Multiple Sclerosis

Question 1

What is MS?

Answer 1

Characterized by inflammatory attacks (relapses or exacerbations) that vary in number and frequency.

There is myelin damage and scarring and irreversible axonal damage in variable degrees.

Question 2

Causes of MS:

Answer 2

Abnormal immune response to viruses or environmental trigger in genetically susceptible individuals.

Activated peripheral t-cells breach the blood-brain barrier. They release chemicals that rally other immune system forces.

Question 3

What cells do MS attack?

Answer 3

Attacks the myelin, axons and oligodendrocytes

Question 4

Characteristics of RRMS

Answer 4

Acute attacks with full recovery or partial residual deficit.

Lack of disease progression between the attacks.
85% of people initially diagnosed with this form

Question 5

Characteristics of SPMS

Answer 5

Starts with the RRMS followed by progression at variable rate that may include occasional relapses and plateaus.

More than 50% of the people with RRMS will transform to this type of MS in 10 years, 90% within 25 years

Question 6

Characteristics of PPMS

Answer 6

Progression of disability from the onset with or without plateaus or remissions or minor improvements.

Only 10% are diagnosed with this form.

Male patients with this form have the worst prognosis with less favorable response to treatment and rapidly accumulating disability.

Question 7

Characteristics of PRMS

Answer 7

Progression from onset but with clear acute relapses.

Only 5% are diagnoses with this form

Question 8

Characteristics of Malignant MS

Answer 8

Very rare and death usually results in one year from diagnosis

Question 9

What is an MS relapse?

Answer 9

Defined as symptoms lasting for more than one or two days

Question 10

Symptoms of MS

Answer 10

Fatigue (95%), Pain, Impaired ambulation, Emotional changes (BIPOLAR DISORDER), Weakness/imbalance, Tremor/spasticity, Dysarthria, Dysphagia, Cognitive/Visual impairment

Question 11

Treatment of MS

Answer 11

Symptom management
Disease modification
Psychosocial support
Rehab: MAINTAIN or improve function

Question 12

Benefits of Exercise

Answer 12

Decrease the disuse process that occurs slowly and unnoticed

Decrease the deconditioning process that occurs on top of the neurological impairments

Question 13

What happens with strength and endurance in patients with MS?

Answer 13

Patient with MS have normal muscle strength, less muscle endurance, and an increase in muscle fatigue.