease
- Inflammatory reaction in CNS= loss of myelin & slowing nerve conduction
- Areas of demyelination
- Loss of axons
4
Q
What are the disease modifying treatments for MS?
A
- Interferon beta1-b/1-a (effective early treatment)
- Glat acetate
- Dimethyl Fumarate (oral)
- Natalizumab/Tysabri
- Fingolimod (oral from fungus)
5
Q
How does Tysabri work?
A
- Monoclonal antibody
- Inhibits adhesion molecules on surface of immune cells (integrin-4)
- Prevents immune cells migrating from bloodstream into the brain
- Stops damage to nerve fibres & insulation
6
Q
What is the mechanism of action of Fingolimod?
A
- Internalises S1P1 receptor on T cells
- Blocks lymphocyte progress but spares immune surveillance
- Reduces neuroinflammation
7
Q
What are symptomatic problems of MS?
A
- Fatigue
- Mood problems
- Pain
- Sensory problems
- Tremor
- Spasticity
- Genitosphincteral problems
8
Q
What are the potential targets for neuroprotection?
A
- Inflammatory
- Excitotoxic
- Energy depletion
- Apoptotic
- Genetic determination
- Depletion of growth factors
- Demyelination
