Multiple Sclerosis Flashcards
What is the role of the myelin sheath?
Insulates the nerve axon enabling rapid conduction of impulses to and from the brain.
Signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis
Poor vision, balance problems, fatigue, muscle spasms, cognitive problems, speech difficulties, anxiety, depression, bladder and bowl dysfunction
What is the underlying pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis
It is an autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system where the myelin sheath surrounding particular nerve fibres becomes damaged resulting in inflammation and scarring and ultimately impaired conduction of nerve impulses.
Sustained progression without relapses
Primary progressive multiple sclerosis
Periods of good health (remission) are followed by the sudden onset of symptoms (relapses)
Relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis
A later stage of relapsing remitting MS where symptoms become more frequent or there are fewer remissions
Secondary progressive MS
What is the most common age range to be diagnosed with MS?
20-40 years old
Higher prevalence of MS in females compared to males
Where in the world is MS most prominent
Populations furthest away from the equator!
Scotland has the highest incidence of MS in the UK!
Approximately how many people are living with MS in the UK
100,000
Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis
Disease modifying therapies
Steroids
Interferon
Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis is characterised by
A build up in disability
Give a symptom not linked with MS
Hair loss
Not a treatment for MS
Antibiotics
MS usually occurs in age
20-40
Cells that create and maintain the myelin sheath
Oligodendrocytes
