Multiple Sclerosis Flashcards
What is multiple sclerosis?
Atrophy or inflammation of the myelin sheath
How may MS present?
Optic neuritis Nystagmus Diplopia Numbness/tingling Weakness Spasticity Vertigo Ataxia Bladder involvement
How does the demyelination come about
Activated T cells cross the blood-brain barrier and start destroying myelin
What is a very useful investigation in MS?
Lesions and plaques can be spotted using MRI
What is a very important factor to consider in the prognosis of progression of MS?
Axonal loss
Comes up as black holes on MRI
What is the MacDonald criteria?
Incorporates MRI scans with clinical findings
Evidence of CNS damage which is disseminated in space and time (recorded on different dates and in 2 or more different parts of the CNS)
List some conditions which must be considered in the differential diagnosis of MS.
Infection (Lyme's disease) ADEM SLE Sarcoidosis Vasculitis
What are some useful investigations in MS diagnosis?
MRI
CXR
Lumbar puncture
What are some of the treatments used for MS?
Beta interferons (Interferon beta-1a)
Teriflunomide
Glatiramer acetate
Dimethyl Fumarate
