NDD-MS Flashcards
T or F: The exact cause of MS is known.
False, it is unknown - current research has suggested that an environmental factor or viral infection triggers an autoimmune response in people who are genetically susceptible.
T or F: Men are affected with MS more than women are.
False, women are affected more than me by a ratio of almost 3:1
What areas should early intervention for MS focus on in order to prevent and delay onset of disability?
Functional mobility, ADLS, fatigue management, and role and routine modifications
T or F: MS typically is diagnosed later in life.
False, it is the most frequently diagnosed neurological condition that can cause disability in young adults, most often ages 20-40 years.
What is MS?
Chronic, often progressive demyelinating disease of the CNS where the person’s own body attacks the myelin sheath that covers the neurons of the brain and spinal cord. This demyelination produces scar tissue or plaque (sclerosis) on the myelin sheath of nerve fibers that interferes with the axons’ ability to conduct impulses. The result is impaired nerve conduction and inflammation, which causes neurological dysfunction.
T or F: The specific location of demyelination is the same in each person with MS.
False, it is different from person to person and it dictates symptoms.
What are some initial complaints of MS?
typically visual disturbances, dizziness, and weakness. Symptoms at times worsen (exacerbation) and at other times improve (remission).
T or F: MS progresses over time and is eventually irreversible.
True
What are some motor symptoms of MS?
Impaired balance and coordination (ataxia), partial or complete paralysis of a part of the body, muscle spasticity (especially in lower extremities), muscle weakness, fatigue, intention tremors, and dysphagia
What is the most common complaint and debilitating symptom of MS?
Fatigue
What motor symptom of MS occurs when a person attempts to engage in meaningful activity such as reaching for an object?
Intention tremors
What are some sensory symptoms associated with MS?
parasthesia, vertigo and pain
What is parasthesia?
numbness or tingling
Impaired sensations, which may affect perceptual skills such as stereognosis, kinesthesia or body scheme is known as what kind of sensory symptom associated with clients with MS?
paresthesia
T or F: Distorted superficial sensation is known as pain.
False, it’s paresthesia
Impaired vibratory, proprioceptive, pain, touch and temperature sensations are known as what kind of sensory symptom associated with clients with MS?
paresthesia
What are some visual symptoms associated with clients with MS?
diplopia, blurred or dimmed vision (with or without ocular pain) and optic neuritis
What is the term for double vision?
diplopia
What causes sudden loss of vision with pain in or behind the eye, with symptoms possibly subsiding after 3-6 weeks without residual impairments?
optic neuritis
What is known as partial loss of vision?
scotoma
Nystagmus is part of which visual symptom associated with MS?
optic neuritis
T or F: Optic neuritis accounts for loss of visual activity in 80% of people with MS.
True
Scotoma is associated with which visual symptom of MS?
Optic neuritis
What are some communication symptoms of MS?
Slurred speech, scanning speech
What is scanning speech?
slow enunciation with frequent hesitations at the beginnings of words or syllables
What is incontinence or urinary retention?
failure to empty the bladder
T or F: Individuals with MS may experience increased urgency or frequency, as well as constipation.
True
Men with MS may experience what sexual symptom?
erectile dysfunction
Women with MS may experience what sexual symptoms?
decreased libido, lubrication difficulty, and inorgasmia, but ability to conceive and carry pregnancy to terms remains intact