Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Flashcards
What type of disease is MS?
An autoimmune disease, that results in inflammation and demyelination of the CNS.
What type of cells are specifically known to have an effector and regulatory role in MS?
CD4+ cells
What parts of the body does MS effects?
Only the brain and the spinal cord
Who is more at risk of MS?
Women
What is the most common age of MS symptoms onset?
Between 20 and 50 years old
What is the most common form of MS?
Relapsing - remitting MS
Are you at higher risk of MS if you are closer or further away from the equator?
Further away from the equator increases your chance of developing MS
What is commonly seen as a presenting complaint for MS patients?
Visual problems, such as double vision and associated vertigo
Name some common symptoms of MS
Muscle related symptoms, tremors, fatigue, numbness in limbs, bladder and bowel symptoms, cognitive dysfunction
What are the 4 different types of MS?
- Relapsing-remitting
- Secondary relapsing MS
- Primary progressive MS
- Progressive-relapsing MS
What is the pseudobulbar effect that many MS patients suffer from in advanced MS?
Uncontrollable laughing or crying, due to the degeneration of their condition
What is the main treatment options for MS?
For acute relapses you would usually use corticosteriods
What corticosteriods and doses should be offered in an acute flare up of MS?
0.5mg of oral methylprednisolone for 5 days, within 14 days of acute symptom onset.
If its a very severe flare up then you may prescribe 1g of methylprednisolone IV OD for 3 days
What injectable DMT are used for MS?
Beta interferons are commonly used, such as Avenox
How do beta interferons work in MS?
They interfere with the T cell migration across the blood brain barrier
