Nervous System Malfunctions: Flashcards
Define an autoimmune disease
the body’s immune system attacks parts of the body itself.
What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
An autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the Myelin Sheath on nerve cells, particularly within the CNS.
The damaged nerve tissue forms scarring. This prevents effective transmission on nerve impulses.
Whats the cause of Multiple Sclerosis?
What triggers this is unknown but it has been linked to genetic, environmental and viral factors.
What are some symptoms of MS?
There is a great variety of symptoms and the disorder can be unpredictable.
Tingling Numbness Poor vision Incontinence Decreased mobility Fatigue Depression
How would you monitor multiple sclerosis?
The most reliable way to monitor progression of MS is to record symptoms over a period of time.
MRI scans are the most widely used technology for diagnosis.
Whats a limitation of using MRI scans to diagnose MS?
Results from these do not correspond with the severity of symptoms and disability reported by the individual.
MRI scans show us acute inflammation but do not show the slow deterioration that occurs. Therefore MRIs are not predictive of sustained neurodegeneration.
Why is MS hard to monitor?
At the beginning of the disease most people will experience relapsing-remitting symptoms meaning they come and go. This makes it hard to monitor.
In later stages most people will develop secondary-progressive disease where the symptoms are more persistent and become more severe.
Whats the treatment for MS?
There is no cure for MS however, it can be managed using different treatments:
Steroid
Therapies for specific symptoms
Disease modifying therapies
What are the two types of Stroke?
Ischaemic
Haemorrhagic
Whats an Ischaemic stroke?
Ischaemic- This is when a clot forms in one of the blood vessels in the brain depriving an area of brain tissue of oxygen and vital nutrients. As a result the brain cells in that area die.
Whats an Haemorrhagic stroke?
This is when a blood vessel leading to the brain ruptures which then cuts of the supply of blood to a specific area. The released blood is then confined by the skull creating pressure on the Brain which damages the cells.
What are the symptoms of a stroke?
Common symptoms include: Weakness on one side of the body Numbness on one side of the body Dropping on one side of the face Difficulty speaking Loss of consciousness Blurred vision.
When may a stroke occur?
A stroke could occur during sleep so the
Individual might wakeup with symptoms!
If a stroke occurs on the right side why is the left side of the body affected and vice-versa.
The right hemisphere controls the left side of the body and the left hemisphere controls the right side of the body.
If a stroke occurs on the right side then the left side of the body will be affected and vice-versa.
What is the brain split into?
The Brain is split into two hemisphere and control of the body is contralateral (meaning ‘opposite side’).
What does the left hemisphere of the brain govern?
Logic
Analysis
Language
What does the right hemisphere of the brain govern?
Emotion
Creativity
Empathy
Long term symptoms of a stroke include?
Difficulty swallowing Incontinence Memory loss Depression Anger outbursts Mobility issues Fatigue
What does treatment of a stroke aim to do?
You cannot undo damage that a stroke causes but the treatment aims to prevent another stroke occurring.
How do doctors determine if a stroke is Ischaemic or Haemorrhagic?
Brain scans such as CT and MRI will be done to determine if the stroke was ischaemic or haemorrhagic. This should ideally be done within an hour of the stroke.
What is a treatment of Haemorrhagic strokes?
For a haemorrhagic stroke they might be prescribed medication to lower blood pressure to try and reduce the risk of rupture.
What is a treatment of Ischaemic strokes?
Patients will likely be prescribed medication to reduce clots forming if the stroke was ischaemic. These are commonly known as ‘blood thinners’
How is a stroke monitored?
They will have regular monitoring visits with their GP for blood pressure checks, blood tests and monitoring of medication.
