Multiple Sclerosis Flashcards
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
A disease involving relapsing episodes of immunologically mediated (T-cell) demyelination in the CNS, leading to neurological degeneration
In what groups does MS most commonly present?
1/1000 UK population
2:1 female preponderance
Age of onset 20-45 days
Genetic predisposition (HLA-DR2)
Where are MS plaques most commonly seen?
Optic nn Angles of lateral ventricles Cerebellar peduncles Brainstem Dorsal/corticospinal tracts
What are the common sx of MS?
Visual disturbance (optic neuritis) UMN deficit Sensory deficit Cerebellar signs Brainstem signs Cognitive impairment
What are the sx/signs of optic neuritis?
Blurring of vision over hrs/days Mild ocular pain, worse on movement Loss of colour vision Diplopia Recovery w/i 2mo
What are the sx/signs of UMN deficit?
Paraparesis
Hemiparesis
Monoparesis
What are the sx/signs of sensory deficit?
Paraesthesia
Proprioceptive loss
L’Hermitte’s sign - tingling sensations down arms/legs on neck flexion (post cervical lesions)
What are the cerebellar signs of MS?
Intention tremor
Nystagmus
Vertigo
Dysarthria
What are the brainstem signs of MS?
Frequency/urgency followed by defecation
Constipation, urgency of defecation
Erectile dysfunction/ejaculatory failure
What is the pattern of cognitive impairment in MS?
Develops late in disease
IQ/language affected
What is the pattern of neurological deficit in MS?
Appear irregularly throughout CNS in terms of site/time
Come on over days/weeks plateau, gradually resolve over wks/months
Recurrence unpredictable
What is Uthoff’s phenomenon?
The fact that sx are worse during a fever/hot weather/after exercise
Central conduction slowed by increased body temperature
What are the different clinical patterns of MS?
Primary progressive MS (10-20%)
Relapsing/remitting MS (80-90%)
Fulminating MS (<10%)
Describe primary progressive MS
No clear cut relapses/remissions
Diagnosed if progressive deterioration over >1 yr
Describe relapsing/remitting MS
Initial episodes resolve completely
Subsequent episodes result in residual disability
Pts eventually develop 2o progressive MS
-steady progression w/o remission