Multiple Sclerosis and Other Demyelinating Disorders Flashcards
which immune-mediated diseases resemble MS? (2)
- acute disseminated encephalomyelitis
- systemic inflammatory or autoimmune diseases
which infection-mediated diseases resemble MS? (2)
- progressive multifocal leukoencephalitis (HIV & AIDS)
- human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1
which inherited disorder resembles MS?
dysmyelinating disorders (leukodystrophies)
which toxic disorders resemble MS? (2)
- toxic optic neuropathy
- subacute myelo-optic neuropathy
what is MS?
an autoimmune disease involving the brain and spinal cord and a weakened blood brain barrier
what do the symptoms associated with MS depend on?
where the demyelination is and how severe it is
what are the sensory symptoms associated with MS? (3)
- numbness
- paresthesias (feeling things that aren’t really there)
- electric shocks
what is neuritis? what does it cause?
- inflammation of neurons in the vision system
- causes vision loss, pain around the eyes, inability to see colours
what is opthalmoplegia?
paralysis of muscles in or around the eye
what is diplopia?
double vision; general changes in visual acuity
what are the motor disturbances associated with MS? (8)
- gait disturbance
- balance problems
- limb ataxia
- slurred speech
- coordination problems
- weakness
- swallowing problems
- vertigo
what is the frequency of sensory disturbances in the limbs in people with MS?
30.7%
what is the frequency of visual loss in people with MS?
15.9%
what is the frequency of subacute motor disturbances in people with MS?
8.9%
what is the frequency of diplopia in people with MS?
6.8%
what is the frequency of gait disturbance in people with MS?
4.8%
what is the frequency of acute motor disturbances in people with MS?
4.3%
what is the frequency of balance problems in people with MS?
2.9%
what is the frequency of sensory disturbances in the face of people with MS?
2.8%
when is the typical onset for MS?
20-40 years of age
what characteristics put people at a greater risk for developing MS? (2)
- caucasian; northern European background
- living in a northern latitude during childhood
relapsing-remitting MS
unpredictable attacks which may or may not leave permanent deficits followed by periods of remission
secondary progressive MS
initial relapse-remitting MS that suddenly begins to have decline without periods of remission
primary progressive MS
steady increase in disability without attacks
progressive-relapsing MS
steady decline since onset with superimposed attacks
what are the characteristics of relapsing-remitting MS? (4)
- inflammation
- most MS looks like this type at first
- unpredictable attacks
- complete recovery
what triggers relapsing-remitting MS? (3)
- weather changes
- infections
- stress
what are the characteristics of secondary progressive MS? (4)
- starts with relapsing-remitting and then gets worse
- becomes malignant and impacts functioning
- as it progresses neurological impairments stay after attacks and there are no more full remissions
- most common form of MS
what are the characteristics of primary progressive MS? (3)
- no full remission
- progressively worse symptoms
- older age of onset (closer to age 40)
what are the common neuropsychological impairments associated with MS? (5)
- episodic memory
- processing speed
- working memory
- executive functioning
- visuospatial
what percentage of people are not employed 5 years after being diagnosed with MS?
70-80%
