nervous system - ALS and MS Flashcards

1
Q

what is ALS

A

motor neuron disease
progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons

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2
Q

what are the two types of motor neurons

A

upper - descend down from motor cortex to spinal cord
lower - from spinal cord to skeletal muscles

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3
Q

ALS life expectancy after diagnosis

A

2-5 years

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4
Q

early symptoms of ALS?

A

slight weakness in hands and limbs

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5
Q

mid stage symptoms as ALS progresses (weeks to months)?

A

muscle twitching
loss of motor control of hands/legs
tripping and increased falling
persistent fatigue
slurred speech

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6
Q

late-stage symptoms (>1yr)

A

difficulty breathing and swallowing. paralysis

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7
Q

causes of ALS

A

genetic mutations, environmental factors - exact cause unknown

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8
Q

what does MS affect

A

conduction of electrical signals in CNS - demyelinating disease

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9
Q

what age is MS commonly diagnosed

A

20s/30s

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10
Q

whats CIS

A

clinically isolated syndrome - first episode of MS causing inflammation and damage to nerves

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11
Q

RRMS?

A

relapsing-remitting MS - second stage of MS, follows predictable pattern, symptoms worsen then improve

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12
Q

SPMS?

A

secondary-progressive MS - third stage if MS left untreated. RRMS develops into more aggressive and progressive form.

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13
Q

pathophysiology of MS

A

formation of lesions in the CNS (plaques)
inflammation due to autoimmune response
destruction of myelin

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14
Q

MS symptoms

A

blurred vision, uncontrolled voluntary movement, loss of sensation and balance

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15
Q

treatment for ALS

A

incurable. symptom management - physical/occupational/speech therapists. exercise in moderation. hot sauna/steam rooms. drugs to prolong survival - riluzole/rilutek

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16
Q

treatment for MS

A

no cure, symptom management.
managing relapses - corticosteroids limit inflammation.
disease modifying treatments - drugs
rehabilitation - exercise for physical problems