Multiple Sclerosis Flashcards
What is MS?
chronic demylinating disease of the CNS characterised by an inflammatory process and causing widespread degeneration of the CNS, gradually resulting in severe neurological deficit
Who is most likely to get MS?
- females (2:1)
- More in temerate lattitudes than the tropics
- Onset 20-40 years
- More prevalent in higher socio-economic classes
- GENETIC: higher risk of identical twin when the other twin has MS
- Caucasian > other ethnic groups
Signs and Symptoms
Visual Problems Fatigue Weakness Spasticity and Hyperreflexia Ataxia and Poor Coordination Sensory Loss Poor balance Sexual dysfunction Sphincter disturbance Psychiatric, psychological disturbances decreased intellectual function
What are the intial symptoms?
limb weakness optic neuritis Parasthaesia Diplopia Vertigo Micturition problems
What is relapsing- remitting MS?
onset of symtoms following an attack given steriods and recover 6-12 months Then have another attack residule symptoms in between those attacks Relapse --> symptoms --> normal
What is secondary progressive MS?
symptoms gradually increase
no longer feel the difference between relapse or remission
What is primary progressive MS?
Can be a slow or fast decline
can be an aggressive form with rapid decline after 10 years
What is silient/ benign MS?
no apparent symptoms of periods of rellapse following initial diagnosis
don’t get it again following the relapse
Triggers of MS
infection vaccination pregnancy trauma emotional stress emotional factors viral factors genetic factors deficiencies in Vitamin D- diet
How can you diagnosis MS?
MRI scan
Disease modifying drugs taken in the long term
to reduce the risk of rellapse Interferon Beta Glatiramer Acetate Mitoxantrone Natalizumab
Disease modifying drugs taken in the short term
cortico steriods are taken ST to reduce inflammation following a relaspe
Pathology of a relapse
Disruption of blood barrier
leakage of inflammatory cells-attacks myeline and axons of the CNS
destruction of oligodendrocytes and myeline sheath
disruption of nerve signals
sometimes myeline can repair
other times destruction of axon leads to destruction of nerve signals
