Multiple Sclerosis Flashcards
Give the definition of MS
MS is a chronic demyelinating disease of the CNS characterised by an inflammatory process and causing widespread degeneration of the CNS, gradually resulting in severe neurological deficit
Give the four main features of the pathophysiological causes of MS
Disruption of blood-brain barrier
Leakage of inflammatory cells
Destruction of oligodendrocytes and myelin sheath
Disruption of nerve signals, rate of conduction of nerves is slowed down
What are the four main types of MS?
Silent/benign
Relapsing-remitting
Secondary progressive
Primary progressive
Where can plaques and subsequent scarring occur?
Anywhere within the CNS: the Brain and Spinal Cord
Name some key symptoms people with MS experience
Fatigue, motor dysfunction (i.e ataxia, weakness), sensory disturbance and loss, visual problems (i.e diplopia), spasticity, cognitive issues ( i.e decreased intellectual function), sexual dysfunction, sphincter dysfunction
Identify the two areas of the brain that when affected by multiple sclerosis cause symptoms of ataxia and poor coordination
Cerebellum or Vestibular System
People with MS also experience psychological and psychiatric disorders. What area of the brain may be affected to cause these symptoms?
Frontal Lobe
What is the name of the insulating material that surrounds the axon of a neurone to facilitate neural conduction?
Myelin Sheath
What is distrupted which enables inflammatory cells to further disrupt neural pathways?
The blood- brain barrier
What is thought to cause MS?
A combination of environmental and genetic factors increase the risk of an individual developing MS, the exact cause is still unknown.
